Patent Publication Number: US-11375885-B2

Title: Multi-jet controller for an endoscope

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/439,782, filed on Feb. 22, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/340,121, filed on May 23, 2016, for priority. 
     The present application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/469,501, entitled “Fluid Distribution Device For A Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope” and filed on Aug. 26, 2014, which, in turn, relies on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/910,863, entitled “Multi-Jet Endoscope” and filed on Dec. 2, 2013, for priority. 
     The present application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/317,863, entitled “Multi-Jet Distributor for An Endoscope” and filed on Jun. 27, 2014, which, in turn, relies on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/840,706, entitled “Multi-Jet Distributor For An Endoscope” and filed on Jun. 28, 2013, for priority. 
     The present application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/229,699 entitled “Compact Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope System”, and filed on Mar. 28, 2014, which, in turn, relies on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/812,709, entitled “Multi Camera, Multi Jet Endoscope Having Two Side Service Channels” and filed on Apr. 16, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/806,065, of the same title and filed on Mar. 28, 2013, for priority. 
     The present application also relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/278,293, entitled “Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope Having Two Front Service Channels” and filed on May 15, 2014. 
     All of the above-mentioned applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present specification generally relates to an endoscope assembly comprising a front jet and at least one side jet being supplied with fluid via fluid channels and a system to control direction of flow of fluid through the jets. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Endoscopes provide a means for performing medical procedures with minimal patient trauma, while enabling the physician to view the internal anatomy of the patient. Over the years, numerous endoscopes have been developed and categorized according to specific applications, such as cystoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, upper GI endoscopy and others. Endoscopes may be inserted into the body&#39;s natural orifices or through an incision in the skin. 
     An endoscope is usually an elongated tubular shaft, rigid or flexible, having a video camera or a fiber optic lens assembly at its distal end. The shaft is connected to a handle, which sometimes includes an ocular element to enable direct viewing of the patient&#39;s anatomy. Various surgical tools may be inserted through a working channel in the endoscope for performing different surgical procedures. 
     Endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, gastroscopes and the like, that are currently being used, typically have a front camera for viewing internal organs, such as the colon, an illuminator, a fluid injector for cleaning the camera lens, and a working channel for inserting surgical tools in order to, for example, remove polyps found in the colon. Often, endoscopes also have fluid (“jet”) injectors for cleaning a body cavity, such as the colon, into which they are inserted. 
     There is a need in the art for endoscopes which enable the concurrent, and multi-directional, supply of fluids to multiple fluid injectors or jet openings in the endoscope tip in order to quickly and efficiently clean a body cavity or a portion of the endoscope. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods, which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. 
     The present specification discloses an apparatus for controlling a flow direction of fluid from a fluid source external to an endoscope into a plurality of fluid channels positioned within a distal end of the endoscope, comprising: a tube comprising a first combination of fluid channels and a second combination of fluid channels; a pump connected to the tube, wherein the pump is adapted to direct fluid from the external source to at least one of a first combination of fluid channels and a second combination of fluid channels in said tube; and a controller to activate the pump, wherein the controller is configured to cause the pump to direct fluid to the first combination of fluid channels upon a first activation of the controller and wherein the controller is configured to cause the pump to direct fluid to the second combination of fluid channels upon a second activation of the controller. 
     Optionally, the pump is a peristaltic pump. 
     Optionally, the apparatus of further comprises a user trigger to control said controller, wherein the user trigger comprises a button and wherein the button is configured such that pressing the button causes the first activation of the controller and pressing the button twice causes the second activation of the controller. 
     Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a user trigger to control said controller, wherein the user trigger comprises a lever and wherein the lever is configured such that pulling the lever causes the first activation of the controller and pushing the lever causes the second activation of the controller. 
     Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a user trigger to control said controller, wherein the user trigger comprises a pedal and wherein the pedal is configured such that stepping on the pedal causes the first activation of the controller and stepping on the pedal twice causes the second activation of the controller. 
     Optionally, the first combination of fluid channels and the second combination of fluid channels are co-linearly placed within the tube. 
     The first combination of fluid channels may comprise a fluid channel that opens through a front jet in a distal tip of the endoscope. 
     The second combination of fluid channels may comprise a fluid channel that opens through a front jet in a distal tip of the endoscope and at least one side jet in the distal tip of the endoscope. 
     Optionally, the pump is configured to direct fluid in a first direction through the first combination of fluid channels upon said first activation of the controller, the pump is configured to direct fluid in a second direction through the second combination of fluid channels upon said second activation of the controller, and the first direction is different from the second direction. 
     Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a first check valve in a first fluid channel positioned between said external source and the pump and a second check valve in a second fluid channel positioned between said external source and the pump, wherein the first fluid channel is separate from the second fluid channel. Optionally, the first fluid channel is in fluid communication with the first combination of fluid channels, the second fluid channel is in fluid communication with the second combination of fluid channels, the first fluid channel is not in fluid communication with the second combination of fluid channels, and the second fluid channel is not in fluid communication with the first combination of fluid channels. 
