Sheath for an endoscope
The endoscope sheath with inflatable chambers addresses the inefficiencies of repeated sheath insertion by enabling efficient duct dilation and endoprosthesis placement with reduced tissue damage.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MARCHAL FRANCIS
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing endoscope sheaths require repeated insertion and removal, causing time consumption and potential damage to duct walls during dilation procedures, especially in treating strictures.
An endoscope sheath with inflatable chambers that can be expanded within the duct to maintain shape and facilitate dilation, minimizing friction and injury, and optionally includes channels for tools and endoprosthesis deployment.
Facilitates efficient and minimally invasive duct dilation and endoprosthesis placement, reducing procedural time and tissue damage.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025088931_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] TITLE: Endoscope sheath.
[0003] Technical field of the invention
[0004] The invention relates to the medical field, particularly medical examinations or surgical procedures. The invention relates to a sheath for an endoscope. The invention also relates to an endoscope system comprising an endoscope and such a sheath.
[0005] Prior art
[0006] In various surgical procedures, it is necessary to dilate the body's ducts. This is particularly true in procedures aimed at treating strictures. It is sometimes also necessary to dilate a duct over a significant length, or even its entire length. This dilation is typically performed by repeatedly inserting and withdrawing an endoscope into the duct, with a sheath of a different size being placed over the endoscope's insertion tube between each insertion and withdrawal. This dilation technique has some drawbacks: it requires time and manipulation due to the repeated insertion and removal of the sheaths from the endoscope. Furthermore, the repeated insertion and removal of the sheaths through the duct being explored and / or treated can cause friction and damage to the duct wall.
[0007] Presentation of the invention
[0008] The invention relates to an endoscope sheath that provides a solution to the problems mentioned above and improves upon existing prior art sheaths. In particular, the invention offers a simple, reliable, and practical endoscope sheath that can be used easily while minimizing the risk of injury to the patient's organs. Summary of the invention
[0009] An endoscope system according to the invention is defined by claim 1.
[0010] Embodiments of the endoscope system are defined by claims 2 to 9.
[0011] A method for dilating a duct in the body of an animal is defined by claim 10.
[0012] A method for placing an endoprosthesis in a duct of an animal's body is defined by claim 11.
[0013] Presentation of the figures
[0014] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of different embodiments of an endoscope system and the accompanying figures in which:
[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of an endoscope system, the endoscope sheath being in a first inflated configuration.
[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the first embodiment of the endoscope system, with the endoscope sheath in a second deflated configuration.
[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view, along plane AA of Figure 1, of the first embodiment of the endoscope system, with the sheath in an inflated configuration.
[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view, along plane AA of Figure 1, of a second embodiment of an endoscope system, the sheath being in an inflated configuration.
[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a cross-section, along plane AA of Figure 1, of a third embodiment of an endoscope system, the sheath being in an inflated configuration. Figure 6 is a schematic view of a first example of an embodiment of a mechanical connector of a sheath to an endoscope.
[0020] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a second example of the realization of a mechanical connector of a sheath to an endoscope.
[0021] Detailed description
[0022] A first embodiment of an 800 endoscope system is described below with reference to figures 1 to 3, 6 and 7.
[0023] The 800 endoscope system includes:
[0024] - a 100 endoscope and a 10 sheath.
[0025] The 100 endoscope primarily comprises a housing 1 and an insertion tube 3. The insertion tube 3 is made, for example, of a biocompatible material, such as stainless steel, titanium, synthetic material, and / or plastic. The insertion tube 3 may be flexible to allow it to follow the curves of the canals being examined or the curves of the insertion tube itself. The insertion tube features:
[0026] - a proximal end 140 fixed or attached to the housing, and
[0027] - a distal end 130 at which is arranged an optical system enabling the production, formation or transmission of images of objects or structures facing it.
[0028] The insertion tube, particularly the distal end of the insertion tube, is intended to be inserted into a canal or duct or cavity of an animal or human body in order to explore that canal or cavity.
[0029] In the figures, the insertion tube is shown in a configuration extending straight along an axis B. However, the insertion tube may have any shape of curvature to facilitate the exploration and / or treatment of a duct in an animal body, particularly a human body. The endoscope 100 may also include a viewing device, such as, for example, an oculus or a peephole or any other optical interface, connected to the optical system via a first optical fiber conductor.
[0030] The 100 endoscope can also include a light source. This light source emits light and conducts it through a second fiber optic cable. The light beams illuminate objects or structures located in front of the optical system.
