FLUID PROPELLED ENDOSCOPE

摘要

An endoscope, more particularly a colonoscope, is provided for introduction into and along a passageway in a human or animal body in a desired direction of travel, the endoscope having a fluid propulsion device for effecting introduction. The fluid propulsion device comprises a conduit having an inlet for fluid under pressure and at least one outlet for expelling the fluid in a direction at least partly opposed to the desired direction of travel of the endoscope. The outlets may be atomising nozzles. The conduit may be movable lengthwise of the endoscope, but constrained to substantially follow the path of the endoscope. In one embodiment the endoscope is caused to travel over a pre-installed guidewire.