Endoscope with potential channels and method of using the same

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing an endoscope with a plurality of potential channels is disclosed. A tubing having a radially flexible wall is positioned adjacent the endoscope insertion tube. The tubing is collapsed prior to inserting the insertion tube into the patient's body. After the insertion tube is within the patient's body, the tubing is expanded to create a channel. A medical apparatus may pass through the channel for performing a medical procedure. The tubing is expanded by placing a tapered rod therethrough, by placing a fluid under pressure within the tubing, or by elevating a flat coiled wire into a cylindrical coil. A radially rigid tubing is placed within the expanded flexible tubing to permit medical devices to extend from a position outside of the patient's body to the distal end of the insertion tube. A plurality of tubings are provided circumferentially spaced from each other around the insertion tube to permit a combination of medical devices to be used in cooperation with each other to perform a medical procedure. A stiffening member, such as a rod or fluid under pressure may extend partially along the length of the insertion tube to vary the flexibility characteristics of the insertion tube while it is within the patient's body.