[0031] The endoscope 100 includes a conformation 15 intended to receive a tip 109 of the sheath 10.
[0032] The sheath 10 can be assembled onto the endoscope 100 using any mechanical fastening method, such as helical connections, including Luer Lock connections or others. In any case, and preferably, the sheath 10 can be detached from the endoscope.
[0033] The sheath 10 is preferably made of plastic. The sheath is preferably for single use. The sheath may be made of rigid material so as to maintain the shape of the insertion tube 3 when the sheath 10 is mounted on the insertion tube 3. Alternatively, the sheath may have a flexible structure, i.e., it can take the shape of the insertion tube 3 onto which it is mounted or threaded.
[0034] Sheath 10 may include:
[0035] - a first channel 103 extending substantially from the proximal end 140 to the distal end 130 and allowing the conveyance, up to the distal end 130, of a rinsing liquid, and / or
[0036] - a second channel 107 extending substantially from the proximal end 140 to the distal end 130 and allowing to be conveyed, up to the distal end 130, a tool or an instrument for intervention in the body.
[0037] Channels 103 and 107 are shown schematically. The rinsing channel 103 may, in particular, be formed by a gap or space between an internal surface of the sheath 104 and an external surface of the insertion tube 3. The channel 103 and / or 107 therefore passes through the sheath along its entire length.
[0038] Sheath 10 includes:
[0039] - a first chamber 101 extending over at least 30%, or even over at least 50%, or even over at least 80%, of the length (L10) of the duct or extending over the entire or substantially the entire length (L10) of the duct,
[0040] - a first deformable wall 102, in particular elastically deformable, defining at least partially a boundary of the first chamber 101,
[0041] - a second wall 104 intended to surround the insertion tube 3 of the endoscope 100 and constituting a passage channel 103 for an insertion tube 3 of the endoscope 100, and
[0042] - an opening 106 for the intake and / or evacuation of fluid into at least one first chamber 101.
[0043] The first chamber 101 extends over a length L101. The ratio of lengths L101 / L10 is therefore greater than 0.3, or even greater than 0.5, or even greater than 0.8, or even equal to or substantially equal to one.
[0044] The endoscope 100 can be threaded into the passage channel 103.
[0045] Opening 106 allows fluid to be added to or removed from the first chamber 101. This addition and removal of fluid allows control of the duct's dimensions, in particular its transverse dimensions due to the deformation of chamber 101. The deformation of chamber 101 can be achieved by controlling the volume of fluid introduced into chamber 101 and / or by controlling the pressure of the fluid introduced into chamber 101. The fluid can be a gas or a liquid. Opening 106 may include a valve, flap, or tap to prevent exchanges between the inside and outside of chamber 101, thus ensuring that the transverse dimensions of the duct 10 are maintained over time. In other words, the duct includes a system that can be configured in a sealed state in which exchanges between the inside and outside of the first chamber 101 are prohibited.This allows the sheath to maintain its shape as defined by the pressure of the fluid that fills it.
[0046] In order to introduce or remove fluid from chamber 101, a fluid injection device 110 is connected to the opening 106. This device 110 also allows control of the removal of fluid from chamber 101.
[0047] In the first embodiment of the duct 10, the first chamber 101 has an annular cross-section as shown in Figure 3.
[0048] In a second embodiment of a duct 10 shown in cross-section perpendicular to axis B in Figure 4 and in Figures 6 and 7, the duct 10 differs from the duct described in the first embodiment in that it comprises several chambers arranged around the insertion tube 3. For example, the duct 10 may comprise a first chamber 101a and a second chamber 101b, the first and second chambers being arranged coaxially. Each chamber comprises an outer wall 102a, 102b and an inner wall 104a, 104b. The inner wall 104a and the outer wall 102b may be a single wall or two walls placed against each other. These two walls 104a and 102b may be fixed to each other, free from each other, or separated from each other.In the event that these walls are free, they can nevertheless be mounted tightly on each other in the event that one and / or the other of the first chamber 101a and second chamber 101b is inflated.
[0049] In this embodiment, the duct comprises two independent and sealed systems for managing fluid exchange between the interiors of the chambers and an external environment.
