ENDOSCOPE WITH WORKING CHANNEL AND A CONTROL BODY

The invention relates to an endoscope with a working channel in an insertion tube, and a control body, on the distal side of which the insertion tube is connected, and an attachment body attached to the control body in a detachable manner, wherein the detachably fastenable attachment body includes a working channel assembly and a suction device assembly.

The present invention relates to an endoscope with a working channel in an insertion tube, and a control body, on the distal side of which the insertion tube is connected.

In such an endoscope, the insertion tube is inserted into a patient for the purpose of an examination or a surgical intervention. Through the working channel, instruments can be guided through the insertion tube to a location at which the examination or surgical intervention is to take place.

After completing the examination or the surgical intervention, the insertion tube is pulled out. Thereafter, the endoscope is cleaned and sterilised so as to be ready for another use. Through cleaning and sterilisation, contamination as a result of previous use should be removed.

One objective is the invention is to create an endoscope with a working channel and a control body that is even more reliably cleaned of contaminants for another use.

This object is achieved by means of an endoscope with the features of claim1. Advantageous further developments form the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The invention relates to an endoscope with a working channel in an insertion tube, a control body, on the distal side of which the insertion tube is connected, and an attachment body fastenable to the control body in a detachable manner, wherein the detachably fastenable attachment body comprises a working channel assembly and a suction device assembly.

In the case of such an endoscope, by detaching the detachably fastenable attachment body from the control body, the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly can be removed from the endoscope. The working channel assembly and the suction device assembly are particularly difficult to clean after use, so that in spite of cleaning and sterilisation, biofilms can form and persist on the surfaces. Thus, precisely those elements, on the surfaces of which there is an increased danger of the formation of biofilms due to use in the patient, are removed from the endoscope. The endoscope can therefore better prevent the transmission of germs arising from resistant biofilms.

The working channel assembly can comprise the working channel, which extends to the distal end of the endoscope. The suction device assembly can comprise a suction line and a suction control valve provided on the suction line.

In this way, the working channel, the suction line and the suction control valve provided on the suction line are removable from the endoscope.

The detachably fastenable attachment body can comprise an instrument inlet section which forms an entrance section of the working channel that can be accessed from outside. The instrument inlet section is also removable from the endoscope.

The endoscope can comprise the attachment body detachably fastenable on the control body and an endoscope basic body with the control body onto which the detachably fastenable attachment body can be applied, wherein the endoscope basic body does not comprise the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly.

As the endoscope basic body does not comprise the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly, when reusing the cleaned endoscope basic body, which is now fitted with a new, unused attachment body with a new working channel assembly and a new suction device assembly, the risk of contamination through impurities or biofilms resulting from a previous use of the endoscope is massively reduced.

The detachably fastenable attachment body can be designed as a single-use body that can be disposed of after use. The detachably fastenable endoscope basic body can be designed as a multiple-use body that can be cleaned after use and reused.

The clear separation ensures safe use of the endoscope. As a multiple-use body, the endoscope basic body contains the electronic components of the endoscope. Moreover, the attachment body, configured as a single-use body, can be cost-effectively produced as it only has a detachable housing section, the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly and does not comprise the more costly electronic components.

The control body can comprise an incomplete housing, that can be completed with a completion component that is integrated into the detachably fastenable attachment body. The structure and separation of the incomplete housing and the completion component are simple and uncomplicated. The assembly and separation of the incomplete housing and the completion components can be carried out quickly and reliably.

The control body can comprise a housing basic element as an incomplete housing, that through completion with a housing addition section as a completion component forms the control body, wherein the housing addition section is arranged on the detachably fastenable attachment body and comprises the suction control valve. It is the housing, as the component group with which the user works, which provides definite information about whether the attachment body is already mounted on the endoscope or not. The user immediately recognises whether the control body is complete or not. Inadvertent use of an endoscope not yet fitted with the attachment body is immediately recognised and can be prevented.

The suction line can comprise a proximal suction line section, that can be connected to a suction source, and a distal suction line section that extends to the distal end of the endoscope. The suction control valve can be arranged between the proximal suction line section and the distal suction line section. Therefore, the proximal suction line section, that is connectable to the suction source, is also removable from the endoscope together with the suction control valve and the distal suction line section.

