title: Flexible endoscopes: structure and function. The mechanical system.
abstract: Flexible endoscopes are complex medical instruments that are easily damaged. In order to maintain flexible endoscopes in optimum working condition, users must have a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the instrument. This is the third in a series of articles presenting an in-depth look at the care and handling of flexible endoscopes. The first articles discussed the air-water and the suction channels systems. This article will focus specifically on the mechanical system.
authors.affiliation: Allegiance Healthcare Equipment Management Services, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. shoopn@allegiance.net
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Shoop
mesh_terms: D019723:Endoscopes; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D018583:Pliability