     The present specification also discloses a method for controlling a flow direction of fluid from a fluid source external to an endoscope into a plurality of fluid channels positioned within the endoscope, comprising: receiving a user input into a trigger; based upon said trigger, using a controller to activate a pump connected to a tube, wherein said tube comprises a first combination of fluid channels and a second combination of fluid channels, wherein, upon a first activation of the pump, said pump causes fluid to flow in a first direction from the external source to the first combination of fluid channels, and wherein, upon a second activation of the pump, said pump causes fluid to flow in a second direction from the external source to the second combination of fluid channels. 
     Optionally, the pump comprises a peristaltic pump. 
     Optionally, said trigger comprises a button, wherein pressing the button once enables said first activation of the pump, and wherein pressing the button twice enables the second activation of the pump. 
     Optionally, said trigger comprises a lever, wherein pulling the lever enables the first activation of the pump and wherein pushing the lever enables the second activation of the pump. 
     Optionally, said trigger comprises a lever, wherein pulling or pushing the lever once enables the first activation of the pump and wherein pushing or pulling the lever twice enables the second activation of the pump. 
     Optionally, said trigger comprises a pedal, wherein pushing the pedal once causes the first activation of the pump and wherein pushing the pedal twice causes the second activation of the pump. 
     Optionally, the first combination of fluid channels and the second combination of fluid channels are co-linearly placed within the tube. 
     The first combination of fluid channels may comprise a fluid channel that opens through a front jet in a distal tip of the endoscope. 
     The second combination of fluid channels may comprise a fluid channel that opens through a front jet in a distal tip of the endoscope and at least one side jet in the distal tip of the endoscope. 
     Optionally, the pump is configured to direct fluid in a first direction through the first combination of fluid channels upon said first activation of the pump, the pump is configured to direct fluid in a second direction through the second combination of fluid channels upon said second activation of the pump, and the first direction is different from the second direction. 
     Optionally, a first check valve is included in a first fluid channel positioned between said external source and the pump and a second check valve is included in a second fluid channel positioned between said external source and the pump, wherein the first fluid channel is separate from the second fluid channel. Optionally, the first fluid channel is in fluid communication with the first combination of fluid channels, the second fluid channel is in fluid communication with the second combination of fluid channels, the first fluid channel is not in fluid communication with the second combination of fluid channels, and the second fluid channel is not in fluid communication with the first combination of fluid channels. 
     The present specification also discloses a system for controlling a flow direction of fluid from a source external to an endoscope into a plurality of fluid channels positioned within the endoscope, comprising: a pump, wherein the pump is adapted to direct fluid from the external source to at least a first combination of fluid channels and a second combination of fluid channels; an activation system to activate the pump, wherein the pump directs fluid to the first combination of fluid channels upon a first activation by the activation system and the pump directs fluid to the second combination of fluid channels upon a second activation by the activation system; and at least one check valve connected in the plurality of fluid channels to control the flow of fluid during the first activation and the second activation. 
     Optionally, the activation system comprises a button, wherein the first activation comprises pressing the button once and the second activation comprises pressing the button twice. 
     Optionally, the activation system comprises a lever, wherein the first activation comprises pulling the lever and the second activation comprises pushing the lever. 
     Optionally, the activation system comprises a pedal, wherein the first activation comprises pushing the pedal once and the second activation comprises pushing the pedal twice. 
     Optionally, the pump is a peristaltic pump. 
     Optionally, the first combination of fluid channels comprises a fluid channel that opens through a front jet in a distal tip of the endoscope. Optionally, the second combination of fluid channels comprises a fluid channel that opens through a front jet in a distal tip of the endoscope and at least one side jet in the distal tip of the endoscope. 
     Optionally, the system further comprises at least one endoscope connector housing the plurality of endoscope fluid channels. Optionally, the at least one endoscope connector is positioned within the endoscope. Optionally, the at least one endoscope connector is positioned within a main control unit external to the endoscope. 
     The aforementioned and other embodiments of the present specification shall be described in greater depth in the drawings and detailed description provided below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated, as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a tip section of an endoscope assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of a tip section of an endoscope assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates another perspective view of a tip section of an endoscope assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a tip section of a multi jet endoscope assembly according to one embodiment of the present specification; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective first side view of the tip section of the multi jet endoscope assembly of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a perspective second side view of the tip section of the multi jet endoscope assembly of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a perspective view of a fluid channeling component of the multi jet endoscope assembly of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary main connector, which is known in the prior art; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an embodiment where a dual-direction jet pump enables fluid flow through a single pipeline tube to a main connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates an exemplary coupling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification; 
         FIG. 5C  is a block diagram illustrating connection between a dual-direction jet pump and an endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification; 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates an exemplary operation of dual direction pump, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of controlling a flow direction of fluid from a source external to an endoscope into a plurality of fluid channels positioned within the endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In an embodiment, a pump is provided with an endoscope to control the flow of fluid from an external source to a combination of fluid channels within the endoscope, which supply fluid to a front jet or to the front jet and at least one side jet of a multi-jet endoscope assembly. In embodiments, the pump is a dual-direction pump that enables control of fluid to either the front jet or to the front and side jets of the endoscope. In various embodiments, the fluid flow control system of the present specification is intended for operation with a multiple viewing elements endoscope similar to those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/278,293, entitled “Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope Having Two Front Service Channels” and filed on May 15, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The present specification is directed towards multiple embodiments. The following disclosure is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Language used in this specification should not be interpreted as a general disavowal of any one specific embodiment or used to limit the claims beyond the meaning of the terms used therein. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. In the description and claims of the application, each of the words “comprise” “include” and “have”, and forms thereof, are not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated. 
