Abstract: A system for cleaning a surgical scope of an endoscopic imager includes a control system communicatively connected to an apparatus for supplying fluids to a surgical scope cleaner, the control system configured to receive one or more images of a surgical field generated by the endoscopic imager, detect a deposit on a lens of the surgical scope by analyzing the one or more images, and send a command to the apparatus to provide one or more fluids to the surgical field for cleaning the surgical scope.

Abstract: An electronic camera assembly includes a camera chip cube bonded to camera bondpads of an interposer; at least one light-emitting diode (LED) bonded to LED bondpads of the interposer at the same height as the camera bondpads; and a housing extending from the interposer and LEDs to the height of the camera chip cube, with light guides extending from the LEDs through the housing to a top of the housing. In embodiments, the electronic camera assembly includes a cable coupled to the interposer. In typical embodiments the camera chip cube has footprint dimensions of less than three and a half millimeters square.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasound endoscope of which a distal-end-part body of an insertion unit can be reduced in size. In an ultrasound endoscope according to an embodiment of the invention, a straight pipe portion of a first three-way pipe and a straight pipe portion of a second three-way pipe are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction orthogonal to the direction of a longitudinal axis of an insertion unit, and a branch pipe portion and the straight pipe portion are arranged at positions overlapping with each other in a case where the first three-way pipe and the second three-way pipe are projected onto a plane perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Provided are a flexible portion shape estimating device and an endoscope system having the same. According to the present disclosure, the flexible portion shape estimating device includes a probe adapted to be inserted into a flexible portion and having a torque transmission wire transmitting a torque applied to one end thereof to other end thereof, and a rotation information measuring part coupled to other end of the probe to measure rotation information on the other end of the torque transmission wire.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed including a surgical device including a transducer positioned to provide vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency and an end effector positioned distally from the transducer. The surgical instrument further includes a sleeve configured to receive the surgical device and a rail positioned along an interior portion of the sleeve. The surgical device includes a feature for receiving the rail. The surgical device is slidable along the rail.

Abstract: A fluid management system includes a pump configured to pump fluid through the system at a fluid flow rate. The system includes a processor including a user interface, the user interface allowing a user to input a set of system operating parameters, the processor being configured to control the pump to maintain a target fluid flow rate based on the set of system operating parameters. The system further includes a scope device coupled to the pump to deliver the fluid to a target surgical site, the scope device including an elongated shaft extending from a distal end thereof, the elongated shaft including at least one sensor, the at least one sensor transmitting sensor data relating to the target surgical site to the processor. The processor automatically signals to the pump to adjust the fluid flow rate based on the sensor data.

Abstract: A system for aspiration includes an aspiration catheter including an elongate shaft including an aspiration lumen, and an open distal end, an extension tube, the lumen of the extension tube configured to be hydraulically coupled to the aspiration lumen, a peristaltic pump configured for driving fluid through the extension tube, a compressible portion disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the extension tube, the compressible portion configured to be coupled to the peristaltic pump, such that operation of the peristaltic pump drives fluid from the aspiration lumen from the distal end of the extension tube to the proximal end of the extension tube, and a controller configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor and configured to vary the operation of the peristaltic pump based at least in part on a first signal received from a first sensor coupled to the aspiration lumen or extension tube related to a change in the characteristic of flow.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a shaft, a handle housing a proximal end of the shaft, a first channel extending throughout a lumen of the shaft, wherein the first channel is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, the channel including a proximal end and a distal end, and an actuator, wherein a distal end of the actuator is configured to engage and disengage with the proximal end of the first channel, such that in an engaged position the actuator and the first channel are rotatable.

Abstract: Instrumentation for microendoscopic surgery comprises a retractor system including a navigated initial probe, nested retractors and a navigated final tubular retractor defining an interior passage extending between a proximal end and a distal working end. A multi-planar navigation marker including a plurality of spaced-apart, radiopaque marker bodies can be mounted to the tubular retractor at a predetermined multi-planar spatial and rotational relation to the distal working end. The retractor can optionally include systems for fluid irrigation and suction with differential activation allows for the option of maintaining a dry surgical field or a submerged surgical field depending on the surgeon's preference during various portions of the procedure.

