Flexible endoscope system and functionality

Abstract

An endoscope system including an endoscope, an auxiliary endoscope assembly, and multiple stretchable resilient endless mounting bands engaging the endoscope and auxiliary endoscope assembly at spaced locations along the length thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An endoscope system comprising:
 an endoscope;   an auxiliary endoscope assembly; and   a plurality of stretchable resilient endless mounting bands engaging said endoscope and auxiliary endoscope assembly at spaced locations along the length thereof.   
     
     
         2 . An endoscope system according to  claim 1  and wherein said auxiliary endoscope assembly comprises:
 a flexible elongate element; and 
 a flexible sleeve having a first lumen for accommodating a distal portion of said endoscope capable of assuming at least a first curvature and a second lumen for accommodating said flexible elongate element, said second lumen being configured to allow said flexible elongate element to assume said at least first curvature as well as at least a second curvature about said first curvature, thereby to enhance flexibility of said endoscope system. 
 
     
     
         3 . An endoscope system according to  claim 2  and wherein said flexible elongate element comprises:
 an elongate element and an elongate channel each arranged for mounting at a different location on a distal portion of said endoscope, said elongate channel being arranged to receive said elongate element to a variable elongate extent, at least one of said elongate element and said elongate channel being flexible; and 
 said variable elongate extent varying as a function of a degree of bending of said endoscope. 
 
     
     
         4 . An endoscope system according to  claim 2  and wherein:
 said flexible elongate element has an outer cross section having a diameter; and 
 said first lumen is configured for accommodating said distal portion of said endoscope which is capable of assuming at least a first curvature and said second lumen is configured to define, at least along a portion of the elongate extent thereof, an elongate element transverse displacement accommodating volume having a transverse extent at least twice as long as said diameter of said outer cross section of said flexible elongate element. 
 
     
     
         5 . An endoscope system according to  claim 2  and wherein said auxiliary endoscope assembly also comprises an inflatable balloon mounted onto said flexible sleeve and wherein said flexible elongate element also comprises:
 a channel; and 
 an endoscope tool which extends through said channel and includes an inflatable endoscope tool balloon. 
 
     
     
         6 . An endoscope system according to  claim 5  and also comprising at least one inflation control subassembly operative to facilitate at least one of inflation and deflation of at least one of said inflatable balloon and said inflatable endoscope tool balloon. 
     
     
         7 . An endoscope system according to  claim 6  and wherein said at least one inflation control subassembly comprises initialization functionality operative to ensure that prior to operation at least one of said inflatable balloon and said inflatable endoscope tool balloon is in a fully deflated state.