[0050] Such a coaxial chamber sheath configuration (10) allows for the creation of an inflatable tube structure within a conduit. For example, the first and second chambers can be placed on the insertion tube (3), and chamber 101b can be slightly inflated to hold chamber 101a, which is in its deflated position, around it. The insertion tube can then be inserted into the body conduit with sheath 10 positioned over the sheath. Chamber 101a can then be inflated, and chamber 101b deflated. The endoscope can then be withdrawn with chamber 101b, and the first chamber (101a), in its inflated position, can remain in the conduit. Alternatively, both chambers (101a and 101b) can remain positioned within the conduit.This allows for surgical interventions within the passage formed by the tubular shape of the first chamber 101a, or even within the passage formed by the tubular shape of the second chamber 101b. Alternatively, or in addition, this allows for diagnostic interventions from within the passage channel 103 formed by the tubular shape of the first chamber 101a, or even within the passage formed by the tubular shape of the second chamber 101b. Alternatively, the inflated chamber 101a can serve as an endoprosthesis for the conduit. Finally, when inflated, chamber 101a can allow for the placement of an endoprosthesis 199, particularly a plastically deformable endoprosthesis, such as a stent or a mesh support. This endoprosthesis is intended to remain within the conduit.
[0051] The endoprosthesis 199 can be cut or trimmed to length (of the conduit) after it has been placed in the conduit.
[0052] By "plastically deformable endoprosthesis" is meant an endoprosthesis having a first transverse dimension (see Figure 2), in particular a first diameter, before its placement in the conduit and having a second stable transverse dimension, in particular a second stable diameter (greater than the first dimension, see Figure 1), after its placement in the conduit and after a mechanical stress of dilation of the endoprosthesis has been exerted, in particular by inflation of an element in the endoprosthesis 199.
[0053] In a third embodiment of a sheath 10 shown in figures 5 to 7 in cross-section perpendicular to axis B, the sheath 10 differs from the sheath described in the first embodiment in that it comprises several chambers arranged around the insertion tube 3. The sheath 10 has, for example, one or more working channels 107 distributed around the passage channel 103 of the insertion tube 3 and several chambers 101a, 101b distributed around the passage channel 103 of the insertion tube 3.
[0054] In this embodiment, the duct comprises two independent and sealed systems for managing fluid exchange between the interiors of the chambers and an external environment.
[0055] Preferably, in the embodiments shown, the first chamber 101, 101a, 101b extends along the entire length L10 of the sheath 10 or extends substantially along the entire length L10 of the sheath 10. Preferably, regardless of the embodiment and variant, the second wall 104 is designed to surround an insertion tube 3 of an endoscope 100 with a gap intended to form a rinsing channel 105. The second wall 104 may be flexible or rigid. A rinsing fluid can thus be introduced between the sheath and the insertion tube at the proximal end 140 of the sheath 10, travel along the axis B between the sheath 10 and the insertion tube, and escape at the distal end 130 of the sheath 10.
[0056] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the sheath 10 is advantageously disposable. It is supplied sterile, in packaging, mounted on the insertion tube 3, and then discarded after the medical examination or surgical procedure. Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the sheath 10 can be non-disposable and sterilizable.
[0057] Regardless of the embodiment and variant, the sheath 10 is advantageously made of transparent material(s). At least the first wall(s) 102a, 102b and the second wall(s) 104a, 104b can advantageously be made of transparent material. This transparency must be sufficient to allow endoscopic observation of the inner surface of the conduit from the access channel 103. The inflation pressure can be adjusted to obtain optimal deformation of the inner surface of the conduit for observation. Preferably, the endoscope can be moved within the access channel 103 to observe the inner surface of the conduit along its entire length. The endoscope used for this observation may have an optical system, in particular a wide-angle optical system, whose optical axis is parallel to that of the insertion tube.Alternatively, the endoscope used for this observation may have an optical system whose optical axis is angled, in particular at approximately 90°, with that of the insertion tube. Regardless of the embodiment and variant, the sheath 10 is advantageously made of a flexible and resistant material such as silicone, latex, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, or polyvinyl chloride. The chamber(s) can be inflated to a pressure of up to 10 bar, or even 15 bar.
[0058] Regardless of the embodiment and variant, the fluid pressure in the chamber or chambers defines the shape of the duct and / or the dimensions of the duct.
[0059] Regardless of the embodiment and variant, the 100 endoscope is preferably a microendoscope, that is to say, a 100 endoscope whose insertion tube has a diameter of less than 2 mm.