     It should be noted herein that any feature or component described in association with a specific embodiment may be used and implemented with any other embodiment unless clearly indicated otherwise. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1 , which shows an exploded view of a tip section  200  of a multi-viewing element endoscope assembly  100  comprising at least one front working/service channel, according to various embodiments. An aspect of some embodiments also relates to endoscope assembly  100  having the tip section  200  equipped with one or more side working/service channels. 
     It is noted that the term “endoscope” as mentioned to herein may refer particularly to a colonoscope or gastroscope, according to some embodiments, but is not limited only to colonoscopes and gastroscopes. The term “endoscope” may refer to any instrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. 
     According to an embodiment, tip section  200  of endoscope  100  includes a tip cover  300 , an electronic circuit board assembly  400  and a fluid channeling component  600 . 
     According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component  600  may be configured as a separate component from electronic circuit board assembly  400 . This configuration may be adapted to separate the fluid channels, at least one side service channel, such as side service channel  650 , and at least one front working/service channel, such as working/service channel  640 , which are located in fluid channeling component  600 , from the sensitive electronic and optical parts which may be located in the area of electronic circuit board assembly  400 . Thus, the component structure of the tip section  200  enables effective insulation of the plurality of electronic elements from the plurality of fluid channels. 
     Tip section  200  may be turnable by way of flexible shaft which is also referred to as a bending section, for example a vertebra mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, electronic circuit board assembly  400  is configured to carry a front viewing element  116  and at least one side viewing element  116   b  which may be similar to front viewing element  116  and may include a sensor such as but not limited to a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. In addition, electronic circuit board assembly  400  may be configured to carry a second side viewing element on the opposite side of side viewing element  116   b , which may be similar to front viewing element  116  and may include a sensor such as but not limited to a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. 
     Electronic circuit board assembly  400  may further be configured to carry front illuminators  240   a ,  240   b ,  240   c , which are, in one embodiment, associated with front viewing element  116  and are positioned to essentially illuminate the fields of view of front viewing element  116 . 
     In addition, electronic circuit board assembly  400  may further be configured to carry side illuminators  250   a  and  250   b , which are, in one embodiment, associated with side viewing element  116   b  and are positioned to essentially illuminate the fields of view of side viewing element  116   b . Electronic circuit board assembly  400  may also be configured to carry side illuminators, which are associated with a second side viewing element that is positioned on the opposite side of side viewing element  116   b , which may be similar to side illuminators  250   a  and  250   b.    
     Front illuminators  240   a ,  240   b ,  240   c  and side illuminators  250   a  and  250   b  may optionally be discrete illuminators and may include a light-emitting diode (LED), which may be a white light LED, an infrared light LED, a near infrared light LED, an ultraviolet light LED or any other LED. 
     The term “discrete”, concerning discrete illuminator, may refer to an illumination source, which generates light internally-in contrast to a non-discrete illuminator, which may be, for example, a fiber optic merely transmitting light generated remotely. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1  along with  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , which show a perspective view of a tip section  200  of an endoscope assembly  100  according to an embodiment. 
     Tip cover  300  may be configured to fit over the inner parts of the tip section  200  including electronic circuit board assembly  400  and fluid channeling component  600  and to provide protection to the internal components in the inner parts. 
     Tip cover  300  may include a front panel  320  having a transparent surface, window, or opening for front optical lens assembly  256 , of front looking camera or viewing element  116 . Front optical lens assembly  256  may include a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which may provide a field of view of 90 degrees or more, 120 degrees or more or up to essentially 180 degrees. Front optical lens assembly  256  may provide a focal length in the range of about 3 to 100 millimeters. 
     An optical axis of front looking camera or viewing element  116  may be essentially directed along the long dimension of the endoscope. However, since front viewing element  116  is typically a wide angle viewing element, its field of view may include viewing directions at large angles to its optical axis. Additionally, front panel  320  may include optical windows  242   a ,  242   b  and  242   c  of illuminators  240   a ,  240   b  and  240   c , respectively. It should be noted that number of illumination sources used for illumination of the field of view may vary. 
     In addition, front panel  320  may include a working channel opening  340  of a working channel  640 . In alternate embodiments, the front panel may include more than one working channel opening. 
     Jet channel opening  344  of jet channel  644  may also be located on front panel  320  of tip cover  300 . Jet channel  644  may be configured for providing high-pressure jet of fluid such as water or saline for cleaning the walls of the body cavity. 
