Patent Description:
Endoscopes have attained great acceptance within the medical community, since they provide a means for performing 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 Gl endoscopy and others. Endoscopes may be inserted into the body'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 for direct viewing. Viewing is also usually possible via an external screen. Various surgical tools may be inserted through a working channel in the endoscope for performing different surgical procedures.

Endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that are currently being used, typically have a front camera for viewing the internal organ, such as the colon, an illuminator, a fluid injector for cleaning the camera lens and sometimes also the illuminator and a working channel for insertion of surgical tools, for example, for removing polyps found in the colon. Often, endoscopes also have fluid injectors ("jet") for cleaning a body cavity, such as the colon, into which they are inserted. The illuminators commonly used are fiber optics which transmit light, generated remotely, to the endoscope tip section. The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination is also known. An example of such an endoscope is disclosed in document <CIT>, which discloses a unitary distal tip section comprising fluid channels for cleaning the front camera and a cover.

Among the disadvantages of such endoscopes, are their limited field of view and their complicated packing of all the required elements, such as electronics and fiber optics together with fluid carrying elements in the small sized endoscope tip section.

There is thus a need in the art for endoscopes, such as colonoscopies, that allow a broader field of view and also enable the function of all necessary elements in the tip section.

The invention is a tip section for a medical device as defined by claim <NUM>.

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.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a unitary fluid channeling component adapted to channel fluid for insufflations and/or irrigation (I/I), the unitary fluid channeling component comprising: a proximal opening adapted to receive a fluid tube, the proximal opening being in fluid flow connection with a front fluid (I/I) channel and a side fluid channel.

The fluid tube may include a gas tube and a liquid tube separated from each other or combined into one tube. The front fluid channel may lead to a front opening at a distal end in the unitary fluid channeling component; and the side fluid channel may lead to a left side opening and to a right side opening in the unitary fluid channeling component. The front fluid channel may extend along the length of the unitary fluid channeling component. The side fluid channel may be essentially perpendicular to the length of the unitary fluid channeling component.

The front opening may be adapted to receive a fluid injector and wherein the side openings are adapted to receive fluid injectors. The front channel, the side channel or both may be drilled in the unitary fluid channeling component. The front fluid channel, the side fluid channel or both may be partially internal and partially external to unitary fluid channeling component.

The unitary fluid channeling component may further include a working channel adapted for the insertion of a medical tool. The unitary fluid channeling component may further include a jet fluid channel adapted to clean a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted. The unitary fluid channeling component may further include a groove or a channel for guiding a cable.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a unitary fluid channeling component adapted to channel fluid for insufflations and/or irrigation, the unitary fluid channeling component comprising: a first proximal opening adapted to receive a first fluid tube and connected to a front fluid (I/I) channel; and a second proximal opening adapted to receive a second fluid tube and connected to a first side fluid (I/I) channel, wherein any of the first and second fluid tubes are adapted to transfer liquid, gas or a combination thereof to the tip section.

The front fluid channel may lead to a front opening at a distal end in the unitary fluid channeling component; and the side fluid channel may lead to one or more side opening in the unitary fluid channeling component. The front and side openings may be adapted to receive fluid injectors. The front fluid channel may extend along the length of the unitary fluid channeling component. The first side fluid channel may lead to a left side opening and to a right side opening in the unitary fluid channeling component and may be essentially perpendicular to the length of the unitary fluid channeling component.

The unitary fluid channeling component may further include a third proximal opening adapted to receive a third fluid tube connected to a second side fluid (I/I) channel.

Any of the side front channel and the one or more side channel may be drilled in the unitary fluid channeling component. Any of the front fluid channel and the one or more side fluid channels may be partially internal and partially external to unitary fluid channeling component.

The tip section may have a diameter of about <NUM> or less. The tip section may have a diameter of about <NUM> or less. The tip section may have a diameter of about <NUM> or less.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, there is provided an endoscope comprising a tip section as described herein.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a manifold for irrigation and/or insufflation (I/I) fluids, for providing gas such as CO<NUM> or air for inflating the colon (or other body cavity) during diagnostic or minimally invasive procedure, such as colonoscopy, and/or for providing cleaning liquid, for example water or saline, for cleaning optical front surfaces in an endoscope having at least one forward looking camera and one or more side looking cameras while maintaining small size of the tip section of the endoscope.

According to a first exemplary embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening for gas tube and liquid tube is directly opened to I/I channel manifold, located entirely within the tip section cylinder, the manifold comprises:
According to the first exemplary embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening for gas tube and liquid tube is directly opened to I/I channel manifold, entirely within the cylinder which comprises:.