[0060] Regardless of the embodiment and variant, the sheath can be attached to the endoscope using one of the two examples of a mechanical connector 30 described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The principle of these connectors 30 is based on the interaction of a hole 31 and a pin 32, which work together to secure or stop the sheath 10 on the insertion tube 3 (along the axis of the insertion tube). The pin 32 is elastically returned by a spring 33 to the bottom of the hole 31. A manipulable element 34 is preferably used to act on the pin 32 (directly or indirectly) against the action of the spring 33 and to release the sheath 3. The sheath can then be moved freely along the insertion tube 3. Actuating the manipulable element 34 in the direction of the arrow releases the pin 32 from the hole 31.In other unrepresented alternatives, the pin may be located at one end of a lever or a rocker mounted on the endoscope 100 or on the sheath 10. The pin may be located on either of the elements to be assembled (endoscope 100 or sheath 10). The hole is then located on the other of the two elements to be assembled (sheath 10 or endoscope 100). Regardless of the embodiment and variant, the sheath preferably comprises:
[0061] - a working channel 107 for the passage of a surgical intervention tool such as a basket, and / or
[0062] - a working channel 107 for the passage and / or guidance of a laser beam.
[0063] Several processes can be implemented using the duct solutions described above.
[0064] For example, one method allows for the dilation of a duct in an animal's body, particularly in a human body. The method includes the following steps:
[0065] - mounting a sheath 10 as described above on an endoscope 100, in particular on an insertion tube 3 of an endoscope 100,
[0066] - introduction of the endoscope 100 and the sheath 10 into the conduit, - injection of a pressurized fluid into the chamber so as to expand the sheath 10 and the conduit accordingly, this expansion being the consequence of the inflation of a chamber 101; 101a, 101b by the fluid, - removal of the sheath from the conduit.
[0067] Preferably, the process includes, after the injection step and before the step of removing the sheath 10 from the conduit, a step of removing at least part of the fluid from the chamber so as to retract the sheath 10 while minimizing the friction of the sheath on the wall of the conduit in order to limit the risk of injury.
[0068] In another example, a second method involves placing an endoprosthesis 199 within the duct to maintain or ensure a certain cross-sectional area of the duct, for example, to treat an stenosis. The endoprosthesis can be a tube or pipe, such as a stent, or made of a deformable mesh. The endoprosthesis can be resorbable or non-resorbable.
[0069] In this second method, we can, in a first step, put in place a sheath 10 according to a solution described above on an insertion tube 3 of an endoscope 100, then position the endoprosthesis 199 around the sheath 10.
[0070] Then, in a second step, one can possibly slightly inflate a chamber 101; 101a, 101b of the sheath 10 so that the endoprosthesis 199 is slightly tight around the sheath 10.
[0071] Then, in a third step, the endoprosthesis 199, the sheath 10, and the insertion tube 3 can be introduced into the conduit. The endoprosthesis can be guided and positioned precisely within and along the entire length of the conduit thanks to its retention on the sheath 10, achieved through the slight tightening mentioned previously.
[0072] Then, in a fourth step, the sheath 10 can be inflated to deploy the endoprosthesis 199, provided that this endoprosthesis is of the plastically deformable type. This deployment can be achieved along the entire length of the duct because the sheath 10 has a chamber extending along its entire length. Once the sheath has been sufficiently inflated for the endoprosthesis 199 to reach its desired shape, the chamber 101, 101a, and 101b can be deflated, thus significantly reducing the transverse dimension of the sheath 10.
[0073] Then, in a fifth step, the endoscope 100 and the sheath 10 can be removed. The endoprosthesis 199 then remains in position in the conduit. Then, in a sixth step, the endoprosthesis 199 can be cut or shortened to length, in particular by cutting the portion of the endoprosthesis protruding from the conduit.
[0074] According to another aspect of the invention, objects are defined by the following propositions:
[0075] 1. Endoscope sheath (10) comprising:
[0076] - at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b),
[0077] - a first deformable wall (102), in particular elastically deformable, defining at least partially a boundary of at least a first chamber (101; 101a, 101b),
[0078] - a second wall (104) intended to surround an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100) and constituting a passage channel (103) for an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100), and
[0079] - at least one opening (106) for the intake and / or evacuation of fluid in at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b), the sheath (10) being made of transparent material and / or the first wall (102) and the second wall (104) being made of transparent material.
[0080] 2. Sheath (10) for endoscope according to proposition 1, characterized in that at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b) has a cross-section of annular shape.
[0081] 3. Sheath (10) for endoscope according to proposal 2, characterized in that the second wall (104) is rigid and intended to surround an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100) with a gap intended to constitute a rinsing channel (105).
[0082] 4. Sheath (10) for endoscope according to one of propositions 1 to 3, characterized in that the sheath (10) has several chambers (101; 101a, 101b) distributed around the passage channel (103) of the insertion tube (3).
