Patent ID: 6899672

Claim:
An imaging endoscope, comprising: a shape retaining endoscopic sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and a working channel disposed therein that extends from the proximal end to the distal end; a light source disposed at the distal end of the sheath to illuminate internal body tissues; an image sensor; means for retaining the shape of the endoscopic sheath upon removal of a deflection device; a deflection device for selectively positioning the distal end of the sheath, the deflection device including: an elongate shaft having a proximal and a distal end and a steering mechanism for moving the distal end; wherein the elongate shaft fits within the working channel of the endoscope and engages the distal end of the sheath such that when the distal end of the deflection device is moved, the distal end of the sheath is also moved.