摘要 |
<p>An endoscope and valve system specially adapted for use with a disposable sheath (18) having a plurality of channels (22) and respective resilient tubes (46a,46b,46c) extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the resilient tubes extend along grooves (24) formed in the side of an endoscope control handle (16) and are captured behind a pivotably mounted access door (50). The valve system (74,112,116) pinches the tubes against the door (50). The tubes are selectively released by pressing respective valve-actuating buttons (62,92) on the control handle. In another embodiment, the tubes (46a,46b,46c) are placed in external pinch valves (244,246,248) which are selectively actuated by actuating switches (276,310,316) mounted on the control handle (252).</p> |