Body cavity pressure adjusting device for endoscope and laser medical treatment apparatus including body cavity pressure adjusting device

• US 4,971,034 A
• Filed: 07/05/1989
• Issued: 11/20/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
• Original Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
• Inventors: Osawa, Hitoshi, Honda, Ryoji, Shirai, Masami, Doi, Yuzuru
• Primary Examiner(s): Grieb, William H.
• Application Number:
  US07/375,469
• Time in Patent Office: 503 Days
• Field of Search: 128/4, 128/6, 128/747, 128/748, 606/10, 606/15
• US Class Current: 600/104
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00068 Valve switch arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/015 Control of fluid supply or evacuation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/2736 Gastroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3474 Insufflating needles, e.g. Veress needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/20 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00636 Sensing and controlling the application of energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00982 combined with or comprising means for visual or photographic inspections inside the body, e.g. endoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/03 Detecting, measuring or recording fluid pressure within the body other than blood pressure, e.g. cerebral pressure; Measuring pressure in body tissues or organs A61B5/205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4238 stomach
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/74 Suction control underwater drainage A61M1/61
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/743 by changing the cross-section of the line, e.g. flow regulating valves A61M1/7413 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 13/003 Blowing gases other than for carrying powders, e.g. for inflating, dilating or rinsing
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 7/045 by electric or magnetic means

Abstract

An endoscope system is provided in which air is pumped into a first channel into the endoscope in order to pressurize the body cavity and a forceps channel is connected to a suction pump in order to drain the body cavity of fluid, air and debris. Either a second suction pump or a second supply of air is connected to the forceps channel along with a pressure detector for controlling suction. Further, a suction tube is also provided which is connected to, and which communicates with, a forceps channel in which a medical tool is adapted to be inserted, and a suction device is, in turn, connected to and communicates with the suction tube. Pressure within the suction tube is detected by a pressure detecting device, and the detected pressure is indicated on the display. A suction control device is provided which controls operation of the suction device by operating based upon an output signal from a pressure setting device for setting a maximum value for the body cavity pressure and an output signal from the pressure detecting device. A laser knife is also provided which includes a protective pipe surrounding a fiber optic laser transmitting member for forming a first gap and a tube surrounding the protective pipe to form a second gap. Gas is passed through the first gap to cleanse the emitting end of the laser transmission member. A pressure detecting device is coupled to the second gap in order to monitor pressure within the stomach, and a suction device which is responsive to the pressure detecting device is also connected to the second gap in order to control gas pressure within the stomach.

Claims

1. A body cavity pressure adjusting device adapted to be used with an endoscope, said endoscope having a first channel into which a medical tool is adapted to be inserted, said body cavity pressure adjusting device comprising:

(a) a suction tube connected to, and communicating with, said first channel of said endoscope;

(b) suction creating means connected to, and communicating with, said suction tube;

(c) means for detecting a pressure within said suction tube, said pressure detecting means being fluidically connected to said suction tube and including a pressure detector;

(d) pressure setting means for setting a reference pressure value within said body cavity; and

(e) suction control means for controlling the operation of said suction creating means in response to the receipt of an output signal from said pressure detecting means and an output signal from said pressure setting means.

2. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pressure detecting means comprises a first branch pipe which is connected to and extends from said suction tube, said pressure detector being positioned on said branch pipe, and a valve having means for opening and closing said branch pipe, said valve being positioned at a location between said pressure detector and said suction tube, said suction control means having means for controlling the operation of said suction creating means and operation of said valve.

3. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first channel comprises a forceps channel, and said suction tube is selectively connected to said forceps channel.

4. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said suction control means includes means for increasing the suction volume of said suction creating means when the pressure detected by said pressure detecting means is greater than a predetermined pressure.

5. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said suction control means comprises means for generating a signal to continuously operate said suction creating means for a fixed period of time and said pressure setting means includes means for generating a signal representative of said fixed period of time.

6. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a suction branch pipe, said suction branch pipe having a control valve associated with said suction creating means.

7. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 1, in combination with said endoscope, wherein said endoscope has a second channel connected to first means for supplying gas to said body cavity.

8. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 7, further comprising an additional means for supplying gas to said second channel.

9. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising additional suction creating means connected to said first channel for sucking debris from said body cavity.

10. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said suction creating means and said pressure detecting means are connected to said first channel.

11. A body cavity pressure adjusting device adapted to be used with an endoscope having a first channel into which a medical tool is adapted to be inserted, said body cavity pressure adjusting device comprising:

(a) a suction tube connected to and communicating with said first channel of said endoscope;

(b) suction creating means connected to and communicating with said suction tube;

(c) means for detecting pressure within said suction tube, said pressure detecting means being positioned along a branch pipe which is fluidically connected to said suction tube;

(d) pressure setting means for setting a reference pressure value within said body cavity; and

(e) suction control means for controlling the operation of said suction creating means in response to the receipt of an output signal from said pressure detecting means and an output signal from said pressure setting means.

12. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 11, wherein said suction tube comprises a plurality of sections, said suction tube sections being fluidically connected by a plurality of connecting tube sections which are observable from the exterior of said device.

13. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 11, wherein said connecting tube sections are replaceable.

14. A body cavity pressure adjusting device adapted to be used with an endoscope having a first channel into which a medical tool is adapted to be inserted, said body cavity pressure adjusting device comprising:

(a) a suction tube connected to and communicating with said first channel of said endoscope;

(b) suction creating means connected to and communicating with said suction tube;

(c) means for detecting pressure within said suction tube;

(d) pressure setting means for setting a reference pressure value within said body cavity; and

(e) suction control means for controlling the operation of said suction creating means in response to the receipt of an output signal from said pressure detecting means and an output signal from said pressure setting means, wherein said endoscope includes only said first channel, a tube being positioned within said channel, a pipe being positioned within said tube, and a light fiber being positioned in said pipe, wherein a first gap is created between said pipe and said light fiber and a second gap is created between said pipe and said tube.

15. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 14, wherein gaps are formed in said suction tube, said pressure detecting means being connected to said first gap, said device having means for supplying gas to said body cavity through said second gap.

16. A body cavity pressure adjusting device adapted to be used with an endoscope, said endoscope having a first channel into which a medical tool is adapted to be inserted, said body cavity pressure adjusting device comprising:

(a) a suction tube connected to and communicating with said first channel of said endoscope;

(b) means for creating suction connected to, and communicating with, said suction tube;

(c) means for detecting pressure within said suction tube, said pressure detecting means being fluidically connected to said suction tube;

(d) pressure setting means for setting a reference pressure value within said body cavity;

(e) means for indicating the pressure detected by said pressure detecting means; and

(f) suction control means for controlling operation of said suction means in response to receipt of an output signal from said pressure detecting means and receipt of an output signal from said pressure setting means.

17. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, wherein said pressure indicating means comprises means for indicating a value other than a pressure value whenever the pressure value detected by said pressure detecting means, after said suction creating means has finished a sucking operation, is less than said reference pressure.

18. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, wherein said pressure indicating means comprises means for continuously indicating the pressure value detected by said pressure detecting means immediately before said suction means initiates a sucking operation.

19. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, in combination with said endoscope, said endoscope further comprising a second channel connected to means for supplying gas to said body cavity.

20. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, further comprising additional suction creating means connected to said first channel, said additional suction creating means comprising means for sucking debris from said body cavity.

21. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, wherein said suction creating means and said pressure detecting means are connected to said first endoscope channel.

22. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, further comprising second means for supplying gas, said second gas supplying means being connected to said first channel.

23. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, wherein said channel comprises a forceps channel which includes an opening for inserting forceps therein and said suction tube comprises a flexible plastic tube which is detachably connected to said forceps channel opening.

24. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 23, further comprising a connecting clasp having a rubber plug at one end thereof, said clasp being selectively attachable to said forceps channel opening.

25. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, wherein said suction tube is connected to said means for creating suction, said means for creating suction comprising an external suction device.

26. A body cavity pressure setting device in accordance with claim 16, wherein said pressure setting means comprises a plurality of pressure setting switches.

27. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 26, wherein said pressure setting switches include a switch for automatically controlling said pressure in said body cavity.

28. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 27, wherein said pressure adjusting switches include a suction mode setting switch for establishing the time during which said suction creating means operates in order to adjust said pressure in said body cavity.

29. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 26, wherein said pressure setting switches include a suction switch for controlling the suction of water into said device through a water pipe.

30. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, further comprising means for displaying the value of said pressure detected by said pressure detecting means on a digital or analog display.

31. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, further comprising a microcomputer having an input-output interface, a CPU, and a memory, wherein said input-output interface is connected to an output line from said pressure setting means, an output line from said pressure detecting means, and an output line from a counter that counts the number of times that a valve opens and closes.

32. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 16, further comprising additional suction creating means connected to said first channel, said additional suction creating means operating to suck debris from said body cavity.

33. A body cavity pressure adjusting device adapted to be used with an endoscope, said endoscope having only a first channel, a tube being positioned within said channel, a pipe being positioned within said tube, and a light fiber being positioned in said pipe, wherein a first gap is created between said pipe and said light fiber and a second gap is created between said pipe and said tube, a medical tool being inserted into said first channel, said body cavity pressure adjusting device comprising:

(a) a suction tube connected to, and communicating with, said first channel of said endoscope;

(b) suction creating means connected to, and communicating with, said suction tube;

(c) means for detecting pressure within said suction tube;

(d) pressure setting means for setting a reference value for pressure within said body cavity;

(e) means for indicating the pressure detected by said pressure detecting means; and

(f) suction control means for controlling operation of said suction means in response to receipt of an output signal from said pressure detecting means and receipt of an output signal from said pressure setting means.

34. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 33, wherein said pressure indicating means includes means for initiating an alarm whenever said pressure detected by said pressure detecting means, after said suction means has successively operated a predetermined number of times, is greater than said reference pressure.

35. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 33, wherein said suction tube comprises said first gap, said pressure detecting means being connected to said first gap, and means for supplying gas to said body cavity, said gas supplying means being connected to said second gap.

36. A body cavity pressure adjusting device adapted to be attached to an endoscope having one channel into which a medical tool can be inserted, wherein said body cavity pressure adjusting device comprises:

(a) a suction tube which is adapted to be fluidically connected to said one channel of said endoscope;

(b) an external suction device for creating suction within said suction tube, said suction tube being connected to said external suction device, said external suction device comprising a suction pump, a suction bottle for storing material sucked through said suction tube, and at least one electromagnetic valve;

(c) means for detecting pressure within said suction tube;

(d) means for setting a predetermined reference pressure for said body cavity; and

(e) means for controlling operation of said means for creating suction, said operation controlling means being operable in response to receipt of an output signal from said pressure detecting means and receipt of an output signal from said predetermined pressure setting means.

37. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 36, further comprising means for indicating said pressure detected by said pressure detecting means.

38. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 36, comprising two electromagnetic valves, a first, normally closed electromagnetic valve, and a second, normally opened electromagnetic valve.

39. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 38, further comprising a valve opening and closing counter comprising means for counting the number of times that said first electromagnetic valve is opened and closed.

40. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 38, wherein said second electromagnetic valve is positioned along a pipe which is attached to, and branched from, said suction tube at a position located between said first electromagnetic valve and said suction bottle.

41. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 36, further comprising an alarm that is activated when said pressure detected by said pressure detecting means is greater than said predetermined reference pressure.

42. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 36, in combination with said endoscope, said endoscope further comprising a second channel connected to means for supplying gas to said body cavity.

43. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 42, further comprising second means for supplying gas, said second gas supplying means being connected to said one channel.

44. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 36, wherein said suction creating means and said pressure detecting means are connected to said one endoscope channel.