According to a second exemplary embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening for gas tube and liquid tube within a cylinder in the endoscope's tip section is opened to I/I channel manifold which comprises:.

According to the third exemplary embodiment of the current invention proximal opening for gas tube and liquid tube within a cylinder in the endoscope's tip section is opened to right I/I opening and through it to a I/I manifold which comprises:.

According to a forth embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening for gas tube and liquid tube within a cylinder in the endoscope's tip section is opened to right I/I opening and through it to a I/I manifold which comprises:.

According to a fifth embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening for gas tube and liquid tube within a cylinder in the endoscope's tip section is opened to a right I/I opening and connected through hole to I/I manifold which comprises:.

According to a sixth embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening for gas tube and liquid tube within a cylinder in the endoscope's tip section is opened to a hole and through it to a I/I manifold which comprises:.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention, the medical endoscope tip section is less than <NUM> in diameter.

In some embodiments the medical endoscope tip section is less than <NUM> in diameter.

More details and features of the current invention and its embodiments may be found in the description and the attached drawings.

Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The figures are listed below:.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced be interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true scope.

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.

<FIG> schematically depicts an external isometric view of an endoscope <NUM> having multiple fields of view according to an exemplary embodiment not forming part of the current invention.

A tip section <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> comprises at least a forwards looking TV camera and at least one side looking TV camera. Tip section <NUM> is turnable by way of flexible shaft <NUM> (which may also be referred to as a bending section, for example a vertebra mechanism).

It is noted that the term "endoscope" as mentioned to herein may refer particularly to a colonoscope, according to some embodiments, but is not limited only to colonoscopes. The term "endoscope" may refer to any instrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body.

<FIG> shows front camera element <NUM> of forwards looking camera <NUM> (seen in <FIG>) on the front face <NUM> of tip section <NUM>. Optical axis of forwards looking camera <NUM> is substantially directed along the long dimension of the endoscope. However, since forwards looking camera <NUM> is typically a wide angle camera, its Field Of View (FOV) may include viewing directions at large angles to its optical axis. Additionally, optical windows 242a and 242b of LEDs 240a and 240b (seen for example in <FIG>) are also seen on front face <NUM> of tip section <NUM>. It should be noted that number of LEDs used for illumination of the FOV may vary. Distal opening <NUM> of working channel <NUM> (seen for example in <FIG>) is preferably located on front face <NUM> of tip section <NUM>, such that a surgical tool inserted through working channel tube <NUM>, and through working channel <NUM> in the endoscope's tip section and deployed beyond front face <NUM> may be viewed by forwards looking camera <NUM>.

Distal opening <NUM> of a jet fluid channel is preferably also located on front face <NUM> of tip section <NUM>. Distal opening <NUM> of a jet fluid channel may be used for providing high pressure jet of fluid such as water or saline for cleaning the walls of the body cavity.

I/I injector <NUM> having a nozzle <NUM> aimed at front camera element <NUM> may be used for injecting fluid (liquid and/or gas) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from front camera element <NUM> of forwards looking camera. Optionally the same injector is used for cleaning both front camera element <NUM> and one or both optical windows 242a and 242b. I/I injector <NUM> 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 side wall <NUM> of tip section <NUM> is the side camera (side looking camera) element <NUM> of side looking camera <NUM> (two such cameras are seen in <FIG>) and optical window <NUM> of LED <NUM>. Optical axis of side looking camera <NUM> is substantially directed perpendicular to the long dimension of the endoscope. However, since side looking camera <NUM> is typically a wide angle camera, its field of view may include viewing directions at large angles to its optical axis.

I/I injector <NUM> having a nozzle <NUM> aimed at side camera element <NUM> may be used for injecting fluid to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from side camera element <NUM> of side looking camera. The fluid may include gas which may be used for inflating a body cavity. Optionally the same injector is used for cleaning both side camera element <NUM> and optical windows <NUM>. It is noted that according to some embodiments, the tip may include more than one window and LEDs, on the side and more than one window and LEDs in the front (for example, two windows and two LEDs on the side and three windows and three LEDs in the front). The I/I injectors are configured to clean all or a part of these windows/LEDs). I/I injectors <NUM> and <NUM> may be fed from same channel. An optional groove <NUM> helps directing the cleaning fluid from nozzle <NUM> towards side camera element <NUM>. Groove <NUM> may be beneficial when side wall <NUM> is near or pressed against the rectal wall. Optionally, I/I injector <NUM> may be at least partially recessed in groove <NUM>, thus reducing the maximum diameter of tip section <NUM> and reduce the risk of injury to the rectal wall due to friction with I/I injector <NUM>.