The incomplete housing of the control body can have a groove running perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the control body, into which a section of the completion component of the attachment body can be fitted. The completion component can be applied to the incomplete housing in an easy, simple and unequivocally identifiable, as well as quick and uncomplicated manner, in order to complete the endoscope.

The incomplete housing of the control body and/or the attachment body can comprise snap-in fastening means for applying the attachment body to the incomplete housing of the control body. In this way, the completion component can be securely arranged on the incomplete housing of the control body. Inadvertent, unintentional detachment of the completion component from the incomplete housing of the control body is prevented by the snap-in fastening means.

The working channel assembly and the suction device assembly of the fastenable attachment body can be detachably fastened in the control body. When the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly are detachably fastened in the control body, they cannot be accessed from outside. The wall of the control body conceals the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly. The wall concealing the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly can form part of the fastenable attachment body. Alternatively, the wall concealing the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly can be separate from the fastenable attachment body.

The aforementioned aspects of the present invention can be suitably combined.

EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is described in more detail below by way of exemplary embodiments with reference to drawings. The illustrations in the drawings are not necessarily true to scale, but may be distorted for the sake of improved clarity.

First Embodiment

Below, a first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIGS.1to4.

An endoscope1according to the invention has a control body10, an insertion tube20and a supply cable30.

The insertion tube20is connected to the control body10at the distal side of the control body10. Arranged on the distal side of the insertion tube20is a distal end section40. With the distal end section40first, the insertion tube20is inserted into a patient for the purpose of an examination or surgical intervention. In the insertion tube20, a working channel described below extends up to the distal end section40.

The supply cable30is connected to the control body10on the proximal side of the control body10. The supply cable30comprises an electrical line for supplying the control body10with electricity. The supply cable30also comprises a signal cable that transmits data obtained by the endoscope to a (not shown) evaluation unit. The supply cable30has a plug which is inserted into the evaluation unit on the proximal side of the supply cable30.

As a housing basic element, the control body10has an incomplete housing150that only forms a complete housing after the application of a completion component105. The completion component105acts as a housing addition section to complete the housing of the control body10. The complete housing of the control body10is ergonomically formed and designed so that in the middle area—seen in the direction of extension—it has a grip area12that can be grasped by the hand. The user grasps the grip area12in order to use the endoscope. The grip area12extends over the incomplete housing150and the completion component105, as is shown inFIG.1.

The control body10has a front side, on which are arranged a suction control valve110, a water-air valve152, control buttons153and154and an instrument inlet section120, which forms an entrance section of the working channel that is accessible from outside, seeFIG.1.

More specifically, the suction control valve110and the instrument inlet section120are arranged on the completion component105. The water-air valve152and the control buttons153and154are arranged on the incomplete housing150. The water-air valve152serves to switch on/switch off the air and/or water supply from a not shown supply source and controls, for example, the rinsing with water at the distal end. The air and/or water supply and the water-air valve152can be used as in conventional endoscopes. The control buttons153and154are freely assignable and can, for example, be control buttons with processor functions, such as a button for taking a screenshot of a scenario observed by a camera at the distal end, a button for zooming an image displayed on a monitor of the scenario observed by the camera, or similar.

Arranged on a lateral side of the incomplete housing150is a control wheel151that serves for controlling a deflection movement of the distal section, for example. The control wheel151can also have other functions.

The incomplete housing150is designed in such a way that it is open on the front side. On the front side of the incomplete housing150, the incomplete housing150is closed by way of the completion component105. Therefore, on its front side the incomplete housing150has a circumferential section, the shape of which is complementary to the circumferential section of the completion component105. In other words, the shape of the circumferential section of the completion component105is matched to the shape of the circumferential section of the incomplete housing150. For this reason, in the embodiment, the circumferential section of the incomplete housing150has a first (distal) groove160and a second (proximal) groove162. Between the first groove160and the second groove162a raised section161projects to the front side.

At the edges of each of the first groove160and of the second groove163, a perpendicular edge of the raised section161projects to the front side. The perpendicular edges of the raised section161extend perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the incomplete housing150and thus perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the control body10.