     Also located on front panel  320  of tip cover  300  is injector opening  346  of injector channel  646  having a nozzle  348  aimed at front optical lens assembly  256 . Injector channel  646  may be configured for injecting fluid (liquid and/or gas) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from a surface of front optical lens assembly  256  of front viewing element  116 . Optionally, injector channel  646  may be configured for cleaning front optical lens assembly  256  and one, two, or all of optical windows  242   a ,  242   b  and  242   c . Injector channel  646  may be fed by fluid such as water and/or gas which may be used for cleaning and/or inflating a body cavity. 
     Visible on the sidewall  362  of tip cover  300  is side optical lens assembly  256   b  for side viewing element  116   b , which may be similar to front optical lens assembly  256  and optical windows  252   a  and  252   b  of illuminators  250   a  and  250   b  for side viewing element  116   b . Also on the sidewall  362  of tip cover  300 , on the opposing side of first side optical lens assembly  256   b , is a second optical lens assembly for a second side viewing element, which may be similar to side optical lens assembly  256   b  and optical windows  252   a  and  252   b  of illuminators  250   a  and  250   b  for side viewing element  116   b . The first side optical lens assembly  256   b  may provide a focal length in the range of about 3 to 100 millimeters. 
     An optical axis of the first side viewing element  116   b  may be essentially directed perpendicular to the long dimension of the endoscope. An optical axis of the second side viewing element may be essentially directed perpendicular to the long dimension of the endoscope. However, since each side viewing element typically comprises a wide angle camera, its field of view may include viewing directions at large angles to its optical axis. In accordance with some embodiments, each side viewing element has a field of view of 90 degrees or more, 120 degrees or more or up to essentially 180 degrees. 
     In addition, side injector opening  266  of side injector channel  666  may be located at distal end of sidewall  362 . A nozzle cover  267  may be configured to fit side injector opening  266 . 
     Additionally, nozzle cover  267  may include a nozzle  268  which may be aimed at side optical lens assembly  256   b  and configured for injecting fluid to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from a surface of side optical assembly  256   b  of side viewing element  116   b . The fluid may include gas which may be used for inflating a body cavity. Optionally, nozzle  268  may be configured for cleaning both side optical lens assembly  256   b  and optical windows  252   a  and/or  252   b.    
     According to some embodiments, side injector channel  666  may be configured to supply fluids for cleaning any of the tip elements (such as any optical assembly, optical lens assembly, windows, illuminators, and other elements). 
     Optionally, injector channel  646  and side injector channel  666  may be fed from same channel. 
     It is noted that according to some embodiments, although tip section  200  is presented herein showing one side thereof, the opposing side may include elements similar to the side elements described herein (for example, side viewing element, side optical lens assembly, injector(s), nozzle(s), illuminator(s), window(s), opening(s) and other elements). 
     Sidewall  362  may have a form of an essentially flat surface which assists in directing the cleaning fluid injected from injector channel  666  towards side optical lens assembly  256   b  and optical windows  252   a  and/or  252   b . Lack of such flat surface may result in dripping of the cleaning fluid along the curved surface of tip section  200  of the endoscope without performing the desired cleaning action. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the sidewall  362  is located in a notch/depression in the tip cover  300 . This way, side injector opening  266  and corresponding side nozzle  268  may be elevated from the depressed sidewall  362  but still not significantly protrude from the level of cylindrical surface of the tip cover  300 . According to an aspect of one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 59C , the sidewall  362  is located in a sufficiently well-defined or deep notch/depression  5963  in the tip cover  300  such that the lens assembly of side optical lens assembly  256   b  stays sufficiently embedded in the notch/depression  363  and well below the level  5900  of the cylindrical surface of the tip cover  300 . The notch/depression  5963  protects the sidewall  362  and components thereof (side optical lens assembly  256   b , side illuminators  250   a ,  250   b  and side nozzle  268 ) from both longitudinal and latitudinal mechanical shocks. 
     It is noted that according to some embodiments, tip section  200  may include more than one side looking camera. In this case, the side looking cameras may be installed such that their fields of view are substantially opposing. However, different configurations and number of side looking cameras are possible within the general scope of the current specification. 
     Fluid channeling component  600  includes a side service channel  650  having a side service channel opening  350 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1 , along with  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D  which show a perspective view of a tip section  200  of a multi jet endoscope assembly  6501  comprising a plurality of side jets, in addition to a front jet, to enable improved flushing according to an embodiment of the present specification. 
     Tip cover  300  fits over the inner parts of the tip section  200  including electronic circuit board assembly  400  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and fluid channeling component  600  (shown in  FIG. 3D ) and to provide protection to the internal components in the inner parts. Holes  670  for pins for tip cover  300  are provided on fluid channeling component  600 , as shown in  FIG. 3D . Further,  FIG. 3D  shows a groove  6572  for an electrical cable. Tip cover  300  includes a front panel  320  having a transparent surface, window, or opening for front optical lens assembly  256 , of front looking camera or viewing element  116 , along with optical windows  242   a ,  242   b  and  242   c  of illuminators  240   a ,  240   b  and  240   c , respectively. 