Abstract: A specimen collection device and a method of using the specimen collection device are disclosed herein. In some aspects, the specimen collection device allows for the individual collection of specimens via a removable specimen tray that can easily be swapped during a procedure. The specimen collection device includes a flexible sealing element for the continual use of suction during the procedure even when the specimen tray is not inserted.

Abstract: A transseptal insertion device is provided including device housing, a pusher slidably disposed in the device housing and a guide element extending from the pusher. The device housing is configured to be inserted into the right atrium of a patient's heart and the guide element can then be advanced from the device housing and against the cardiac septum to facilitate stable puncturing of the cardiac septum by a needle carried by a catheter inserted through the device housing, to provide access to the left atrium. The guide element can be formed as a webbing or ring. The pusher and/or guide element can optionally be inflatable.

Abstract: A protective cover apparatus for an otoscope to serve as a barrier between the otoscope and an ear canal of a user is provided. The otoscope includes a camera body coupled to a camera head having an attachment groove. The protective cover apparatus includes an adapter with a tubular member that attaches to the camera head of the otoscope, a sleeve coupled to the adapter and having a central tubular member and an outer flared surface protruding from the top end of the central tubular member, and a cap coupled to the top end of the tubular member of the adapter and having a central opening that permits unobstructed access to the camera head of the otoscope.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes: a tube in which a water feeding communication hole opens on an outer peripheral surface of the tube; a tube connector in which a water feeding branch conduit which allows an inner surface of a tube insertion hole to communicate with an outside is formed, and a second stopper portion which protrudes toward the inside of the tube insertion hole is formed; an O ring which is positioned by contacting with the second stopper portion; a spacer which is positioned by contacting with the O ring, and in which a communication hole which allows an inner surface side and an outer surface side of a wall portion to communicate with each other is formed; and an O ring which is positioned by contacting with the spacer.

Abstract: The Self-Orienting Imaging Device and Methods of Use sense the orientation of the handheld imaging, and apply the rotational correction by rotating the image to be displayed. When a scanner is used, the scanning element in the scanner is adjusted, such that the eventual scanning direction remains unchanged referencing the subject anatomy. The self-orienting mechanism for the scanner may be implemented in hardware mechanisms.

Abstract: A turn fixing mechanism portion of an endoscope apparatus includes: a turning portion connected to a turning unit turnably disposed; a fixed portion configured to turnably support the turning portion; an elastic member interposed between the turning portion and the fixed portion; and a holding member configured to fix a turned position of the turning unit by pressing the turning portion toward a side of the fixed portion to compress the elastic member in a turning axis direction to generate a predetermined frictional force.

Abstract: The endoscope herein described has a unique steering capability allowing the highly flexible distal end of the shaft of the device to be moved to a full range angular positions without rotating the device on its long axis, thus enabling the device to be steered within the cavity of interest. The relative lengths of the control cables used to move the distal end of the bendable shaft can be changed whenever the flexible or malleable shaft is to be re-shaped to a new configuration thus preventing the distal end or the steering mechanism from assuming an undesired angular position. When used as an endotracheal device, a novel tongue retractor is described which forms an internal conduit, allowing passage of the bendable shaft of the endotracheal intubation device and an endotracheal tube therethrough. Methods for performing a tracheal intubation and changing the relative lengths of the cables are disclosed.

