Patent ID: 8409078
Filing Date: 2013-04-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An endoscope comprising: an insert portion having a bending portion for bending operation and a flexible soft portion; a ring connected between the bending portion and the soft portion, the ring being of a hard material that is less flexible than the flexible soft portion; an inflatable/deflatable balloon in which a distal end of the balloon is at least partially attached on the ring; and a supplying/sucking opening provided in an outer surface of the ring, the supplying/sucking opening supplying and sucking fluid to and from the balloon, wherein an inner portion of the ring is formed so that a thickness of a first portion where the supplying/sucking opening portion is provided is thicker than that of a second portion other than the first portion of the ring of hard material, wherein a tube member is connected to the supplying/sucking opening at the first portion where the thickness is thicker than other portions, and wherein an end of a tip side of the balloon is fixed to the ring and an end of a proximal side of the balloon is fixed to the soft portion.