     The front panel  320  includes a working channel opening  340  of a working channel  640  and jet channel opening  344  of jet channel  644 . Jet channel  644  is configured for providing a high-pressure jet of fluid, such as water or saline, for cleaning the walls of the body cavity. Also located on front panel  320  of tip cover  300  is injector opening  346  of injector channel  646  having a nozzle  348  aimed at front optical lens assembly  256 . Injector channel  646  is configured for injecting fluid (liquid and/or gas) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from a surface of front optical lens assembly  256  of front looking camera or viewing element  116 . Optionally, injector channel  646  may be configured for cleaning at least a surface of front optical lens assembly  256  and one, two, or all of optical windows  242   a ,  242   b  and  242   c . Injector channel  646  is fed by fluid such as water and/or gas which may be used for cleaning and/or inflating a body cavity. In one embodiment, the optical axis of the front looking camera or viewing element  116  is essentially directed along the central longitudinal axis  6503  that runs through the long dimension of the tip of the endoscope  6501 . 
       FIG. 3B  shows sidewall  362  of tip cover  300  comprising a transparent surface, window, or opening to side optical lens assembly  256   a  for a side looking viewing element, which may be similar to front optical lens assembly  256 , and optical windows  252   a  and  252   b  of illuminators for the side looking viewing element. Also, as shown in  FIG. 3C , the sidewall  362  of tip cover  300  on the opposing side to side optical lens assembly  256   a  is an optical lens assembly  256   b  for side looking viewing element  116   b , and optical windows  252   a  and  252   b  of corresponding illuminators for side looking viewing element  116   b . In one embodiment, the optical axis of one or both of the side looking viewing elements or cameras are essentially perpendicular to the optical axis (which is along the central longitudinal axis  6503  of the endoscope) of the front looking viewing element  116 . In one embodiment, the optical axis of one or both of the side looking viewing elements forms an obtuse angle with the optical axis of the front viewing element  116  while in an alternate embodiment, the optical axis of one or both of the side viewing elements forms an acute angle with the optical axis of the front viewing element  116 . 
     In addition, side injector openings  266  of corresponding side injector channels  666  are located at respective distal ends of the opposing sidewalls  362  as shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C . Nozzle covers  267  may be configured to fit the corresponding side injector openings  266 . The nozzle covers include nozzles  268  that are aimed at side optical lens assemblies  256   a ,  256   b  and configured for injecting fluid to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from at least a surface of side optical lens assemblies  256   a ,  256   b  of the side looking viewing elements. The fluid may include gas which may be used for inflating a body cavity. Optionally, nozzles  268  may be configured for cleaning the side optical lens assembly and both optical windows on the opposing sides of the tip  200 . 
     According to some embodiments, side injector channels  666  may be configured to supply fluids for cleaning any of the tip elements (such as any optical assembly, optical lens assembly, windows, illuminators, and other elements). Optionally, injector channel  646  and side injector channels  666  may be fed from the same channel. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A through 3D , in accordance with an embodiment, two side jet openings  605   a ,  610   a , fed by a common side jet channel  6506 , are provided around the side periphery at the proximal end of the tip  200 . Thus, the two side jet openings  605   a ,  610   a  which are fed by common side jet channel  6506  form a Y-shaped fluid conduit, described in greater detail below. The manifold shown in  FIG. 3D  includes a housing having a partially cylindrical shape with a curved top surface, a partially curved first side and a partially curved second side, wherein manifold housing is formed from a base portion with a first width, a first length, and a proximal surface and an elongated portion, which is attached to the base portion, with a second width, a second length, and a distal surface, wherein the first width is greater than the second width and the first length is less than the second length. A first channel  640  extends from the base portion through the elongated portion, wherein the first channel  640  has an entrance port positioned on said proximal surface of the base portion and an exit port positioned on a distal surface of the elongated portion. A second channel  644  extends from the base portion through the elongated portion, wherein the second channel  644  has an entrance port positioned on said proximal surface of the base portion and an exit port positioned on a distal surface of the elongated portion. 
     The Y-shaped fluid conduit comprises a central stem portion or common side jet channel  6506 , a first prong portion  6525 , and a second prong portion  6526 , wherein the central stem portion  6506  extends from an entrance port  607  on the proximal surface of the base portion through the base portion, wherein the first prong portion  6525  extends from an end of the central portion through the base portion to an exit port on the partially curved first side; and wherein the second prong portion  6526  extends from an end of the central portion through the base portion to an exit port on the partially curved second side. In one embodiment, the exit port extending from the first prong portion  6525  forms side jet opening  605   a  while the exit port extending from the second prong portion  6526  forms side jet opening  610   a.    
     A third channel  646  extends from an entrance port on the proximal surface of the base portion through to an exit port on the partially curved first side. A fourth channel  6516  extends from an entrance port on the proximal surface of the base portion through to an exit port on the partially curved second side. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth channels are fluidically isolated and separated from each other. 
