Endoscopy systems

Abstract

Preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy by providing the endoscope insertion assembly including an endoscope insertion tube operative for passage through a body cavity, and an optical assembly operative for inspection of said body cavity, and selectably inserting the optical assembly within said endoscope insertion tube.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy, comprising:
 providing said endoscope insertion assembly including an endoscope insertion tube operative for passage through a body cavity, and an optical assembly operative for inspection of said body cavity; and   selectably inserting said optical assembly within said endoscope insertion tube.   
     
     
         2 . A method for preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to  claim 1  and also comprising inspecting said body cavity employing said endoscope insertion assembly. 
     
     
         3 . A method for preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to  claim 2  and also comprising removing said optical assembly from said endoscope insertion tube following said inspection. 
     
     
         4 . A method for preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to  claim 1  and also comprising engaging said optical assembly with said endoscope insertion tube by employing a coupling element. 
     
     
         5 . A method for preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to  claim 4  and wherein said inspecting said body cavity is performed via an optical window. 
     
     
         6 . A method for preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to  claim 1  and also comprising isolating said optical assembly from fluids external to said endoscope insertion assembly. 
     
     
         7 . A method for preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to  claim 1  and wherein said inserting is performed by a pulling element operative for selectably inserting said optical assembly within said endoscope insertion tube. 
     
     
         8 . A method for preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to  claim 7  and wherein said pulling element is detachably engaged with said coupling element for selectable detachment therefrom. 
     
     
         9 . A method for preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to  claim 1  and also comprising preventing said optical assembly from being pulled out and frontward of said endoscope insertion tube by employing a mechanical stopper.