In the depicted embodiment, flexible shaft <NUM> is constructed of a plurality of links <NUM> connected to each other by pivots <NUM>. Links <NUM> allows pushing, pulling and rotating the endoscope while pivots <NUM> provide limited flexibility. The shaft is preferably covered with an elastic sheath (removed from this figure for simplification purposes). The lumen in links <NUM> holds the working channel tube <NUM>. Not seen in this figure are the jet channel connected to distal opening <NUM>, optional cleaning fluid channel and electrical cables supplying power to the LEDs and cameras and transmitting video signals from the camera. Generally, the shaft also comprises mechanical actuators (not seen), for example cables attached to the links for directing and aiming the tip section during use.

It should be noted that while only one side looking camera is seen in <FIG>, preferably at least two side looking cameras may be located within tip section <NUM>. When two side looking cameras are used, the side looking cameras are preferably installed such that their field of views are substantially opposing. However, different configurations and number of side looking cameras are possible within the general scope of the current invention.

<FIG> schematically depicts a front view of tip section <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> having multiple fields of view according to an exemplary embodiment not forming part of the current invention.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention, tip section <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> comprises at least a forwards looking TV camera and at least two side looking TV cameras. <FIG> shows a front camera element <NUM> of forwards looking camera <NUM> on the front face <NUM> of tip section <NUM>. Additionally, optical windows 242a and 242b of LEDs 240a and 240b are also seen on front face <NUM> of tip section <NUM>. Distal opening <NUM> of working channel and distal opening <NUM> of a jet channel are preferably also located on front face <NUM> of tip section <NUM>. I/I injector <NUM> having a nozzle <NUM> is also visible in this view.

Additionally, I/I injectors 366a and 366b aimed at side looking camera element 256a and 256b respectively may be used for injecting fluid (the term "fluid" may also include gas and/or liquid) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from side camera elements 256a and 256b of side looking cameras. According to some embodiments, the injectors may supply liquid for cleaning any of the tip elements (such as any camera element, windows, LEDs, and other elements).

<FIG> schematically depicts a side view of endoscope <NUM> having multiple fields of view according to an exemplary embodiment not forming part of the current invention.

<FIG> shows side camera element <NUM> of side looking camera <NUM>, optional groove <NUM> and optical window <NUM> on the side wall <NUM> of tip section <NUM>. I/I injectors <NUM> and <NUM> are also visible in this view.

<FIG> schematically depicts a cross section isometric view of an endoscope <NUM> having multiple fields of view according to another exemplary embodiment not forming part of the current invention.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention, tip section <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> comprises at least a forwards looking TV camera <NUM> and two side looking cameras 220a and 220b.

Optical windows 242a and 242b of LEDs used for forward illumination are also seen on front face of tip section <NUM>.

Distal opening <NUM> of working channel is preferably located on front face of tip section <NUM> such that a surgical tool inserted through the working channel <NUM> and deployed beyond front face may be viewed by forwards looking camera <NUM>.

Distal opening <NUM> of a jet channel is preferably also located on front face of tip section <NUM>.

I/I injector <NUM> having a nozzle aimed at front camera element of camera <NUM> may be used for injecting fluid (gas and/or water) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from front camera element of forwards looking camera <NUM> and to inflate a body cavity (such as a colon) into which the endoscope (such as colonoscope) is inserted. Optionally the same injector is used for cleaning the front camera element and one or both optical windows 242a and 242b. I/I injector <NUM> may receive fluid from a fluid channel or may be fed by a dedicated cleaning fluid channel.

Visible on right hand side of tip section <NUM> is side camera element 256b of side looking camera 220b and optical window 252b of side illuminating LED.

I/I injector 366b having a nozzle aimed at side camera element 256b may be used for injecting fluid to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from side camera element 256b of side looking camera 220b and to inflate a body cavity (such as a colon) into which the endoscope (such as a colonoscope) is inserted. Optionally the same injector is used for cleaning both front camera element 256b and optical windows 252b. An optional groove 370b helps directing the cleaning fluid from I/I injector 366b towards side camera element 256b.

Although not seen in this figure, it is understood that equivalent elements 366a, 370a, 256a and 252a are present on the left hand side of tip section <NUM>.

Preferably, all the I/I injectors <NUM> and <NUM> are fed from same conduits.

In the depicted embodiment, flexible shaft (vertebra mechanism) <NUM> is constructed of a plurality of links <NUM> (only one is marked for simplification). Electrical cable <NUM> within shaft <NUM> is seen connected to cameras <NUM>, 220a and 220b. The same or separate electrical cable is used to power the LEDs.