     The common side jet channel  6506  has an entry port  607  at a proximal end of the fluid channeling component  600 . Similarly, two side jet openings  605   b ,  610   b , fed by another common side jet channel, are provided on the opposite side of side jet openings  605   a  and  610   a . In one embodiment the two side jet openings  605   a ,  605   b ,  610   a ,  610   b  on either side of the tip are positioned in such a way that the side injector openings  266  (one on both sides of the tip) are situated between them. Additionally, in one embodiment, the two side jet openings  605   a ,  605   b ,  610   a ,  610   b  on either side of the tip are positioned close to the side optical lens assemblies  256   a ,  256   b  of the side looking cameras (on both sides of the tip) such that when fluid is ejected from the side jet openings it is propelled at an approximately 45 degree angle and past the cameras, so that a physician can see the fluid being expelled. The fluid can be water or saline. 
     It should be noted that, in alternate embodiments, side jet openings can be configured around the side periphery in any suitable number, including 2, 4, 6, or 8. Also, the side jet openings can have a plurality of angular configurations causing fluid to exit at different angles relative to a lateral plane that includes the side optical lens assemblies of side viewing elements and the optical windows of the corresponding illuminators but not the front optical lens assembly of the front viewing element. In one embodiment, the optical axis of the side viewing elements is perpendicular to the lateral plane as well as the optical axis of the front viewing element which is along the central longitudinal axis  6503  of the endoscope. These angles of fluid exit can range from 45 to 60 degrees or 120 to 135 degrees relative to the lateral plane. Acute angles of exit of 45 to 60 degrees enable fluid to be expelled in the direction of movement of the endoscope while obtuse angles of exit of 120 to 135 degrees enable fluid to be expelled in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the endoscope, thereby aiding the endoscope movement within a body cavity. This is because, if the jet is directed in an opposite direction of movement of the endoscope, the resistance of the colon walls may push the scope forward like a jet engine. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the side jet openings are positioned at a distance ranging from 5 to 10 millimeters, and preferably 8.5 to 9.5 millimeters from the side optical lens assemblies on the circumference of the endoscope such that the fluid exiting the openings form angles ranging from 50 degrees to 60 degrees relative to a lateral plane containing the side optical lens assemblies and corresponding side optical windows (but not containing front optical lens assembly of the front viewing element). Also, the side jet openings have a diameter of about 1.4 to 1.7 millimeters, in one embodiment. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 3A through 3D , in an embodiment, a jet distributor is provided to supply fluids to each of the side jet openings, such as  605   a ,  605   b ,  610   a ,  610   b  in the multi jet endoscope tip  6501  of  FIGS. 3A through 3D , and the front jet  344 . The jet distributor typically comprises three fluid channels to provide fluid to the front jet  344 , right-side-jets  605   a ,  610   a  and left-side-jets  605   b ,  610   b  in the endoscope tip  6501 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a main connector  4000 , which is known in the prior art. A jet connector port  4002  is adapted for use with an endoscope that includes multiple jets. In embodiments, jet connector port (also referred to as an auxiliary water supply port)  4002  has more than one channel opening to enable jet flow to a front jet and at least one side jet of the multi-jet endoscope. The jet channels are located within a utility cable  4004  and are used to channel fluids there through and towards the respective front and side jet openings in the distal tip of the multi jet endoscope. In embodiments, a water bottle port (a water connector)  4006 , is attached to a water supply, such as a water bottle or hospital facilities, to provide fluid to an insufflation and/or irrigation system placed within the endoscope tip.  FIG. 4  illustrates other standard components of main connector  4000  that are provided, including an electric connector  4008  to connect the system to a source of electricity and therefore supply power to operate electric and electronic components of main connector  4000 . A gas channel  4010  may provide gas flow to the tip of the endoscope. An elongated protruding member  4012  is also shown, which may be adapted to fit into a receiving structure present on the surface of a main control unit. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , in an embodiment, a dual direction jet pump  5002  is located external to an endoscope  5040  and is connected to a main control unit  5032  of endoscope  5040 . In an embodiment, pump  5002  is connected to a main connector  5030  at a jet connector port  5058 . In an embodiment, jet connector port  5058  is similar to jet connector port  4002  described in context of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 5A  illustrates an embodiment where dual-direction jet pump  5002  enables control of fluid flow through a tube  5050  to main connector  5030 . In embodiments, the single fluid flow-path enables fluid to travel through multiple fluid channels including a front jet channel and/or side-jet channel for dispersion through a front jet opening and/or side jet opening that is located on the front panel and the side panel of a distal tip  5020  of endoscope  5040 , respectively. In embodiments, a first combination of fluid channels and a second combination of fluid channels are co-linearly placed within tube  5050 . In an embodiment, the first combination of fluid channels is connected to the front jet channel within the endoscope, which leads to the front jet opening. Similarly, the second combination of fluid channels is connected to the front-jet channel as well as the side-jet channels within the endoscope, which lead to the front-jet opening and the one or more side-jet openings. 