45. A body cavity pressure adjusting device adapted to be used with an endoscope, said device having a first channel into which a medical tool can be inserted, comprising:

(a) a suction tube connected to, and communicating with, said first channel of said endoscope;

(b) means for creating suction connected to, and communicating with, said suction tube;

(c) means for detecting pressure within said suction tube, wherein said pressure detecting means is positioned at one end of an additional pipe that is fluidically connected to and branched from said suction tube;

(d) pressure setting means for setting a reference pressure value within said body cavity;

(e) means for indicating said pressure detected by said pressure detecting means; and

(f) suction control means for controlling the operation of said suction means in response to the receipt of an output signal from said pressure detecting means and an output signal from said pressure setting means.

46. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 45, further comprising an air supply pump which is fluidically connected to said additional pipe.

47. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 46, further comprising a normally open electromagnetic valve, and a three-way electromagnetic valve that is positioned between said normally open electromagnetic valve and said pressure detecting means.

48. A body cavity pressure detecting device in accordance with claim 47, further comprising a water tube, one end of said water tube being connected to said three-way electromagnetic valve, a second end of said water tube being connected to a water container.

49. A body cavity pressure adjusting device adapted to be attached to an endoscope, said endoscope having one channel into which a medical tool can be inserted, wherein said body cavity pressure adjusting device comprises:

(a) a suction tube adapted to be fluidically connected to said channel of said endoscope;

(b) means for creating suction within said suction tube;

(c) means for detecting pressure within said suction tube;

(d) means for setting a predetermined reference pressure for said body cavity;

(e) means for controlling the operation of said suction creating means in response to the receipt of an output signal from said pressure detecting means and an output signal from said predetermined reference pressure setting means;

(f) at least one pipe connected to said suction tube;

(g) a plurality of electromagnetic valves having means for collapsing at least one suction tube or pipe, each of said electromagnetic valves comprising an oscillatable piston; and

(h) a microcomputer having an input-output interface, a CPU, and a memory, wherein said input-output interface is connected to an output line from said reference pressure setting means, an output line from said pressure detecting means, and an output line from a counter that counts the number of times that at least one of said electromagnetic valves opens and closes.

50. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 49, further comprising an exterior housing for containing a portion of said body cavity pressure adjusting device, said housing having a viewing window and a lid which is adapted to rotate about said window so as to selectively close said window.

51. A body cavity pressure adjusting device adapted to be attached to an endoscope, said endoscope having only one channel, a tube positioned within said channel, a pipe positioned within said tube, and a light fiber positioned in said pipe, wherein a first gap is created between said pipe and said light fiber and a second gap is created between said pipe and said tube, wherein a medical tool is adapted to be inserted into said channel, said body cavity pressure adjusting device comprising:

(a) a suction tube adapted to be fluidically connected to said channel of said endoscope;

(b) means for creating suction within said suction tube;

(c) means for detecting pressure within said suction tube;

(d) means for setting a predetermined reference pressure for said body cavity; and

(e) means for controlling the operation of said suction creating means in response to the receipt of an output signal from said pressure detecting means and an output signal from said predetermined reference pressure setting means.

52. A body cavity pressure adjusting device in accordance with claim 51, wherein said suction tube and said pressure detecting means are connected to one gap, and means for supplying a gas to said body cavity is connected to said second gap.

53. An endoscope system comprising:

(a) an endoscope having an insertion part adapted to be inserted into a body cavity, said insertion part containing at least a first channel and a second channel adapted to communicate with said body cavity;

(b) first suction means communicating with said first channel for suctioning said body cavity;

(c) first positive pumping means communicating with said second channel for supplying a gas into said body cavity, said first positive pumping means comprising means for selectively supplying a first air flow and water included in said first air flow, when in a first operational mode, or a second air flow, when in a second operational mode and further comprising a control valve interposed between said first positive pumping means and said second channel for switching said first positive pumping means between said first and second operational modes; and

(d) pressure means communicating through a third channel with said first channel for controllably adjusting pressure within said body cavity, said pressure means comprising a second suction means for reducing pressure within said body cavity, said second suction means being automatically controlled by said output of a pressure sensor, said pressure sensor communicating with said third channel, said pressure sensor having an output comprising means for controlling the pressure of

54. An endoscope system, comprising:

(a) an endoscope having an insertion part adapted to be inserted into a body cavity, said insertion part containing at least a first channel and a second channel that are adapted to communicate with said body cavity;