Abstract: An implant delivery device for introducing and positioning implants within patients may include a sheath member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central longitudinal axis, the sheath member defining a lumen along the central longitudinal axis. The implant delivery device may additionally include an implant delivery shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, the implant delivery shaft disposed at least partially within the sheath member and an implant spreader assembly disposed at the distal end of the implant delivery shaft. In some embodiments, the implant delivery device may further include a cap disposed at the distal end of the sheath member, the cap obstructing at least a portion of an opening into the lumen of the sheath member.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a distal end surface provided at a distal end of an insertion part; an observation window provided on the distal end surface; a nozzle; and a first protective projection, a second protective projection, and a third protective projection disposed at an outer peripheral part of the distal end surface and provided to project forward of the observation window. In all combinations of imaginary planes capable of coming into contact with the first protective projection, the second protective projection, and the third protective projection from a front side, the imaginary planes are disposed forward of the observation window, the imaginary planes are disposed at the same height as or forward of the nozzle, and the observation window and a portion of the nozzle are included within an outer ring region surrounded by the first protective projection, the second protective projection, and the third protective projection.

Abstract: A gastric jejunal (GJ) feeding tube device for GJ feeding of an infant or child is provided. The device comprises a GJ button comprising a GJ button body, a gastric port, a jejunal port, a gastric channel, and a jejunal channel. The device also comprises a multi-lumen tube comprising a multi-lumen tube body, a multi-lumen tube proximal end, and a multi-lumen tube distal end. The device also comprises a jejunal tube comprising a jejunal tube body, a jejunal tube proximal end, a jejunal tube distal end, a spring, and a ring. The spring provides a kink-resistant feature. The ring is positioned at the jejunal tube proximal end. The jejunal tube and the GJ button are operatively connected at the ring and the mating surface by radial compression. The ring has a higher durometer than the jejunal tube body and an outer diameter that does not substantially decrease distally.

Abstract: An endoscope of the invention has a first surface constituting a distal end surface of the insertion part, a second surface formed on a projecting part projecting from the first surface to a front side, and an observation window provided on the second surface. The first surface has a fluid jetting nozzle, a first protective projection, and a second protective projection. The projecting part has an extending part extending from the observation window toward a side opposite to the fluid jetting nozzle. In all combinations of imaginary planes capable of coming into contact with, from the front side, at least two of the fluid jetting nozzle, the first protective projection, the second protective projection, and the extending part, the imaginary planes are disposed forward of the observation window.

Abstract: An endoscope image processing device includes a processor. The processor sequentially receives an observation image obtained by performing image pickup of an object inside a tubular portion of a subject, performs processing for detecting a region of interest with respect to the observation image, performs judgement processing as to whether degradation of visibility of the region of interest included in the observation image is predicted, and performs emphasis processing for emphasizing the position of the region of interest when a judgement result indicating that the degradation of visibility of the region of interest included in the observation image is predicted is acquired by the judgement processing.

Abstract: A distal tip of an endoscopic device and a cylindrical cap is disclosed. The distal tip comprises a pattern of alternating grooves and lands on its outer surface. The cylindrical cap is configured to fit tightly over the lands, thereby changing the grooves into closed channels through which liquid or gas can flow.

Abstract: A method of delivering a drug in a vessel includes positioning an inflatable balloon that is located at a distal end of an ultrasonic device within a lumen of the vessel, the inflatable balloon being deflated and coated with at least one drug; inflating the inflatable balloon; and transmitting a vibration to the distal end of the ultrasonic device to dislodge the drug from the inflated inflatable balloon and deliver the drug to an interior portion of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved reusable universal tissue morcellator system. It comprises of a hollow tubed morcellator hand piece locked with flexible rotor cable connected to Motor Drive Unit, having a control panel with a touch screen and manual operating system in the same unit, with inbuilt installation tutorial videos and procedure videos having audio alarms with speed control and activation features using foot pedal or remote control. MDU is addition-ally provided with an external USB port for software and program updating. The cylindrical head of the rotor cable is inserted and locked into the tubular hollow area of the morcellator handle. Morcellator hand piece is having same diameter trocar head (203b), which can be assembled with cannula tube of varying diameter and length, so as to use interchangeable cutter blades of different diameter and length. The trocar head is provided with gas inflow/irrigation inlets.

