Stereo video endoscope for insertion into human body and animal body, has bending control device provided at proximal end of shaft, for bending distal bendable portions at the distal end of tubular shafts

摘要

The endoscope has two optical sensors and elongated tubular shafts (4,4') comprising a rigid portion adjoining distal bendable portion (5,5). An optical unit (6,6) is provided at distal end of each tubular shaft. The distal bendable portions of tubular shafts are moved from parallel-guided position into specific position in the optical units in a state spaced apart from each other. A bending control device is provided at the proximal end of shaft, for bending the bendable portion at the distal end of the shaft. An independent claim is included for method for operating stereo video endoscope.