Oregon Health & Science University

Karl Storz Se Co. & Kg

Storz Endoskop Gmbh

Thomas Ruegg

Andreas Efinger

Dieter Huels

Beat Krattiger

Martin Renner

Christian Huber

Harald Haan

Dieter Hüls

Ansgar Brambrink

A video endoscope comprises a shaft comprising a rigid, proximal-side section and a distal section that is laterally deflectable in a plane from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft. A housing is arranged at the proximal end of the shaft. A control element for controlling the deflection of the shaft is provided at the housing. A rod-like pull element extends in the shaft in an off-center fashion with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The pull element is coupled with the control element and with a distal end of the deflectable section of the shaft, wherein a movement of the pull element by the control element in the proximal direction effects a lateral deflection of the deflectable section. A push tube is provided that is arranged to encase the exterior side of the pull element. The push tube extends from the proximal connection of the pull element with the control element through the first opening into the shaft.

Video endoscope

An exchangeable tool assembly is provided for an endoscopic treatment device, comprising a flexible shaft connected at its distal end to a tool unit and at its proximal end to a coupling element for coupling the tool assembly to a motor of the treatment device. The flexible shaft transmits a rotary movement of the motor to the tool unit. The flexible shaft is connected to said tool unit such that said flexible shaft and said tool unit form a jointly exchangeable unit. Further, a locking mechanism for releasably holding said tool assembly at said treatment device comprises a locking element arranged at said tool unit and a locking member arranged at said treatment device which is engageable in said locking member to releasably hold said unit formed by said tool unit and said flexible shaft at the treatment device, which can be withdrawn as a whole after this engagement of said locking member from said locking element.

Exchangeable tool assembly for an endoscopic treatment device and such treatment device

Growing community of inventors

Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Thomas Ruegg