Endoscope articulation system to reduce effort during articulation of an endoscope

摘要

An endoscope having an articulation system that provides a mechanical advantage and facilitates articulation of the distal section of the endoscope insertion tube. The endoscope includes a handle held by a user during an endoscopic procedure and an insertion tube attached at its proximal section to the handle. A plurality of control cables extending the length of the insertion tube are securely attached to the insertion tube's distal section and are axially movable to articulate the distal section. Control wheels are rotatably attached to the handle and positioned to be manipulated by the user during the endoscopic procedure. The articulation system is connected at one end to the control cables and at the other end to the control wheels. The articulation system transmits movement of the control wheels to the control cables. The articulation system is partially linearly movable between the control wheels and the control cables upon movement of at least one control wheel so as to provide a mechanical advantage in converting force from the control wheel to the control cable. The articulation system is configured with approximately a two-to-one mechanical advantage, such that a force exerted on the control wheel is approximately one-half of the force that is transmitted to the control cable to move the control cable axially, thereby articulating the insertion tube's distal section.