<FIG> schematically depicts a cross section of an endoscope <NUM> having multiple fields of view showing some details of the tip section <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment not forming part of the current invention.

According to embodiments of the current invention, tip section <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> comprises at least a forwards looking TV camera <NUM> and two side looking cameras 220a and 220b. Each of cameras <NUM> and <NUM> is provided with an optical imaging system such as lens assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> respectively and solid state detector arrays <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. Front camera elements <NUM> and <NUM> of cameras <NUM> and <NUM> respectively may be a flat protective window, but preferably an optical element used as part of the imaging systems <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. Optionally, cameras <NUM> and <NUM> are similar or identical, however different camera designs may be used, for example, field of views <NUM> and <NUM> may be different. Additionally or alternatively, other camera designs parameters such as: resolution, light sensitivity, pixel size and pixel number, focal length, focal distance and depth of field may be selected to be same or different.

Light is provided by Light Emitting Diodes (LED) that illuminates the field of views. Preferably, white light LEDs are used.

In the depicted embodiment, field of view <NUM> of forwards looking camera <NUM> is illuminated by two LEDs 240a and 240b located within the endoscope tip section <NUM> and protected by optical window 242a and 242b respectively. According to some embodiments, forwards looking camera <NUM> may be illuminated by any other number of LEDs, for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> LEDs).

Similarly, in the depicted embodiment, field of views of side looking camera <NUM> is illuminated by a single LED <NUM> located within the endoscope tip section <NUM> and protected by optical window <NUM>. According to some embodiments, side looking camera <NUM> may be illuminated by any other number of LEDs, for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> LEDs).

It should be noted that number of LED light sources and their position in respect to the cameras may vary within the scope of the current invention. For example few LEDs may be positioned behind the same protective window, a camera and an LED or plurality of LED may be located behind the same protective window, etc..

Tip section <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> is located at the distal end of a flexible shaft <NUM>. Similarly to shafts of the art, shaft <NUM> comprises a working channel <NUM> for insertion of surgical tools. Additionally, shaft <NUM> may comprises channels for irrigation, insufflation, suction and supplying liquid for washing the external elements of the cameras and optionally the light sources.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric proximal view of an inner part of a tip section of an endoscope according to an exemplary embodiment not forming part of the current invention showing the entrances of various channels in the inner part of a tip section.

Inner part <NUM> of a tip section is located within the tip section and may be used for holding in place the components of the endoscope's tip section such as I/I injectors <NUM>, 366a and 366b; cameras, lenses and other elements. A cover (not seen in this figure) is placed over inner part <NUM>. Some elements, for example I/I injectors <NUM> and <NUM> (and optionally side camera element 256b) may be assembled after the cover was placed.

Inner part <NUM> of a tip section may comprise of several parts. In the depicted embodiment inner part <NUM> of the tip section comprises: unitary fluid channeling component <NUM>, central section <NUM> and front section <NUM> (examples of which are seen in some of the following figures). Unitary fluid channeling component <NUM> may be made of a metal or any other material, such as a polymer, a composite material or any other appropriate material or combination of materials. Unitary fluid channeling component <NUM>, according to some embodiments, may generally include two parts: a proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>' and a distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>". Proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>' may have an essentially cylindrical shape. Distal unitary channeling component section <NUM>" may partially continue the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>' and may have a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder), having only a fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder), wherein another fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder) is missing. (Distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>", which may be integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>'. The height of distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>" may by higher than that of proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>'. In the case of distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>", the shape of the partial cylinder (for example, partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along one side of the height axis) may provide a space to accommodate central section <NUM>. Central section <NUM> may include electronics and optical components, such as light means (LEDs for example), cameras (CCD or CMOS, for example) lenses, and other elements. This configuration of inner part <NUM> of the tip section may thus be adapted to separate the fluid channels and work channel, which are located in fluid channeling component <NUM> from the sensitive electronic and optical parts which are located in central section <NUM>. This paragraph may apply to any one of main bodies 190a-190f.

On the proximal surface <NUM> of unitary fluid channeling component <NUM> is proximal opening <NUM> of the jet fluid channel leading to distal opening <NUM> of the jet channel. Fluid tube (not shown in this figure for simplification purposes) may be inserted into, and affixed to distal opening <NUM> of the jet fluid channel. The jet fluid tube is threaded through flexible shaft <NUM> and is used for delivering fluid to the body cavity.

