Articulating endoscope with working channel

1 . A method for manufacturing an endoscope, the method comprising:

extruding a cross-section to form an extrusion, the extrusion comprising:

an inner wall defining a first lumen;

an outer wall defining a second lumen between the inner wall and the outer wall; and

a plurality of fins extending from the inner wall to the outer wall and defining a plurality of auxiliary channels in the second lumen;

removing the outer wall from a portion of a distal end of the extrusion to form a bendable region;

cutting slots in the outer wall above at least two of the auxiliary channels;

inserting a pull wire through one of the slots and into one of the auxiliary channels; and

installing an outer jacket covering the extrusion including the bendable region.

2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising cutting the extrusion to a length of the endoscope.

3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising installing a spring over the auxiliary channels of the bendable region.

4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising inserting electrical conductors through the slots and into the auxiliary channels.

5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

routing a distal end of the pull wire around posts protruding from a mounting ring; and

thermally reflowing the posts to secure the pull wire to the mounting ring.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality fins include at least 4 fins.

7 . An endoscope comprising:

an outer jacket extending a length of the endoscope;

an outer wall, interior to the outer jacket, of an extrusion extending at least 80% of the length of the endoscope and ending at a bendable region of the endoscope;

an inner wall, interior to the outer wall, extending at least 90% of a length of the endoscope and through the bendable region, the inner wall defining a working channel through the endoscope;

a plurality of fins extending from the inner wall to the outer wall and defining a plurality of auxiliary channels between the inner wall and the outer wall;

a first pull wire extending through a first auxiliary channel of the plurality of auxiliary channels; and

a second pull wire extending through a second auxiliary channel of the plurality of auxiliary channels.

8 . The endoscope of claim 7 , wherein the first auxiliary channel is positioned opposite the working channel from the second auxiliary channel.

9 . The endoscope of claim 8 , further comprising:

a third pull wire extending through a third auxiliary channel of the plurality of auxiliary channels; and

a fourth pull wire extending through a fourth auxiliary channel of the plurality of auxiliary channels, wherein the fourth auxiliary channel is positioned opposite the working channel from the third auxiliary channel.

10 . The endoscope of claim 7 , wherein an access window is cut in the outer wall, above the first auxiliary channel, adjacent and proximal to the bendable region.

11 . The endoscope of claim 7 , wherein the first pull wire is positioned within a first separate lumen and the second pull wire is positioned with a second separate lumen.

12 . The endoscope of claim 7 , further comprising:

a camera positioned at a distal end of the endoscope; and

an electrical conductor electrically coupled to the camera and extending through a third auxiliary channel of the plurality of auxiliary channels.

13 . The endoscope of claim 7 , further comprising a spring wrapped around the bendable region and positioned interior to the outer jacket.

14 . The endoscope of claim 7 , wherein the plurality of fins include at least 6 fins.

15 . The endoscope of claim 7 , further comprising a guide tube, at a distal end of the endoscope, supporting one or more sensors.