In the area that is exposed through the absence of the completion component105, the incomplete housing150also has an opening170for a working channel element122, as is described below. The opening170forms an entrance to a channel that extends to the distal end section40and through which the working channel element122can be pushed.

The incomplete housing150comprises snap-in fastening means400on the edge of the opening that is formed by the first groove160, the raised section161and the second groove162.

The completion component105is part of an attachment body100, which is applied to the incomplete housing150. Without this attachment body100, the endoscope is still a not yet complete endoscope basic body which must be completed with the attachment body100in order to be used.

The attachment body100comprises the completion component105, a working channel assembly and a suction device assembly. The working channel assembly and the suction device assembly of the fastenable attachment body100are detachably fastened in the control body10.

The completion component105forms the additional housing section for completing the incomplete housing150. The shape of the circumferential section of the completion component105is matched to the shape of the circumferential section of the incomplete housing150. Thus, in the embodiment, the circumferential section of the completion component105has a first (distal) projection130and a second (distal) projection132. Between the first projection130and the second projection132, a recess131is formed. The raised section161of the incomplete housing150fits into the recess131.

Extending respectively at the edges of the first projection130and of the second projection132is a perpendicular edge of the recess131. The perpendicular edges of the recess131extend perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the completion component105.

The completion component105has counterparts to the snap-in fastening means400on the opening edge which is formed by the first projection130, the recess131and the second projection132. Because of the snap-in fastening means400on the incomplete housing150, the completion component105can engage on the incomplete housing150.

The type of snap-in fastening means400can be freely selected. As snap-in fastening means400, a snap-in connection can, for example, be selected in the form of barbed hooks which engage in corresponding openings as counterparts on the completion component105. Any snap-in fastening means400can be used.

Arranged on the front side of the completion component105is the instrument inlet section120. The instrument inlet section120is part of the working channel assembly.

The working channel assembly comprises a working channel element122. When the working channel element122is completely introduced into the insertion tube20, the working channel element122extends up to the distal end of the endoscope1.

The working channel element122is tubular and forms a channel surrounded by a casing that serves as a working channel, through which instruments can be guided to the distal end of the working channel element122. The proximal end of the working channel element122is formed by the instrument inlet section120. On its inner circumference the instrument inlet section120has a rubber seal.

The outer diameter of the working channel element122is chosen in such a way that the working channel element122fits into the opening170so that the working channel element122can be reliably pushed to the distal end of the endoscope1.

Arranged on the front side of the completion component105is the suction control valve110. The suction control valve no is part of the suction device assembly.

The suction device assembly comprises a suction line320. The suction line320is formed by a channel-like line which comprises a proximal suction line section325, connectable to a (not shown) proximal suction source (negative pressure source), and a distal suction line section326. The distal suction line section326extends to the working channel element122and opens out into this, seeFIG.5. The suction control valve110is arranged between the proximal suction line section325and the distal suction line section326. Through operating the suction control valve110, the suction line320is opened or closed. Through operation to open the suction control valve110, the negative pressure of the suction source acts at the distal end of the suction line320. Through operation to close the suction control valve110, the suction line320is closed so that the negative pressure of the suction source no longer acts at the distal end of the suction line320.

The proximal suction line section325projects at the proximal side of the completion component105. On its proximal side, the proximal suction line section325has a (not shown) connection element that is connectable to the suction source.

When the attachment body100is arranged on the incomplete housing150, the proximal suction line section325is guided on the outer edge of the incomplete housing150and on the supply cable30. More particularly, on the supply cable30, a ring element35is provided as a fastening means. The proximal suction line section325is pushed through the ring element35. Along the supply cable30, several ring elements35can be provided. In this way, the proximal suction line section325can extend in parallel to and closely adjoining the supply cable30, seeFIG.1.

The distal suction line section326is integrated into the working channel element122. More particularly, the distal suction line section326and the working channel element122form a Y shape. The working channel element122is divided into a proximal working channel section123and a distal working channel section124. The proximal working channel section123extends from the instrument inlet section120to the junction point between the distal suction line section326and the working channel element122. The distal working channel section124extends from the junction point between the distal suction line section326and the working channel element122to the distal end of the endoscope.

