Abstract: The subject matter of this invention concerns an endoscope, in particular a flexible endoscope, with a minimum of one valve which is positioned at the proximal end of an endoscope housing and which comprises a valve piston and a valve cylinder with a plurality of valve openings, with the minimum of one valve provided being designed as a valve module which is detachably connected to a complementary recess in the endoscope housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is used to cut a substantially oblong corneal flap to facilitate reshaping of a live cornea. In particular, the method and apparatus of cutting a substantially oblong corneal flap is used during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery to correct hyperopia. A cornea holding device is positioned over the live cornea such that a portion of the cornea extends through a substantially oblong opening in the cornea holding device. The portion of the cornea conforms to the oblong shape of the opening and is cut to form a substantially oblong corneal flap. The substantially oblong corneal flap is folded over to expose an oblong inner corneal surface. A laser is directed at the oblong corneal surface to ablate a ring-shaped region. The oblong shape of the corneal flap and the exposed inner corneal surface allows the laser ablation to occur without damaging the connecting portion of the corneal flap or corneal blood vessels which extend vertically in the cornea.