(b) first suction means communicating with said first channel for suctioning said body cavity;

(c) first positive pumping means communicating with said second channel for supplying a gas into said body cavity, said first positive pumping means comprising means for selectively supplying a first air flow and water included in said first air flow, when in a first operational mode, or a second air flow, when in a second operational mode, and further comprising a control valve interposed between said first positive pumping means and said second channel for switching said first positive pumping means between said first and second operational modes;

(d) pressure means communicating through a third channel with said first channel for controllably adjusting pressure within said body cavity, in addition to said first suction means, by changing said pressure in said first channel; and

(e) a pressure sensor communicating with said third channel and having an output signal which is adapted to control said pressure within said body cavity.

55. An endoscope system as defined by claim 54, wherein said pressure means comprises a second suction means for reducing said pressure within said body cavity, said second suction means being automatically controlled by the output of said pressure sensor.

56. An endoscope system as defined by claim 54, further comprising a light fiber included within said insertion part of said endoscope and a light unit for supplying light to said light fiber, said first positive pumping means and said second suction means being included within said light unit.

57. An endoscope system as defined by claim 54, wherein said first channel is a forceps channel into which a medical tool is adapted to be inserted.

58. An endoscope system as defined by claim 54, wherein said pressure means comprises a second positive pumping means for supplying gas into said second channel, said output signal of said pressure sensor controlling said first suction means.

59. An endoscope system as defined by claim 58, wherein said second positive pumping means supplies said gas at a rate of between 30 and 70 ml per minute.

60. An endoscope system as defined by claim 58, wherein said first channel comprises a forceps channel into which a medical tool is adapted to be inserted.

61. Laser medical treatment apparatus comprising:

(a) fiber optic means for transmitting a laser beam, said fiber optic means having a first end adapted to receive a laser beam from an associated power laser and a second end adapted to emit a laser beam;

(b) a tube adapted to be inserted into an associated body cavity;

(c) a protective pipe surrounding said fiber optic means and separated from said fiber optic means to form a first gap between said pipe and said fiber optic means, said protective pipe being positioned within said tube and separated from said tube to form a second gap between said tube and said protective pipe;

(d) means coupled to one of said gaps for sending gas into said associated body cavity;

(e) means coupled to one of said gaps for detecting pressure in the associated body cavity;

(f) suction means coupled to one of said gaps other than said gap which is coupled to said sending means for evacuating gas from said body cavity; and

(g) control means connected to said pressure detecting means and said suction means for alternatingly actuating said suction means and said pressure detecting means in order to cause the pressure in said associated body cavity to approach a predetermined level when the detected pressure in said associated body cavity is greater than said predetermined pressure level.

62. Apparatus in accordance with claim 61 wherein said suction means includes means for interrupting the suction of gas from said body cavity.

63. Apparatus in accordance with claim 61, in combination with an endoscope having only a single channel, said tube being positioned within said single channel.

64. Laser medical treatment apparatus comprising:

(a) fiber optic means for transmitting a laser beam, said fiber optic means having a first end adapted to receive a laser beam from an associated power laser and a second end adapted to emit a laser beam;

(b) a tube adapted for insertion into an associated body cavity;

(c) a protective pipe surrounding said fiber optic means and separated from said fiber optic means to form a first gap between said pipe and said fiber optic means, said protective pipe being positioned within said tube and separated from said tube to form a second gap between said tube and said protective pipe;

(d) means coupled to said first gap for sending gas into the associated body cavity;

(e) means coupled to said second gap for detecting pressure in the associated body cavity;

(f) suction means coupled to said second gap for evacuating gas from said body cavity; and

(g) control means connected to said pressure detecting means and to said suction means for alternately actuating said suction means and said pressure detecting means to cause the pressure in said associated body cavity to approach a predetermined pressure level whenever the detected pressure in said associated body cavity is greater than said predetermined pressure level.

65. Apparatus as defined in claim 64 further comprising an endoscope having a forceps channel, said tube being inserted into said forceps channel and spaced from said forceps channel.

