Patent ID: 7074182

Claim:
A videoendoscope comprising: an inspection probe including an inspection tube having a distal endpiece housing an optoelectronic imaging device delivering an electrical signal; a video processor for processing the electrical signal delivered by the imaging device in order to generate a video signal; a control unit secured to a proximal end of the inspection tube and provided with controls for controlling and adjusting the video processor; an umbilical connection cable having a distal end secured to the control unit for connecting the videoendoscope to a light source and to an electrical power supply; a display unit including a video display screen connected to the video processor in order to display the video signal; and a bundle of lighting fibers integrated without interruption in the umbilical cable, in the control unit, and then in the inspection tube, and having a distal end housed in the distal endpiece that serves to light a target observed by the probe when a proximal end of the umbilical cable is connected to a light generator; wherein the display unit is secured to a side face of the control unit to form an assembly configured to be held in one hand and actuated while being held in said hand, the control unit having a control panel on a top face and carrying control members including said controls for controlling and adjusting the video processor, and the assembly being of elongate shape between a distal end and a proximal end so as to be suitable for being held in said hand while allowing the control members to be actuated by using the thumb of said hand; wherein the video processor is included in the control unit; and wherein the control unit has mechanical and electrical coupling means on both side faces to enable the display unit to be fixed and electrically connected to either side face of the control unit.