[0083] 5. Sheath (10) for endoscope according to one of propositions 1 to 4, characterized in that the sheath (10) has one or more working channels (107) distributed around the passage channel (103) of the insertion tube (3).
[0084] 6. Sheath (10) for endoscope according to any one of propositions 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b) extends over at least 30%, or even over at least 50%, or even over at least 80%, of the length (L10) of the sheath or extends over the whole or substantially over the whole length (L10) of the sheath.
[0085] 7. Sheath device (10) comprising:
[0086] - a sheath (10) according to one of the propositions 1 to 6, and
[0087] - a device (110) for injecting fluid into at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b) and / or removing fluid from at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b), and / or
[0088] - an endoprosthesis (199), in particular a plastically deformable endoprosthesis, such as a mesh or a stent, surrounding the sheath (10), in particular surrounding the sheath along its entire length.
[0089] 8. Endoscope system (800) comprising:
[0090] - a sheath (10) according to one of proposals 1 to 6 or a sheath device according to proposal 7, and
[0091] - an endoscope (100).
[0092] 9. A method for dilating a duct in the body of an animal, in particular the body of a human, comprising the following steps: - mounting a sheath (10) according to one of propositions 1 to 6 on an endoscope (100), in particular on an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100),
[0093] - insertion of the endoscope (100) and the sheath (10) into the conduit, - injection of a pressurized fluid into the chamber so as to expand the sheath (10) and the conduit accordingly,
[0094] - possibly, removal of at least part of the fluid from the chamber so as to retract the sheath (10),
[0095] - Removal of the duct sheath.
[0096] 10. A method for placing an endoprosthesis in a duct of an animal's body, in particular a human body, comprising the following steps:
[0097] - mounting a sheath (10) according to one of proposals 1 to 6 on an endoscope (100), in particular on an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100),
[0098] - mounting of an endoprosthesis on the sheath (10),
[0099] - first inflation of the sheath (10) so as to hold the endoprosthesis on the sheath (10),
[0100] - insertion of the endoprosthesis into the duct,
[0101] - second inflation of the sheath (10) to bring the endoprosthesis into the desired configuration,
[0102] - deflation of the sheath (10),
[0103] - removal of the sheath (10) and the endoscope (100) from the conduit.
[0104] According to yet another aspect of the invention, objects are defined by the following propositions:
[0105] 11. Endoscope sheath (10) comprising:
[0106] - at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b) extending over at least 30%, or even over at least 50%, or even over at least 80%, of the length (L10) of the duct or extending over the entire or substantially the entire length (L10) of the duct,
[0107] - a first deformable wall (102), in particular elastically deformable, defining at least partially a boundary of at least a first chamber (101; 101a, 101b),
[0108] - a second wall (104) intended to surround an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100) and constituting a passage channel (103) for an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100), and
[0109] - at least one opening (106) for the intake and / or evacuation of fluid in at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b).
[0110] Endoscope sheath (10) according to Proposition 11, characterized in that at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b) has an annular cross-section.
[0111] Endoscope sheath (10) according to proposal 12, characterized in that the second wall (104) is rigid and intended to surround an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100) with a gap intended to constitute a rinsing channel (105).
[0112] Endoscope sheath (10) according to one of propositions 11 to 13, characterized in that the sheath (10) has several chambers (101; 101a, 101b) distributed around the passage channel (103) of the insertion tube (3).
[0113] Endoscope sheath (10) according to one of propositions 11 to 14, characterized in that the sheath (10) has one or more working channels (107) distributed around the passage channel (103) of the insertion tube (3).
[0114] Endoscope sheath (10) according to any one of propositions 11 to 15, characterized in that the sheath (10) is made of transparent material and / or characterized in that the first wall (102) and the second wall (104) are made of transparent material. 17. Sheath device (10) comprising:
[0115] - a sheath (10) according to one of propositions 11 to 16, and
[0116] - a device (110) for injecting fluid into at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b) and / or removing fluid from at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b), and / or
[0117] - an endoprosthesis (199), in particular a plastically deformable endoprosthesis such as a mesh or a stent, surrounding the sheath (10), in particular surrounding the sheath along its entire length.
[0118] 18. Endoscope system (800) comprising:
[0119] - a sheath (10) according to one of proposals 11 to 16 or a sheath device according to proposal 17, and
[0120] - an endoscope (100).