66. Apparatus as defined in claim 64, wherein said tube comprises a forceps channel of an endoscope.

67. Apparatus as defined in claim 64 wherein said suction means includes means for interrupting the suction of gas from said associated body cavity.

68. Apparatus as defined in claim 67 comprising an endoscope having a forceps channel, said tube being inserted into said forceps channel and spaced from said forceps channel.

69. Apparatus as defined in claim 67, wherein said tube comprises a forceps channel of an endoscope.

70. Apparatus as defined in claim 67, wherein said pressure detecting means comprises means for detecting the pressure in said body cavity when said interrupting means interrupts suction of said gas.

71. Apparatus as defined in claim 70 comprising an endoscope having a forceps channel, said tube being inserted into said forceps channel and being spaced from said forceps channel.

72. Apparatus as defined in claim 70, wherein said tube comprises a forceps channel of an endoscope.

73. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said control means includes:

(a) a pressure setting circuit for setting said predetermined pressure level; and

(b) control circuit connected to said pressure detecting means and said pressure setting circuit for comparing the pressure detected in said associated body cavity with said predetermined pressure level.

74. The apparatus of claim 64, further including means for periodically actuating said pressure detecting means.

75. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said suction means includes a suction bottle, a controller connected to said bottle, an electromagnetic valve connected to said controller, and a timer control device connected to said electromagnetic valve for periodically opening and closing said electromagnetic valve, wherein said controller controls the quantity of evacuated gas sent to said bottle when said valve is open.

76. The apparatus of claim 64, further including means for periodically actuating said pressure detecting means.

77. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said control means includes:

(a) a pressure setting circuit for setting said predetermined pressure level; and

(b) a control circuit connected to said pressure detecting means and said pressure setting circuit for comparing the pressure detected in said associated body cavity with said predetermined pressure level.

78. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said suction means comprises a suction bottle, a controller connected to said bottle, an electromagnetic valve connected to said controller, and a timer control device connected to said electromagnetic valve for periodically opening and closing said valve, wherein said controller controls the quantity of evacuated gas sent to said bottle when said valve is open.

79. Apparatus in accordance with claim 64, in combination with an endoscope having only a single channel, said tube being inserted into said single channel.

80. Laser medical treatment apparatus comprising:

(a) fiber optic means for transmitting a laser beam, said fiber optic means having a first end adapted to receive a laser beam from an associated power laser and a second end adapted to emit a laser beam;

(b) a tube adapted to be inserted into an associated body cavity;

(c) a protective pipe surrounding said fiber optic means and, said pipe being spaced from said fiber optic means to form a first gap, said protective pipe being positioned within said tube, and spaced from said tube, so as to form a second gap;

(d) means coupled to one of said gaps for sending gas into said body cavity;

(e) means coupled to the other of said gaps for detecting pressure within said body cavity;

(f) suction means coupled to said other of said gaps for evacuating gas from said body cavity; and

(g) means for reducing the pressure in said associated body cavity to a predetermined level in response to detection of pressure in said body cavity which is above said level.

81. Apparatus, in accordance with claim 80, in combination with an endoscope having only a single channel, wherein said tube is positioned within said single channel.

82. An endoscope system comprising:

(a) an endoscope having an insertion part adapted to be inserted into a body cavity, said insertion part containing at least a first channel and a second channel that are adapted to communicate with said body cavity;

(b) first suction means communicating with said first channel for suctioning said body cavity;

(c) first positive pumping means communicating with said second channel for supplying a gas into said body cavity, said first positive pumping means comprising means for selectively supplying a first fluid flow, when in a first operational mode, or a second fluid flow, when in a second operational mode wherein a control valve is interposed between said first positive pumping means and said second channel for switching said first positive pumping means between said first and second operational modes; and

(d) pressure means communicating through a third channel with said first channel for controllably adjusting pressure within said body cavity, said pressure means having second suction means for reducing said pressure within said body cavity, said second suction means being automatically controlled by the output of a pressure sensor, said pressure sensor communicating with said third channel, said pressure sensor having an output signal for controlling said pressure of said body cavity.