Abstract: A protective sheath for an endoscope includes an elongated shaft with a longitudinal bore extending from a proximal opening at the shaft proximal end to a distal opening at the shaft distal end. The longitudinal bore is sized for receiving an endoscope tube inserted axially into the bore. The shaft distal end includes a hood having a proximal portion and a distal portion and defining a hood interior space. The hood proximal portion has a width that is greater than a maximum width of the shaft at the bore distal opening. The hood proximal portion defines an opening to the hood interior space, which opening is laterally offset from the shaft distal end and is configured to receive a portion of a surgical instrument within the hood interior space.

Abstract: A protective sheath for an endoscope includes an elongated shaft with a longitudinal bore extending from a proximal opening at the shaft proximal end to a distal opening at the shaft distal end. The longitudinal bore is sized for receiving an endoscope tube inserted axially into the bore. The shaft distal end includes a shovel-shaped portion comprising a bowl, a bowl rim having a flange portion, and a distal cutting edge for dividing soft tissue a surgical procedure. The surfaces of the shovel-shaped portion are adapted for retracting soft tissue during such a procedure.

Abstract: A protective sheath for an endoscope includes an elongated shaft with a longitudinal bore extending from a proximal opening at the shaft proximal end to a distal opening at the shaft distal end. The longitudinal bore is sized for receiving an endoscope tube inserted axially into the bore. The shaft distal end includes a shovel-shaped portion comprising a bowl, a bowl rim having a flange portion, and a distal cutting edge for dividing soft tissue a surgical procedure. The surfaces of the shovel-shaped portion are adapted for retracting soft tissue during such a procedure.