When the attachment body100is arranged on the incomplete housing150, the distal working channel element section124is fully inserted through the opening170into the insertion tube20, wherein the distal suction line section326extends to the distal end of the endoscope1. The working channel element122is thus pushed into the opening170.

As described above, the suction line320opens out into the working channel element122. Looked at in another way, the endoscope1has a continuous channel element from the suction source to the distal end of the working channel. On the completion component105a lateral access to this channel element is provided. The access has, as the entrance, the instrument inlet section120and opens into the channel element.

At the distal end section40of the endoscope1, the distal working channel element section124jointly forming the working channel and the suction channel, is open.

The details of the distal end section40of the endoscope1are shown inFIG.6. It should be noted here thatFIG.6only shows the transition from the insertion tube20to the distal end section40schematically as an illustration of the principle. The invention is not restricted to this depiction. The distal end section40can have various elements which are not shown, e.g. lighting, a camera, a rinsing nozzle etc.

The distal end section40has an opening42on the distal side. The distal working channel section44of the working channel is provided in the distal end section40. At the opening42, the distal working channel section44has a section43with a reduced diameter. On the proximal side of the section43with a reduced diameter, the distal working channel section44forms a shoulder surface46extending outwards from the section43with a reduced diameter. The inner diameter of the section43with a reduced diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the distal working channel section124.

The distal working channel section44therefore has an inner diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the opening42.

The distal working channel element section124can therefore be pushed into the distal working channel section44up to the shoulder surface46.

The distal working channel element section124cannot be pushed over the shoulder surface46. In the furthest pushed position in the distal direction, the distal working channel element section124is in contact with the shoulder surface46.

In this way, the endoscope1according to the invention is divided into an endoscope basic body and the attachment body100. All mechanical and electronic parts are arranged in the endoscope basic body. Not arranged in the endoscope basic body are the elements of the working channel assembly and suction device assembly of the endoscope1that have to be cleaned after use of the endoscope1.

Arranged in the attachment body100are the elements of the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly of the endoscope1. The working channel assembly and the suction device assembly in particular are exposed to contamination when the endoscope1is used. Therefore, the elements of the endoscope1that can be particularly heavily contaminated during use are accommodated in the attachment body100.

Function

For initial use of the endoscope1, a new attachment body100is inserted on the endoscope basic body as shown inFIG.4. For this, the proximal suction line section325is pushed through the ring element35on the supply cable30(seeFIG.1) and connected to the suction source.

The working channel element122is pushed into the opening170.

Finally, the completion component105is placed on the incomplete housing150, in that the circumferential section with the first projection130, the recess131and the second projection132is mounted on the circumferential section of the incomplete housing150with the first groove160, the raised section161and the second groove162perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the incomplete housing150. The first projection130fits into the first groove160. The recess131fits the raised section161. The second projection132fits into the second groove162. Through the snap-in fastening means400, the completion component105is firmly engaged on the incomplete housing150.

The endoscope1is now ready for use. The endoscope1can be inserted into the patient. Instruments can be introduced through the instrument inlet section120. Suction can take place via the combined working channel/suction channel.

After use of the endoscope1, the attachment body100is removed from the endoscope basic body. The attachment body100can be disposed of.

The remaining endoscope basic body that has been released from the used attachment body100, can now be cleaned and sterilised and then dried and stored.

To use the endoscope1again, the cleaned and reprocessed endoscope basic body is provided with a new attachment body100.

Advantages

The endoscope1can be divided into the endoscope basic body and the attachment body100. The endoscope basic body with the incomplete housing150, the insertion tube20and the supply cable30is reusable and can be cleaned and reprocessed after use.

Arranged in the attachment body100are the elements of the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly of the endoscope1. After use, the attachment body100can be disposed of.

To use the endoscope1again, the cleaned and reprocessed endoscope basic body is provided with a new attachment body100which can be removed from a sterile package shortly before attachment to the endoscope basic body.

In this way, contamination on the endoscope1through impurities originating from a previous use can be better prevented when the endoscope1is used again.