Abstract: Systems and methods discussed herein are related to the formation of a fluid bearing between an interior surface of an aperture and an outside surface of an endoscopic device. The fluid bearing is formed via various fluid paths created in an annular space between an inside surface of a sheath and an outside surface of an endoscope telescoped within the sheath. The fluid bearing reduces the friction between the interior surface of an aperture and the outside surface of an endoscopic device by allowing the interior surface of the aperture to rest on the fluid bearing during insertion of a portion of the distal tip of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: An illuminated microsurgical probe may include a handle, a diffuser, an aspiration conduit, and an optic fiber bundle. The diffuser may include a diffuser distal end, a diffuser proximal end, and a diffuser inner bore. The handle may include a handle distal end, a handle proximal end, and a handle inner bore. The aspiration conduit may include an aspiration conduit distal end and an aspiration conduit proximal end. The aspiration conduit distal end may be disposed in the diffuser inner bore and the aspiration conduit proximal end may be disposed in the handle inner bore. The optic fiber bundle may include an optic fiber bundle distal end and an optic fiber bundle proximal end. The optic fiber bundle distal end may be disposed in the diffuser inner bore.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for transseptal access of septa within a patient. The device can be advanced to a septum, e.g., towards a fossa ovalis. Instead of applying positive pressure to “tent” the septum, a negative pressure is applied to a lumen within a sheath, e.g., within an elongated member slidable within the sheath, via a negative pressure source such as a syringe on the proximal end of the sheath. This results in the septum pulling inward. The sheath employs a stationary needle-like central core component contained within the lumen of the sheath that punctures the septum when the same is pulled passed it by the negative pressure. The stationary needle-like central core component may be hollow and may form a portion of the elongated member or may be coupled to a distal end thereof.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a cylindrical member, a first outward flange including a first cutout, a projection projecting inward from an internal circumferential surface of a hole formed in a distal end portion of an insertion section of the endoscope, and capable of being engaged with the first cutout, an elastic member to urge the cylindrical member toward a bottom portion of the hole, and a projecting portion formed to project from the internal circumferential surface of the hole and including a surface facing the bottom portion of the hole.

Abstract: A pump and pump controller which uses an algorithm to quickly achieve and maintain a set pressure in a surgical site when high resistance hardware is being used is provided. The algorithm uses a gravity control type loop and uses pressure loss calculations to quickly respond to changing joint conditions. A method of using such a pump and pump controller is also provided.

Abstract: A suction control unit placed on an endoscope to control application of suction through at least one of two working channels of the endoscope. The suction unit has first and second valves with first and second valve openings, at a proximal end, that lead through to a distal end, which is adapted to be placed on the first and second ports of the two working channels. The suction unit has a channel extending between the first and second valves, an opening extending from a front wall to a rear wall of the housing and through the channel, and a switcher having a handle and a shaft with a through hole. When the shaft is placed within the opening and in a first position, suction is applied to both the working channels. When the shaft is placed within the opening and in a second position, suction is applied to only one of the two working channels.

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a first breakable portion provided between a part of an outer peripheral surface of a distal rigid section main body and a second inner peripheral surface, and including a fragile portion which is formed in a concaved-shape and which is more easy to break than any other part of the outer peripheral surface except for thereof. The endoscope includes a second breakable portion provided between a first inner peripheral surface and the second inner peripheral surface, and a third breakable portion provided between the first inner peripheral surface and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the distal rigid section main body, which differs from the fragile portion.

Abstract: A method of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient. A bacterial biofilm removal system is provided that includes an endoscope, an irrigation duct and an aspiration duct. The endoscope includes a working end. The irrigation duct includes an outlet. The aspiration duct includes an inlet. The endoscope working end, the irrigation duct outlet and the aspiration duct inlet are disposed proximate a target site that includes a layer of bacterial biofilm. The target site is imaged with the endoscope working end. The fluid is dispensed through the irrigation duct outlet toward the target site to mechanically remove at least a portion of the layer of bacterial biofilm. The removed bacterial biofilm and the dispensed fluid are collected with the aspiration duct inlet.

