Steerable ultrasound attachment for endoscope

An ultrasonic endoscope assembly (110), having an endoscope (111) defining one or more lumens, and a needle (114) that can be pushed forward out of a lumen, to collect a biopsy specimen. An ultrasound sub-assembly (120) is attached to the endoscope (111) and includes a communications cable (126) including a set of conductors, having a distal end and an ultrasound imaging head (122) connected to the distal end of the cable. Also, included is an imaging head movement sub-assembly (140), including a conduit (148) that is releasably connected to the endoscope. The conduit contains a tension member (144) that is releasably connected to the imaging head (122). Accordingly, the imaging head movement sub-assembly (140) can be released from the cable and the imaging head, to be disposed of, after use.