     As illustrated, in an embodiment, dual-direction jet pump  5002  supplies fluid to three jet openings in jet connector port  5058  of endoscope  5040  via at least three exiting pipelines  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026 , of which pipelines  5024  and  5026  connect to side jet channels for fluid dispersion through two side jet openings located on the side-walls of distal tip  5020 . Pipeline  5022  connects to a front jet channel for fluid dispersion through a front jet opening on the front face of distal tip  5020 . Hence, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5A , a single pump  5002  enables controlled flow of fluid through either a front jet or the front jet and the side jets. 
     Dual direction jet pump  5002  may connect to main control unit  5032  at port  5058 , by using a coupling system.  FIG. 5B  illustrates an exemplary coupling system  5500 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In accordance with an embodiment of the present specification, coupling system  5500  comprises a water jet connector  5052 , which provides a coupling mechanism between port  5058  and tube  5050 . Tube  5050  connects to water jet connector  5052  and dual direction jet pump  5002 . In one embodiment, connector  5052  is a luer connector, or any other type of connector that enables connecting system of small-scale fluid fittings used for making leak-free connections between a male-taper fitting and its mating female part on medical instruments. 
       FIG. 5C  is a block diagram illustrating a connection between a dual-direction jet pump and an endoscope  5040 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In embodiments, dual-direction jet pump includes a pump, such as jet pump  5002 . Jet pump  5002  pumps fluid from a fluid source such as a water reservoir  5004 , via at least two fluid pipelines  5006  and  5008 . In an embodiment, pipelines  5006  and  5008  are adjacently placed within single tube, conduit or pipeline  5050 . In embodiments, pipeline  5006  forms a part of the first combination of fluid channels that supply fluid to front jet opening  5010 , and pipeline  5008  forms a part of the second combination of fluid channels that supply fluid to front jet opening  5010  and side jet openings  5018 . 
     In embodiments, a first fluid pipeline  5006  provides a path for pumping water for a front jet through a front jet channel  5014  and via a front jet opening  5010  on a front panel  5012  of a distal tip  5020  of endoscope  5040 . Water pumped by pump  5002  through first fluid pipeline  5006  may be directed through a front jet channel  5014  to be dispersed from front jet opening  5010 .  FIG. 5C  illustrates a fluid path  5032  corresponding to the first combination of fluid channels, for fluid to flow towards front jet opening  5010 . Path  5032  is shown in the form of a thick line, through pipeline  5006 , via pump  5002 , through channel  5014 , towards distal tip front jet opening  5010 . 
     In embodiments, a second fluid pipeline  5008  provides a path for pumping water for a front and one or more side jets of the endoscope.  FIG. 5C  illustrates a fluid path  5034  corresponding to the second combination of fluid channels, for fluid to flow towards front jet opening  5010  and one or more side jet openings  5018 , of endoscope  5040 . Path  5034  is shown in the form of a thick dashed line, through pipeline  5008 , via pump  5002 , towards distal tip front jet opening  5010  and side jet openings  5018 . Water pumped through the second fluid pipeline  5008  may travel through front jet channel  5014  and side jet channels  5016 , for dispersion through front jet opening  5010  and one or more distal tip side jet openings  5018 . Jet openings  5010  and  5018  are located within distal tip  5020  of the endoscope. 
     Pump  5002  is a dual-direction pump adapted to direct the fluid jet&#39;s flow to the front jet, to one or more of the side jets, or to both the front and side jets concurrently. The fluid is supplied by pump  5002  to three jet openings in tip  5020  of endoscope  5040  via three fluid pipelines  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026 . In an embodiment, each of the three exiting fluid pipelines  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026  supply fluid to a fluid channel positioned within tip  5020 . In an embodiment, pipelines  5024  and  5026  supply fluid to side jet channels  5016 ; and pipeline  5022  supplies fluid to front jet channel  5014 . 
     In an embodiment, the three exiting fluid pipelines  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026  are located within tube  5050  that includes pipelines  5006  and  5008 . In an embodiment, pipeline  5008 , which provides the path for fluid to travel to front and side jet openings  5010  and  5018 , is connected to at least two or more pipelines that branch out from pipeline  5008 . In the figure, pipeline  5008  is shown to branch out in to pipelines  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026 . In embodiments, pipelines  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026  are parallel pipelines. Pipeline  5022  is connected to front jet channel  5014 , and pipelines  5024  and  5026  are connected to side jet channels  5016 . In embodiments, pipeline  5006  also merges with pipeline  5022 , in order to connect subsequently with front jet channel  5014 . In embodiments, pipelines  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026  connect with their corresponding channels through a main connector (shown in  FIG. 5B ). The three pipelines  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026  are embedded within tube  5050  (shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ) along connector  5052  (shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). Pipelines  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026  are aligned into the associated channels in connector port  5058  (shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). The main connector is also coupled with a controller unit that acts as a main control unit for the endoscope. 
