VIDEO-ENDOSKOP

摘要

An endoscope is provided with an integral optical element which includes a lens system with an objective lens (22) that is recessed approximately 15 mm from the distal end of the endoscope (12). An integral illuminating element includes a fiber optic bundle (18) and a lens (20) at the distal end of the endoscope (12) and illuminates the region of the distal end. The lens system terminates in a viewing port (26) that is laterally displaced from the proximal end of the endoscope and which is connected to a high resolution video camera (28,60) that can display a magnified image on a high resolution video monitor (66), thus obviating the need for an unimpaired visual path from the proximal to the distal end of the endoscope. A lumen (30) can be provided adjacent the lens system which brings a ventilating and clearing gas over the objective lens (22) to keep the lens clear. The magnified video image can also be supplied to printers (140) and recorders (138).