Abstract: A system for determining elapsed time for a surgical procedure conducted using an endoscope is disclosed. The system may be configured to determine elapsed time for management overseeing operating rooms to determine performance metrics of the operating room such as, but not limited to, operating room consistency and frequency of unusual procedure times to assess operating room efficiency. The system may include determining insertion of an endoscope into a patient and determining removal of the endoscope from a patient. The system may then generate an elapsed surgery time based upon the insertion time of the endoscope into the patient and the removal time of the endoscope from the patient.

Abstract: An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath in eccentric alignment to reduce fluid flow impedance between the two.

Abstract: An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath in eccentric alignment to reduce fluid flow impedance between the two.

Abstract: An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath.

Abstract: An endoscope tip protection system for shielding the optical component at the distal end of an endoscope. The system comprises a tubular sheath which is optically transparent at least at its distal end, and adapted to fit onto and be retained on the scope tip. The scope/sheath assembly is then inserted into an open ended tubular fiberoptic illuminating cannula which is adapted to receive the scope/sheath assembly and prevent the tubular sheath from falling out.

Abstract: A sheath is sized and configured to receive an endoscope. The sheath is provided with a housing having a proximally facing opening with a U-shaped notch. The endoscope has at the proximal end a right-angle light post which and is received closely within the U-shaped notch at the proximal opening of the sheath housing. A locking mechanism is provided including a pivotable latch having a distal end configured to be received within a notch formed on the endoscope housing distal to and diametrically opposed from the light post. The latch includes a spring tending to bias the distal portion thereof into engagement with the notch in the endoscope housing. A resilient O-ring is provided at the distal end of a recess in the sheath housing. A shoulder on the distal end of the proximal portion of the endoscope compresses the O-ring when the latch is engaged.

Abstract: A sheath is sized and configured to receive an endoscope. The sheath is provided with a housing having a proximally facing opening with a U-shaped notch. The endoscope has at the proximal end a right-angle light post which and is received closely within the U-shaped notch at the proximal opening of the sheath housing. A locking mechanism is provided including a pivotable latch having a distal end configured to be received within a notch formed on the endoscope housing distal to and diametrically opposed from the light post. The latch includes a spring tending to bias the distal portion thereof into engagement with the notch in the endoscope housing. A resilient O-ring is provided at the distal end of a recess in the sheath housing. A shoulder on the distal end of the proximal portion of the endoscope compresses the O-ring when the latch is engaged.

Abstract: An endoscope coupler apparatus and method includes a sealed chamber and a lens assembly movable within the chamber for optically adjusting an image to be received by a video camera. The optical adjustment may be, for example, a focus adjustment or a zoom or orientation adjustment, etc. In a preferred embodiment, spaced permanent drive magnets located in an outer rotatable frame situated outside of the chamber are magnetically coupled with respective permanent driven magnets secured to an inner rotatable frame within the sealed chamber. The outer frame is rotatable but not longitudinally movable about the chamber and rotates the drive magnets and, therefore, the driven magnets. The inner frame is secured to a rotatable cylindrical housing which engages a lens assembly. Rotation of the driven magnets and the cylindrical housing moves the lens assembly longitudinally in response to rotation of an adjustment ring attached to the outer frame.