On the proximal surface <NUM> of unitary fluid channeling component <NUM> is proximal opening <NUM> of the working channel <NUM> leading to distal opening <NUM> of the working channel. Working channel tube/tools may be inserted into, and optionally affixed to proximal opening <NUM> of the working channel. The working channel <NUM> is threaded through flexible shaft <NUM> and is used for delivering surgical tools to the body cavity. Working channel <NUM> may also be used for suction of fluid from the body cavity.

On the proximal surface <NUM> of unitary fluid channeling component <NUM> is the electric cable opening <NUM> for electrical cable <NUM> (seen for example in <FIG>). Electrical cable <NUM> is connected at its distal end to the electronic components such as cameras and light sources in the endoscope's tip section. Electrical cable <NUM> is threaded through flexible shaft <NUM> and is used for delivering electrical power and command signals to the tip section and transmitting video signal from the cameras to be displayed to the user.

On the proximal surface <NUM> of unitary fluid channeling component <NUM> is the I/I tubes proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> (seen for example in <FIG>). Gas and fluid tubes may be inserted into, and affixed to proximal opening <NUM> of I/I channels manifold which delivers cleaning fluids to I/I injectors <NUM> and <NUM>. The gas and liquid tubes (such as gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM>) may be threaded through flexible shaft <NUM> and are used for delivering fluid (gas and/or liquid) to I/I injectors <NUM> and <NUM> for cleaning the optical surfaces on the endoscope's tip section and for inflating a body cavity. The gas and liquid tubes (such as gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM>) may also be combined into one tube and connected to the tip section as one tube.

It should be realized that it is important to keep the dimensions of the tip section of the endoscope small. Within the tight confines of the endoscope's tip section are the sensors, lenses, electric cables, at least one working channel, and a plurality of fluid channels. In contrast to endoscopes of the art, wherein each of the fluid tubes was directed to its destination, embodiments of the current invention provide I/I channels manifold to supply cleaning liquid and gas to the plurality of I/I injectors.

While <FIG> generically depicts the unitary fluid channeling component <NUM>, and shows its proximal surface <NUM>, the following figures depict some specific exemplary embodiments of the I/I channels manifolds and main bodies (such as cylinders), according to embodiments within the general scope of the current invention.

<FIG> schematically depicts a partially disassembled tip section 230a of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold internal to unitary fluid channeling component 190a according to a first exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Cover 196a is designed to fit over inner part (of the tip section) 100a, and to provide protection to the internal components in the inner part. Holes <NUM>', <NUM>', <NUM>', 242a', <NUM>', 242b', 256b', 252b' and 166b' in cover 196a are aligned with the corresponding components and channel openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, 242a, <NUM>, 242b, 256b, 252b and 366b in inner part 100a respectively. Optional groove 370b in cover 196a enable cleaning fluid from I/I injector 366b to arrive, and clean the front surface 252b of side looking camera. Not seen in this view are groove 370a, and holes 256a', 252a' and 166a' in cover 196a which are aligned with the corresponding components and channel openings 256a, 252a and 166a on the other side of inner part 100a respectively.

After fitting and attaching cover 196a over inner part 100a, I/I injectors <NUM>, 366a and 366b may be inserted into the corresponding I/I opening <NUM>, 166a and 166b in unitary fluid channeling component 190a through the corresponding holes <NUM>', 166a' and 166b' in cover 196a. Preferably, I/I injectors <NUM>, 366a and 366b may be removed from I/I opening <NUM>, 166a and 166b for cleaning the endoscope after use. Optionally, I/I injectors <NUM>, 366a and 366b may be replaceable or disposable. Optionally, the nozzles, such as nozzle <NUM>, nozzle <NUM> or any other nozzle may be inserted into the unitary fluid channeling component, such as unitary fluid channeling components <NUM> or 190a, within an isolating (e.g., plastic) part into the opening to allows us better electric isolation particularly when the unitary fluid channeling component and the nozzles are made of metal.

In the first exemplary embodiment of the current invention, I/I opening <NUM>, 166a and 166b are connected to proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> via I/I manifold channels which are within unitary fluid channeling component 190a. Distal opening <NUM>' is the opening of a jet fluid channel which may be used for providing high pressure jet of fluid such as water or saline for cleaning the walls of the body cavity (such as the colon) and optionally for suction.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric cross section of Inner part 100a having I/I channels manifold internal to unitary fluid channeling component 190a according to a first exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

In the depicted embodiment gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> are terminated in a plug <NUM> adapted to fit into proximal opening <NUM>. It should be noted that although gas tube <NUM> appears above liquid tube <NUM>, their order may be reversed, they may be positioned side by side, or replaced with a single tube or the tubes may be joined to one tube before entering inner part 100a. Alternatively, each of gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is separately connected to unitary fluid channeling component <NUM>, and their lumens open to a common conduit.

Proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is opened to I/I channel manifold. This cross section shows proximal opening <NUM> opened to front I/I channel <NUM> leading to front I/I opening <NUM> into which front I/I injector <NUM> is inserted. According to some embodiments, front I/I channel <NUM>(may also be referred to as front fluid channel) may be drilled in unitary fluid channeling component 190a. It should be noted that unitary fluid channeling component 190a and other parts of inner part 100a may be machined or be made by casting, sintering, injection or other manufacturing techniques.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 190a having I/I channels manifold internal to it according to a first exemplary embodiment of the current invention and to <FIG>, which schematically depicts another isometric cross section of inner part 110a, showing unitary fluid channeling component 190a having I/I channels manifold internal to it according to a first exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is seen in this figure opened to I/I channel manifold. This cross section shows proximal opening <NUM> opened to cross I/I channel <NUM> (may also be referred to as side fluid channel or side I/I channel) leading to left I/I opening 166a into which left I/I injector 366a is inserted and to right I/I opening 166b into which right I/I injector 366b is inserted.

According to some embodiments, cross I/I channel <NUM> may be drilled in unitary fluid channeling component 190a.

According to the first exemplary embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is directly opened to I/I channel manifold, within unitary fluid channeling component 190a which comprises:.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric view of a partially disassembled tip section 230b of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold partially internal and partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 190b according to a second exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

In contrast to the first embodiment depicted in <FIG>, in the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, cleaning fluids are supplied to left I/I injector 366a via a groove <NUM> in unitary fluid channeling component 190b. Groove <NUM> is connected in one side to proximal opening <NUM> by hole <NUM> and is opened to left I/I opening 166a which can hardly be seen in this view.

Cover 196b is designed to fit over inner part 100b, and to provide protection to the internal components of inner part 100b. Additionally, cover 196b is tightly fitted and preferably hermetically seals groove <NUM> to convert it to fluid tight conduit.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric view of inner part 100b of an endoscope tip section having I/I channels manifold partially internal and partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 190b according to a second exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 190b according to the second exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

According to the second exemplary embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is seen in this figure opened to I/I channel manifold which comprises:.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric view of a partially disassembled tip section 230c of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold partially internal and partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 190c according to a third exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

In contrast to the first embodiment depicted in <FIG>, in the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, fluids (liquid and/or gas) are supplied to left I/I injector 366b via a groove <NUM> in unitary fluid channeling component 190c. However, in contrast to the second embodiment, depicted in <FIG>, groove <NUM> is connected in the right side to right I/I opening 166b and opened on the left to left I/I opening 166a which can hardly be seen in this view.

Cover 196c is designed to fit over inner part 100c, and to provide protection to the internal components of inner part 100c. Additionally, cover 196c is tightly fitted and preferably hermetically seals groove <NUM> to convert it to fluid tight conduit.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric view of inner part 100c of an endoscope tip section having I/I channels manifold partially internal and partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 190c according to a third exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

It should be noted that the location of groove <NUM> on surface of unitary fluid channeling component 190c, and its depth and shape may be different.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 190c according to the third exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is seen in this figure opened to right I/I opening 166b and through it to groove <NUM> leading to left I/I opening 166a.

<FIG> schematically depicts another isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 190c according to the third exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is seen in this figure opened to right I/I opening 166b and through it to I/I manifold which comprises:.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric cross section view of an assembled tip section 230d of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold external to unitary fluid channeling component 190d according to a forth exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Similarly to third embodiment depicted in <FIG>, groove <NUM> is connected in the right side to right I/I opening 166b and opened on the left to left I/I opening 166a.

However in contrast to the first, second and third embodiments depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, fluids are supplied to front I/I injector <NUM> via a front groove <NUM> in unitary fluid channeling component 190d. Front groove <NUM> is opened in its proximal end to groove <NUM>, and at its distal end to front I/I opening <NUM>.

Cover 196d is designed to fit over inner part 100d, and to provide protection to the internal components of inner part 100d. Additionally, cover 196d is tightly fitted and preferably hermetically seals grooves <NUM> and <NUM> to convert them to fluid tight conduits.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric view of inner part 100d of an endoscope tip section having I/I channels manifold external to unitary fluid channeling component 190d according to a forth exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

It should be noted that the location of grooves <NUM> and <NUM> on surface of unitary fluid channeling component 190d, and their depth and shape may be different. For example, the location of any of the grooves may be completely or partially inside the cover, for example, within the walls of the cover.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 190d according to the forth exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is seen in this figure opened to right I/I opening 166b and through it to groove <NUM> leading to left I/I opening 166a. Also seen in this figure is the intersection of grooves <NUM> and front groove <NUM>.