Particularly the working channel and the suction channel are channels in which a biofilm can form on the inner walls of the channel during use. During reprocessing after the use of an endoscope, such a biofilm can be particularly difficult to remove. As in the present invention, specifically those sections of an endoscope on which the formation of a biofilm is likely, namely the working channel and the suction channel, are moved into the attachment body100that can be disposed of after use, the probability of biofilm formation on the surfaces of the reusable endoscope basic body can be massively reduced. Through this, the danger of cross-contamination, whereby germs from one patient are transmitted to another, can be drastically reduced.

The cleaning of the used endoscope basic body is less costly and complicated in comparison with a conventional endoscope, as the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly, as the principally contaminated elements, have been removed.

As the grip area12extends over the incomplete housing150and the completion component105, it can be reliably concluded from the shape of the incomplete housing150that the completion component105is missing and that the endoscope1is not yet complete. Incorrect use of the endoscope1can be prevented.

The perpendicular edges of the raised section161that project to the front side extend perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the incomplete housing150. As a result, the completion component105can be securely pushed onto the housing150.

In the present invention, in order to assemble the attachment body100on the endoscope basic body, the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly are positioned accordingly (proximal suction line section325to the proximal side into the ring element35; working channel element122into the opening170), and the completion component105is pushed onto the incomplete housing150and clicked on. In this way the endoscope1can assembled in a quick and uncomplicated manner.

The attachment body100can also be simply, easily and rapidly removed from the endoscope basic body.

As the working channel and the suction line are combined as one channel distally of the junction point, this one channel can have a small diameter, which is suitable for the respective purpose of pushing through the desired instrument and also suction. The receiving channel44that is formed in the insertion tube20and in the distal end section40and at the entrance comprises the opening170can thus also have a small diameter. The outer diameter dimension of the insertion tube20and of the distal end section can thus be correspondingly small.

Since the distal working channel element section124cannot be pushed beyond the shoulder surface46and since in the furthest pushed position of the working channel element section124in the distal direction it rests on the shoulder surface46, the working channel element122does not come into contact with the patient when being used. Only the distal end section40surrounding the working channel element122comes into contact with the patient. In this way, the working channel element122is more protected from impurities.

Second Embodiment

With reference toFIG.7a second embodiment is described. In the second embodiment, the distal area of the distal working channel element section124has been modified. The remaining structure is the same as in the first embodiment.

The distal working channel element section124has a distal end region125. On the outer surface of the distal end region125, the distal end region125is provided with a circumferential recess126. The circumferential recess126extends along the outer circumference of the distal end region125.

On the inner surface of the distal working channel44, the distal working channel section44is provided with a circumferential recess47. The circumferential recess47extends along the inner circumference of the distal working channel section44.

The circumferential recess47is more deeply recessed into the distal working channel section44than the circumferential recess126in the distal end region125. A holding element48is firmly inserted in the circumferential recess47.

The holding element48can be designed as a ring element. The holding element48can be a sealing ring. The holding element48can also be a spring element or another elastic element.

In the situation in which the working channel element122is pushed into the endoscope1, i.e. completely (fully) pushed into the insertion tube20and distal end section40, the circumferential recess126of the distal working channel element section145and the circumferential recess47of the distal working channel section44are opposite each other. In this assembled state, the holding element48of the distal end section40engages in the circumferential recess126of the distal working channel element section124. Through this, in the assembled state the distal working channel section44can snap into the distal end section40. In this way the distal working channel section44can be securely held on the distal end section40. In this embodiment too, the working channel element122does not come into contact with the patient.

Third Embodiment

With reference toFIG.8a third embodiment is described. In the third embodiment, the distal region of the distal working channel element section124has been modified. The remaining structure is the same as in the first embodiment.

The distal working channel element section124has a distal end region125. On the outer surface of the distal end region125, the distal end region125is provided with a conical outer surface127. The conical outer surface127narrows in the distal direction of the distal end region125. The outer diameter of the distal end region125therefore decreases in the distal direction of the distal end region125.

At the distal end, on the inner surface of the distal working channel section44, the distal working channel section44is provided with a conical inner surface49. The conical inner surface49narrows in the distal direction of the distal working channel section44. In other words, on the conical inner surface49, the inner diameter of the distal working channel section44decreases in the distal direction of the distal working channel section44.

The slant of the conical inner surface49corresponds to the slant of the conical outer surface127.

