Abstract: This invention relates to a small bell-shaped latex rubber protector that is designed to be placed over the top of, e.g., an endoscope prior to its passage into a body cavity through a tract thereof. Once it is passed in a folded back position, a sharp, pointed or cutting foreign object can be retrieved from the cavity using a forceps or other accessory. The protector hood is then flipped into the open position by pulling the instrument back through, e.g., the lower esophageal narrowing. The bell-shaped latex protects, for example, the esophagus and posterior pharynx from the foreign body during its removal.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument for use with an endoscope includes a rigid cylindrical end attached to the distal end of a flexible arrangement of tubes. The rigid end comprises a cylindrical body having a cavity therein and said cavity extending towards the distal end of the body and being of a size sufficient to hold plural samples therein. Inside the body is a knife and suction generating device for drawing a biopsy sample into the cylindrical body and cutting it with the knife. Furthermore, a plunger is arranged coaxially with the knife for then pushing individual biopsy samples of a plurality into the distal end cavity of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A guard for use in a patient's mouth provides means for maintaining a patient's teeth spaced at a fixed minimum distance from each other. A passageway is provided for a medical instrument, such as an endoscope to be passed into the patient's oral cavity without contacting the patient's teeth. In a preferred aspect, an opening is also provided for an operator's fingers to safely facilitate manipulation of the medical instrument. The guard is held in place by a band around the patient's head.