Patent attributes
An articulated bending section body has a number of segments including a proximal end segment, a distal end segment and a number of intermediate segments. Each intermediate segment has a central passage adapted in cross-sectional shape to receive and support the exterior surface of a bendable tubular member providing a working channel of the endoscope. The cross-sectional shape includes a number of sectors of a circular periphery having a shared center and the same radius, the total length of the sectors being longer than half of the circular periphery. The cross-sectional shape comprises at least one outwardly extending lobe. The exterior surface of the bendable tubular member providing the working channel of the endoscope forms a closed lumen adjacent but separated from the working channel of the endoscope.