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope system including an endoscope insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity via a trocar stabbed in a body wall, the endoscope system comprising: a detecting device detecting whether a tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar; and a trocar cleaning device cleaning the inside of the trocar by supplying a predetermined fluid into the trocar when it is detected by the detecting device that the tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar.

Abstract: A continuous flow irrigation endoscope and a continuous flow irrigation fluid management system, both designed to be compatible to each other and to function as a single system. The endoscope and the fluid management system are synergistic to each other such that both enhance the efficiency of each other. The invented system allows a body tissue cavity to be distended by continuous flow irrigation so that detached tissue pieces and waste fluid present inside a body tissue cavity are continuously automatically evacuated from the tissue cavity without causing the cavity to collapse at any stage and without the need of withdrawing the endoscope of a part of the endoscope from the tissue cavity. No type of feedback mechanism, such as mechanical or electrical, or valve or valve like systems, are incorporated in the endoscope to influence or facilitate the removal of detached tissue pieces or waste fluid in any manner.

Abstract: A lightguide is configured to transmit a scanned and/or focused processing beam to a target. The processing beam has a wavefront amplitude and phase set by a spatial light modulator. Suitable wavefront characteristics are obtained based on portions of the processing beam returned to a detector through the lightguide. A beam path can be detected at a first, reduced power, and processing along the beam path performed at a second, higher optical power.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insert section to be inserted into the body cavity, an illumination window for directing illumination light therethrough and an observation window for observing an illuminated internal portion of the body cavity, arranged at a distal end portion of the insert section, and a blood flow changing section for changing a blood flow of blood flowing through a vessel in a near-surface region of a living organ inside the body cavity by providing one of a temperature change and vibration energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a lens, or one or more lenses, of an endoscopic camera while the endoscope is deployed in a patient during a medical procedure, such as a minimally invasive procedure, or a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure, is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus generally includes a conduit having a fluid delivery port, an alignment system, and a flexible supply tube to fluidly connect the conduit to one or both of a source of a fluid and a suction device.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention is an endoscopic device in which the empty spaces between the plurality of tubes, wires, and cables are utilized as a channel that enables liquid or gas to flow from the handle section to the distal tip. In a second aspect the invention is a method of reducing the diameter of an endoscope device by utilizing the empty spaces between the plurality of tubes, wires, and cables as a channel that enables liquid or gas to flow from the handle section to the distal tip. In a third aspect the invention is a distal tip comprising a pattern of alternating grooves and lands on its outer surface and a cap that fits tightly over the lands. The tight fitting cap changes the grooves into closed channels through which liquid or gas can flow.

Abstract: A catheter and method for managing fluid in a patient, the catheter having an elongated shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft defines at least one lumen extending substantially therethrough, the shaft further defining a plurality of drainage holes along a distal portion of the shaft, with the drainage holes in fluid communication with the lumen. The catheter further has a substantially transparent tip portion attached to the distal end of the shaft with an outer distal leading surface that is substantially rounded to assist insertion through tissue.

Abstract: An endoscope gas feed system includes a fluid curtain nozzle for blowing a fluid curtain-forming gas toward an observation window provided on a distal end surface of the insertion part of an endoscope, the distal end surface including at least the observation window and an opening for spraying a constant-pressure feed gas, and the fluid curtain nozzle is provided on an opposite side of the opening with respect to the observation window, a gas/water feed nozzle for cleaning the observation window, the gas/water feed nozzle being provided on the distal end surface, a constant-pressure gas feed unit for supplying the constant-pressure feed gas, so as to spray the constant-pressure feed gas from the opening, and a fluid curtain-forming gas feed unit for supplying a gas, so as to blow the fluid curtain-forming gas from the fluid curtain nozzle.

Abstract: The present specification describes a jet distributor provided to supply fluids to each of a plurality of jet openings in a multi jet endoscope tip. In an embodiment, the jet distributor is supplied with a fluid from a jet pump. The jet distributor includes at least two fluid channels to provide the fluid supplied via the jet pump to the front-jet, right-side-jets and left-side-jets in the endoscope tip. The jet-distributor includes a motor which rotates a rotating plug. The rotating plug includes an internal fluid pathway which becomes intermittently aligned with each of a plurality of fluid output channels in the jet distributor as the plug rotates, thereby providing fluid in a successive manner to the jets in the endoscope tip.