According to the forth embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is opened to right I/I opening 166b and through it to an I/I manifold which comprises:.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric view of an assembled tip section 230e of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 190e according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

For clarity, cover 196d was drawn partially transparent to show inner part 100e.

Similarly to second embodiment depicted in <FIG>, groove <NUM> is proximal opening <NUM> by hole <NUM> and opened on the left to left I/I opening 166a (not seen in this figure).

Similarly to the forth embodiment depicted in <FIG>, cleaning fluids are supplied to front I/I injector <NUM> via a front groove <NUM> in unitary fluid channeling component 190e. Front groove <NUM> is opened in its proximal end to groove <NUM>, and at its distal end to front I/I opening <NUM>.

Cover 196e is designed to fit over inner part 100e, and to provide protection to the internal components of inner part 100e. Additionally, cover 196e is tightly fitted and preferably hermetically seals grooves <NUM> and <NUM> to convert them to fluid tight conduits.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric view of inner part 100e of an endoscope tip section having I/I channels manifold partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 190e according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

It should be noted that the location of grooves <NUM> and <NUM> on surface of unitary fluid channeling component 190d, and their depth and shape may be different.

<FIG> schematically depicts another isometric view of inner part 100e of an endoscope tip section having I/I channels manifold partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 190e according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

This view depicts groove <NUM> connection to left I/I opening 166a.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric cross section of endoscope tip section 230e according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is seen in this figure opened to right I/I opening 166b. Also seen in this figure is hole <NUM> connecting proximal opening <NUM> to front groove <NUM> and the connection of front groove <NUM> to front get opening <NUM>.

According to the fifth embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is opened to right I/I opening 166b and through hole <NUM> to I/I manifold which comprises:.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric view of an assembled tip section 230f of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold external to unitary fluid channeling component 190f in inner part 100f according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Similarly to forth embodiment depicted in <FIG>, groove <NUM> in unitary fluid channeling component 190f is connected in the right side to right I/I opening 166b and opened on the left to left I/I opening 166a.

Similarly to forth embodiment depicted in <FIG>, front groove <NUM> is connected in its proximal end to groove <NUM>.

However in contrast to the forth embodiment cleaning fluids are supplied groove <NUM> and <NUM> via hole <NUM> connecting them to proximal opening <NUM>.

Cover 196f is designed to fit over inner part 100f, and to provide protection to the internal components of inner part 100f. Additionally, cover 196f is tightly fitted and preferably hermetically seals grooves <NUM> and <NUM> to convert them to fluid tight conduits.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric view of a partially disassembled tip section 230f of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold external to unitary fluid channeling component 190f in inner part 100f according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

According to the sixth embodiment of the current invention, proximal opening <NUM> for gas tube <NUM> and liquid tube <NUM> is opened hole <NUM> and through it to an I/I manifold which comprises:.

It should be noted that optionally I/I injectors 336a and 336b, and optionally also <NUM> may be constructed as identical interchangeable inserts.

Reference is now made to <FIG> which schematically depicts an isometric proximal view of a main section of an inner part of an endoscope tip section, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention and to <FIG>, which schematically depicts an isometric cross section of the main section of <FIG>, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Unitary fluid channeling component <NUM> of an inner part of a tip section of an endoscope (such as colonoscope) is configured to be located within the tip section and may be used for accommodating fluid channels, work channel and optionally cable channel/recess and for holding in place the components such as tubing/tubes, and injectors. Unitary fluid channeling component <NUM> may be a part of the inner part of the tip section in a similar manner to that described for example in <FIG>.

Unitary fluid channeling component <NUM>, according to some embodiments, may generally include two parts: a proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>' and a distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>". Proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>' may have an essentially cylindrical shape. Distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>" may partially continue the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>' and may have a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder), having only a fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder), wherein another fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder) is missing. Distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>" may be integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>'. The height of distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>" may by higher than that of proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>'. In the case of distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>", the shape of the partial cylinder(for example, partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along one side of the height axis) may provide a space to accommodate a central section (not shown).

On proximal surface <NUM> of fluid channeling component <NUM> is proximal opening <NUM> of the jet fluid channel leading to distal opening of a jet channel (not shown). A jet fluid tube may be inserted through a flexible shaft and may be used for delivering fluid to, and optionally suction of fluid from the body cavity, for cleaning purposes.