[0121] 19. A method for dilating a duct in the body of an animal, in particular the body of a human, comprising the following steps: - mounting a sheath (10) according to one of propositions 11 to 16 on an endoscope (100), in particular on an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100),
[0122] - insertion of the endoscope (100) and the sheath (10) into the conduit, - injection of a pressurized fluid into the chamber so as to expand the sheath (10) and the conduit accordingly,
[0123] - possibly, removal of at least part of the fluid from the chamber so as to retract the sheath (10),
[0124] - Removal of the duct sheath.
[0125] 20. A method for placing an endoprosthesis (199) into a duct of an animal body, in particular a human body, comprising the following steps:
[0126] - mounting of a sheath (10) according to one of the proposals 11 to 16 on an endoscope (100), in particular on an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100), - mounting of an endoprosthesis (199) on the sheath (10),
[0127] - first inflation of the sheath (10) so as to hold the endoprosthesis (199) on the sheath (10),
[0128] - insertion of the endoprosthesis into the duct,
[0129] - second inflation of the sheath (10) so as to bring the endoprosthesis (199) into a desired configuration,
[0130] - deflation of the sheath (10),
[0131] - removal of the sheath (10) and the endoscope (100) from the conduit.
Claims
1. CLAIMS 1. Endoscope system (800) comprising: - a microendoscope (100) comprising an insertion tube (3), and - a sheath (10) comprising: -) at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b) extending over at least 30%, or even over at least 50%, or even over at least 80%, of the length (L10) of the duct or extending over the entire or substantially the entire length (L10) of the duct, -) a first deformable wall (102), in particular elastically deformable, defining at least partially a boundary of at least a first chamber (101; 101a, 101b), -) a second wall (104) intended to surround the insertion tube (3) and constituting a passage channel (103) for the insertion tube (3), -) at least one opening (106) for the inlet and / or outlet of fluid into at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b), and -) at least one working channel (107) for the passage of a surgical instrument such as a basket and / or at least one working channel (107) for the passage and / or guidance of a laser beam, the endoscope system (800) further comprising a mechanical connector (30) including: - a hole (31), and - a pawn (32), the hole and the pin cooperating by obstacle to fix or stop the sheath (10) on the insertion tube (3).
2. Endoscope system (800) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b) has a deformed annular cross-section.
3. Endoscope system (800) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second wall (104) is rigid and intended to surround an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100) with a gap intended to form a rinsing channel (105).
4. Endoscope system (800) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath (10) has several chambers (101; 101a, 101b) distributed around the passage channel (103) of the insertion tube (3).
5. Endoscope system (800) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more working channels (107) are distributed around the passage channel (103) of the insertion tube (3).
6. Endoscope system (800) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath (10) is made of transparent material and / or characterized in that the first wall (102) and the second wall (104) are made of transparent material.
7. Endoscope system (800) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the endoscope system (800) comprises: - a device (110) for injecting fluid into at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b) and / or removing fluid from at least one first chamber (101; 101a, 101b), and / or - an endoprosthesis (199), in particular a plastically deformable endoprosthesis such as a mesh or a stent, surrounding the sheath (10), in particular surrounding the sheath along its entire length.
8. Endoscope system (800) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical connector (30) comprises an elastic return element (33) such as a spring (33), the pin (32) being returned into the hole (31) by the elastic return element (33).
9. Endoscope system (800) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical connector (30) comprises a manipulable element (34) arranged to allow the pin (32) to be released from the hole (31).
10. A method for dilating a duct in an animal body, in particular a human body, comprising the following steps: - mounting a sheath (10) on an endoscope (100), in particular on an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100) to obtain an endoscope system (800) according to any one of the preceding claims, - introducing the endoscope (100) and the sheath (10) into the duct, - injecting a pressurized fluid into the chamber so as to dilate the sheath (10) and the duct accordingly, - possibly, removal of at least part of the fluid from the chamber so as to retract the sheath (10), - Removal of the duct sheath.
11. A method for placing an endoprosthesis (199) into a duct of an animal body, in particular a human body, comprising the following steps: - mounting a sheath (10) on an endoscope (100), in particular on an insertion tube (3) of an endoscope (100) to obtain an endoscope system (800) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - mounting of an endoprosthesis (199) on the sheath (10), - first inflation of the sheath (10) so as to hold the endoprosthesis (199) on the sheath (10), - insertion of the endoprosthesis into the duct, - second inflation of the sheath (10) so as to bring 22 the endoprosthesis (199) in a desired configuration, - deflation of the sheath (10), - removal of the sheath (10) and the endoscope (100) from the conduit.