     In various embodiments, in order to activate the jet and wash a lumen in a patient&#39;s body, a user/physician operating endoscope  5040  may use an activation system such as, but not limited to, a button located either on a handle of the endoscope, on the main control unit, or on a control panel of the endoscope, that, when pressed, causes a controller to activate the pump, thereby causing water to flow in one of two directions or to shut off. For example, once the button on an endoscope is pressed, a controller, which is in data communication with the button, causes the dual-direction jet pump  5002  to start providing fluid at a pre-determined rate to one of, two of, or each of the three fluid channels  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026 , of the endoscope. In another embodiment, pushing the button once may activate the pump in order to apply pressure to the fluid through pipeline  5006  and supply fluid to the front jet. In this embodiment, pushing the button twice may cause a controller to activate the pump in order to apply pressure to the fluid through pipeline  5008  and supply fluid to the front jet and the side jets. In another embodiment, the user/physician may be required to step on a foot pedal to cause a controller to activate jet-pump  5002 . Thus, in embodiments, two direction motor/pump  5002  is operated by a pushed button, a lever, or any other known trigger, or activation, mechanism to cause the fluid to flow through one, two, and/or all three fluid channels and pressing the activation mechanism a predetermined number of times corresponds with causing fluid to flow through a specific one or combination of the fluid channels. During operation of embodiments of the present specification, the user selects an option to either supply fluid through front jet opening  5010 , or through front jet opening  5010  and side jet opening  5018 . 
     If the user chooses to supply fluid to only front jet opening  5010 , pump  5002  is activated to apply pressure to fluid through pipeline  5006 . In an embodiment, a series of non-return check valves  5028  are placed along path  5032 , which are also activated in order to control the operation. Each check valve  5028  ensures that fluid flows through the pipeline in one direction only. Pump  5002  pumps fluid in the direction indicated by path  5032  in order to supply fluid to front jet opening  5010 . A first valve  5028  may be located in pipeline  5006  between reservoir  5004  and pump  5002  that ensures the fluid flows in the desired direction of path  5032 . A second check valve  5028  may be located between pump  5002  and pipeline  5022  that is connected to front jet channel  5014 . Second valve  508  also ensures that fluid flows in the direction of path  5032 , while pump  5002  pumps fluid from pipeline  5006  in the same direction. 
     Alternatively, if the user chooses to supply fluid to front jet opening  5010  and side jet openings  5018  simultaneously, pump  5002  is activated to pump fluid through pipeline  5008  in a direction that is opposite to the direction for pipeline  5006 . A series of non-return check valves  5029  ensure that the fluid flows in the direction of path  5034  for supplying fluid to front and side jet openings  5010 ,  5018 . In some embodiments, a first check valve  5029  is placed between reservoir  5004  and pump  5002  along pipeline  5008 . A second check valve  5029  may be placed along pipeline  5008  between pump  5002  and before the point where pipeline  5008  branches out to pipelines  5022 ,  5024 , and  5026 . 
       FIG. 5D  illustrates an exemplary operation of dual direction pump  5002 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In embodiments, pump  5002  is a peristaltic pump, which operates on the basis of alternating compression and relaxation of a tube. Pipelines  5006  and  5008  may form a single continuous tube that is wound around a rotating shoe or roller  5030 . Rotating shoe or roller  5030  forms pump  5002 . Roller  5030  passes along the length of the tube, resulting in two ends of the tube that are on the two sides of roller  5030 . These two ends may form the two paths  5032  (corresponding to pipeline  5006 ) and  5034  (corresponding to pipeline  5008 ). During operation, roller  5030  compresses the tube and creates a seal between the two sides of the tube, such that fluid is suctioned through the selected one of the two paths  5006  and  5008 . Rotation of roller  5030  in one direction may pull fluid through one path, while rotation of roller  5030  in an opposite direction may pull the fluid through the other path. Therefore, operating in one direction may supply fluids to front and side jets, while operating in the other direction may supply fluids to the front jet only. In embodiments, a single trigger mechanism (single button, lever, pedal, or any other) may be toggled to change the direction of pump  5002 . 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of controlling a flow direction of fluid from a source external to an endoscope into a plurality of fluid channels positioned within the endoscope. Simultaneously referring to  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C , at step  602 , the user activates pump  5002  connected to tube  5050 . In embodiments, tube  5050  includes the first and second combinations of fluid channels that are collinearly placed within tube  5050 . The first combination of fluid channels, corresponding to path  5032 , direct fluid to front-jet opening  5010 ; whereas the second combination of fluid channels, corresponding to path  5034 , direct fluid to front jet opening  5010  and side-jet openings  5018 . Therefore, at step  604 , the system determines whether the user has activated the pump to direct fluid to front-jet opening  5010  only or to front-jet opening  5010  and side-jet openings  5018  simultaneously. If the user has activated the first option, at  606 , the fluid is directed by pump  5002  via path  5032  comprising the first combination of fluid channels, to front-jet channel  5014 . Alternatively, if the user has activated the second option, at  608 , the fluid is directed by pump  5002  via path  5034  comprising the second combination of fluid channels, to front-jet channel  5014  and a side-jet channels  5016 . 
     The above examples are merely illustrative of the many applications of the system of present invention. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood that the present invention might be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.