On proximal surface <NUM> of unitary fluid channeling component <NUM> is proximal opening <NUM> of the working channel <NUM> leading to a distal opening of the working channel (not shown).

Unitary fluid channeling component <NUM> includes groove <NUM> extending from proximal surface 991along the length of proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>'. Groove <NUM> is adapted to guide (and optionally hold in place) an electric cable(s) which may be connected at its distal end to the electronic components such as cameras and/or light sources in the endoscope's tip section and deliver electrical power and/or command signals to the tip section and/or transmitting video signal from the cameras to be displayed to the user. According to this embodiment the electrical cable(s) do not have to be threaded through proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>' (which may be complicated) but can be simply placed in groove <NUM> and held by it.

On proximal surface <NUM> of unitary fluid channeling component <NUM> are I/I tubes proximal openings: front I/I proximal opening <NUM>; right side I/I proximal opening; <NUM> and left side I/I proximal opening <NUM>. Front I/I proximal opening <NUM>; right side I/I proximal opening <NUM> (not shown) and left side I/I proximal opening <NUM> lead to front I/I channel <NUM>; right side I/I channel <NUM> (not shown); and left side I/I channel <NUM>, respectively. Front I/I channel <NUM> extends from front I/I proximal opening <NUM>, through proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>' and distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>" to front I/I opening <NUM>. Left side I/I channel <NUM> extends from right I/I proximal opening <NUM>, through proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>' to left I/I opening <NUM>. Right side I/I channel <NUM>(not shown) extends from right I/I proximal opening <NUM>(not shown), through proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>' to right I/I opening (not shown), similar to the left side arrangement.

Front I/I channel <NUM> may include two parts: a proximal part <NUM>' (extending through proximal fluid channeling component section <NUM>') and a distal part <NUM>" extending through distal fluid channeling component section <NUM>"). Proximal part <NUM>' of front I/I channel <NUM> is adapted to receive, through front I/I proximal opening <NUM>, tube <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) which is adapted to transfer fluid (liquid and/or gas) to front I/I channel <NUM>. Tube <NUM> may be divided at any point along its length (for example at junction <NUM>) into two tubes, one is adapted to transfer gas and the other is adapted to transfer liquid (such as water).

Left side I/I channel <NUM> may be adapted to receive, at its proximal part, through left side I/I proximal opening <NUM>, tube <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) which is adapted to transfer fluid (liquid and/or gas) to left side I/I channel <NUM>. Tube <NUM> may be divided at any point along its length (for example at junction <NUM>) into two tubes, one is adapted to transfer gas and the other is adapted to transfer liquid (such as water).

Right side I/I channel (not shown) may be adapted to receive, at its proximal, through right side I/I proximal opening <NUM>, part tube <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) which is adapted to transfer fluid (liquid and/or gas) to right side I/I channel. Tube <NUM> may be divided at any point along its length (for example at junction <NUM>) into two tubes, one is adapted to transfer gas and the other is adapted to transfer liquid (such as water).

The endoscope user can thus decide which fluid (gas, liquid or both) he or she would like to pass through the I/I channel, which fluid, as mentioned herein, may be used for cleaning and/or insufflation purposes.

<FIG> schematically depicts an isometric proximal view of the main section of <FIG>, having liquid and gas tubes connected thereto, according to an exemplary embodiment not forming part of the current invention.

Claim 1:
A tip section for a medical device comprising a front camera and a side camera, the tip section comprising:
a unitary fluid channeling component (<NUM>) adapted to channel fluid, said unitary fluid channeling component (<NUM>) comprising:
a proximal section (<NUM>') having a proximally-facing surface (<NUM>), a side surface extending distally from the proximal-facing surface (<NUM>), and a cylindrical shape;
a distal section (<NUM>") having a distal-facing surface;
a proximal opening (<NUM>) located on the proximal-facing surface (<NUM>) of the proximal section (<NUM>'), said proximal opening (<NUM>) being in fluid flow connection with a first fluid channel (<NUM>), wherein the first fluid channel is a passage extending through the unitary block of material from the proximally-facing surface (<NUM>) of the proximal section (<NUM>') to a a first hole (<NUM>) on the side surface; and
a first groove (<NUM>) configured to supply fluid to a side opening (166b) for the side camera of the medical device, wherein the first groove (<NUM>) is connected to the first fluid channel by the first hole (<NUM>) and extending circumferentially around at least part of the unitary fluid channeling component (<NUM>); and
a cover (196b), wherein the cover is configured to seal the first groove (<NUM>) so that the first groove (<NUM>) is converted to a fluid tight conduit.