In the situation in which the working channel element122is completely (fully) pushed into the endoscope1and into the distal end section40, the conical outer surface127of the distal working channel element section124rests on the conical inner surface49of the distal end section40and cannot be moved any further in the distal direction.

Through this, in the assembled state the distal working channel section44can adjoin the distal end section40in a contact position. In this way the distal working channel section44can be securely held on the distal end section40. In this embodiment too, the working channel element122does not come into contact with the patient.

Other Alternatives

In the first embodiment a control wheel151is described. The endoscope can comprise several control wheels for various purposes.

The control wheel151can be omitted if the invention is used, for example, in an endoscope whose distal section cannot be deflected.

In the first embodiment, the circumferential section of the incomplete housing150comprises the first (distal) groove160and the second (proximal) groove162and the raised section161between the grooves160,162, which match the projections130132and the recess131of the completion component105which are designed as counterparts. The invention is not restricted to this. The precise shape of the circumferential section of the incomplete housing150and its apposite counter-shape on the completion component105can be freely selected. The user should only be able to recognise that the casing without the completion component105is incomplete. Furthermore, it must only be guaranteed that the completion component105fits onto the incomplete housing150.

In the situation in which the completion component105is applied on the incomplete housing150, in the first embodiment the proximal suction line section325on the outer side of the incomplete housing150extends in the proximal direction. In an alternative, in the incomplete housing150on the proximal side a channel with a (distal) opening is provided, which similar to the opening170is here designed for the proximal suction line section325. On the proximal side, this channel opens out on the outer side of the incomplete housing150close to the connection point of the supply cable30on the incomplete housing150. Through this channel, the proximal suction line section325can be pushed in the proximal direction, whereby it can also run along the supply cable30in a parallel and closely adjoining manner. This improves the optical appearance, as on the grip area12of the control body10itself, no section of the suction line320is exposed.

In the first embodiment, on the supply cable30, the ring element35is provided as a fastening means for the proximal suction line section325. Any other fastening means can be used as alternatives. For example, a clamp, a strap or Velcro strip can be used for this.

In the first embodiment the working channel element122is pushed into the opening170. The working channel element122is connected to the distal suction line section so that the working channel in the working channel element122can also be used as a suction line. In an alternative, two tube elements (channel elements) are arranged on the completion component105pointing in the distal direction. Namely, a distal suction line section and a working channel element can be formed as two separate tube elements which extend to the distal end of the endoscope1. One of these tube elements is the working channel element of the working channel assembly. The other tube element is the distal suction line section. The distal suction line section and the working channel element are pushed into the opening170. The opening170and its channel up to the distal end are of a size which allows the incorporation of the distal suction line section and the working channel element. When the suction line section and working channel element are completely introduced into the insertion tube20, the suction line section and the working channel element extend up to the distal end of the endoscope1.

In a further alternative, the distal suction line section and the working channel element are designed as a one-piece structure. In the one-piece design, the distal suction line section and the working channel element form a joint tube element, the inner space of which is divided by a partition element into two chambers, which each extend to the distal end of the endoscope1. The one-piece design results in a particularly small construction, since the channel with the opening170in the insertion tube20can be reduced in size accordingly. The joint tube element can be produced by extrusion. On the proximal section of the joint tube element, the joint tube element can be connected in such a way that the proximal section of the distal is connected on the suction control valve100and the proximal section of the working channel element is connected on the instrument inlet section120.

In a further alternative, the detachably fastenable attachment body100, which comprises the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly, is formed without the completion component105. This detachably fastenable attachment body can be removed through an opening on the endoscope, for example on the control body10. The control body10then has a complete housing. In this alternative too, the working channel assembly and the suction device assembly of the fastenable attachment body100are detachably fastened in the control body10.

The invention can be advantageously used in a flexible endoscope. More particularly, the invention can be advantageously used in a gastrointestinal endoscope. The principle of the invention can also be used in any other type of endoscope.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

40Distal end section

43Section with reduced diameter

44Distal working channel section

49Conical inner surface

110Suction control valve

120Instrument inlet section

122Working channel element

123Proximal working channel element section

124Proximal working channel element section

125Distal end area

127Conical outer surface

170Opening for working channel element

325Proximal suction line section

326Distal suction line section