Abstract: A vessel harvesting apparatus is provided for removing a vessel from a patient. An endoscopic instrument has a distal end with a vessel harvesting tip and has a proximal end with a handle. The endoscopic instrument has an insufflation channel adapted to receive an insufflation gas from a regulated source at the proximal end. The insufflation channel has an outlet at the distal end adapted to expel the insufflation gas subcutaneously in the patient. A damping device has a flexible bladder with an inside space in fluid communication with the insufflation channel. The inside space has a volume that varies between a rest volume and an inflated volume in response to an amount of insufflation gas flowing to or from the flexible bladder.

Abstract: A method for supplying rinsing solution during endoscopic interventions. The method including: conveying a rinsing solution by means of a rinsing solution pump from a rinsing solution supply to an endoscopic instrument to be introduced into the body cavity of a patient; and detecting at least one material characteristic of the rinsing solution by means of a measuring apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing irrigation and/or suction to a surgical site and maintaining clear visibility through a lens of a scoping device during a surgical procedure. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a surgical instrument to maintain visibility during a surgical procedure using a fluid conduit coupled to the surgical instrument. A surgical device can include a sheath having at least one lumen extending therethrough configured to allow a surgical viewing instrument to be disposed therein. The sheath can also have a passageway extending therethrough configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough. The fluid conduit can be configured to be movable between positions that can allow alternative directions of fluid toward and/or away from a viewing element on the surgical instrument and fluid away from the viewing element and toward a surgical field in a body cavity.

Abstract: A continuous flow irrigation endoscope and a continuous flow irrigation fluid management system, both designed to be compatible to each other and meant to function as a single system. The endoscope and the fluid management system are synergistic to each other such that both enhance the efficiency of each other. The system allows a body tissue cavity to be distended by continuous flow irrigation so that the detached tissue pieces and waste fluid present inside a body tissue cavity are continuously automatically evacuated from the tissue cavity without causing the cavity to collapse at any stage and without the need of withdrawing the endoscope or a part of the endoscope from the tissue cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods make use of a view optimizing assembly having a deflector assembly with critical physical, pneumatic, and optical characteristics that make possible intra-operative defogging, surgical debris deflection, and cleaning of a laparoscope lens during minimally invasive surgery, while also maintaining visualization of the surgical site. The view optimizing assembly can incorporate a quick exchange feature, which makes possible a surgical method for maintaining clear visualization that includes the ability to make a quick exchange of laparoscopes having different operating characteristics (e.g., laparoscopes with different tip angles, lengths, or diameters) entirely on the sterile operating field and without interference with the preexisting surgical set-up on the sterile operating field. The view optimizing assembly integrates with the existing suite of minimally invasive instrumentation.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical endoscope including a control handle (2) provided with a control mechanism and that, by means of an attachment system, is temporarily attached to a consumable medical instrument (3) including: at least one flow circuit for a fluid, a portion of which circuit extends along an insertion tube, the fluid circuit including a connector fitting accessible independently from the handle; an actuation system for actuating the head of the insertion tube, which actuation system is driven by the control mechanism after the handle and the consumable medical instrument have been attached together; in accordance with the invention, the control handle (2) and the consumable medical instrument (3) respectively have a first portion and a second portion of a closure device, which portions co-operate with each other in the attached position to close off at least one fluid flow circuit in controlled manner.

Abstract: A reinforced arthroscope comprising external ribs to provide for a number of separate fluid channels, such as inflow, outflow and interstitial tissue drainage, when the arthroscope is slipped into a disposable external sheath. The arthroscope is constructed to be sufficiently rigid so as to penetrate and move within a joint without damaging the rod optics inside. The externality of the arthroscope channels allow for cleaning and sterilizing the scope between uses.