An endoscopic carrier with complete directional control: design principles

We describe a carrier for instruments used in endoscopy. It consists of a train of articulated segments whose angular displacement is controlled by a series of magnetic clutches. The operator guides the leading segment under view from the carrier's proximal end, and the guide angle is repeated automatically at the articulations of all following segments. This mechanism is used to lead the entire length of the carrier around curves or flexures. A central channel accepts instruments for observation and manipulation. We believe that endoscopic examinations particularly of the upper and the lower digestive tracts will become much easier to perform with this new endoscopic sonde.