Patent ID: 6761686
Filing Date: 2004-07-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An endoscope having an insertion member that includes a flexible tube having a spiral tube formed by spirally winding a metallic belt such that the adjoining portions of the wound belt have a space x between them such that if the flexible tube is held bent by a predetermined magnitude of bend at room temperature, the adjoining portions of the spiral tube of the flexible tube do not come into contact with one another, the insertion member further having a braid for sheathing the spiral tube and a resin sheathing for sheathing the braid, wherein the adjoining portions of the wound belt have a space X1 between them even if the flexible tube contracts in longitudinal directions after being subjected to high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilization, and the space X1 allows the flexible tube to be bent to trace a circle of at least about 20 cm in diameter at the room temperature, wherein the adjoining portions of the spiral tube of the flexible tube do not come into contact with one another.