AN INSERTION DEVICE FOR AN ENDOSCOPE

摘要

A probe system comprises an inflatable guide device (10) and a colonoscope (2). The guide device (10) comprises a sleeve of pliable material inverted upon itself to form an evertable tube with an inflation part for connection to an inflation tube (11). A leading edge of the guide device (10) is releasably secured to the colonoscope (2) during insertion into a colon. After insertion the leading edge is released and the guide device (10) is inflated. The colonoscope (2) may then be advanced through the colon in a spaced relationship to the walls of the colon by an everting motion of the guide device (10).