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Endoscope with improved flexible insertion tube

  • US 5,876,331 A
  • Filed: 11/12/1996
  • Issued: 03/02/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In a flexible endoscope having a flexible insertion tube comprising a tubular, biocompatible elastomeric outer covering thereabout which encloses an interior space, the improvement wherein the outer covering is vapor transmissive of oxidative sterilant vapors and wherein the insertion tube further comprises a vapor barrier, which is impermeable by and non-absorptive of oxidative sterilant vapors, between the outer covering and the interior space whereby vapor passing through the outer covering from an atmosphere thereabout is prevented from entering the interior space by the vapor barrier, and further whereby the vapor is thus prevented from interacting with substances within the interior space to produce agents harmful to the elastomeric covering.

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