Abstract: Endoscopes comprising a handle and a detachable elongation portion housing a light source for illuminating the distal end of the elongation portion are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are water-tight, portable endoscopes that include the light and power source incorporated into a sealed compartment (also referred to herein as sealed canister) within the endoscope handle. The description also features water-tight, endoscope handles that include the light and power source incorporated into a sealed canister within the handle. In some embodiments, the sealed compartment contains all of the electronic components of the endoscope.

Abstract: A compact, high-efficiency, high-power, solid state light source, comprising a high-power solid state light-emitting device, a light guide having a proximal light-receiving end proximate the light-emitting device and a distal light-transmitting end spaced farther from the light-emitting device, and a mechanical light guide fixing device coupled to the light guide near its proximal end, to hold the proximal end of the light guide in position near the light-emitting device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of mounting a light source, such as, for example a high-efficiency, high-power solid state light source (e.g., a LED) within a handle of an endoscope. One of the methods of the present invention includes removing a portion of a package surrounding the light source to expose a light source chip, positioning the exposed light source adjacent to a chassis within the handle and in contact with an end of a light guide bundle, translating the light source with the exposed light source chip about the end of the light guide while measuring light output from an illumination (i.e., distal) end of the light guide bundle with a photodetector, and securing the exposed light source to the chassis at a position in which maximum light output is measured.

Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope.

Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope, which can be cleaned by sterilization. In certain embodiments, a method of sterilizing includes sterilizing the endoscope or portion thereof in a sterilization chamber while maintaining a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the endoscope.

Abstract: Insertion tube devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A compact, high-efficiency, high-power, solid state light source, comprising a high-power solid state light-emitting device, a light guide having a proximal light-receiving end proximate the light-emitting device and a distal light-transmitting end spaced farther from the light-emitting device, and a mechanical light guide fixing device coupled to the light guide near its proximal end, to hold the proximal end of the light guide in position near the light-emitting device.

Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope.

Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope.

Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope.

Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope.

Abstract: Insertion tube devices are disclosed.