Abstract: A lighting and unlocking instrument for achieving a quick and easy unlocking operation is disclosed. The unlocking instrument has a handle grip containing dry cells, a speculum body coupled to an upper end of the handle grip and including a magnifying lens, a coupler coupled to a front part of the speculum body, a rotating body fitted on the coupler and having a slot for holding a probing pick, and a fastening bolt screwed into the rotating body to fasten the rotating body to the coupler.

Abstract: An otoscope with a body designed for improved ergonomics and control, by eliminating the handle and having a shape which accommodates many different-sized hands, as well as letting the practitioner rest most of their hand on the patient's head while using the device. The body shape and color are also less intimidating than existing otoscopes, for a more child-friendly device. The otoscope uses light-emitting diodes for its illumination source. The light from these LED's can be directed into the ear canal either by means of a beam splitter, a prism ring, or a reflective-walled channel.

Abstract: A dental/medical instrument is provided for use in diagnostic and related patient inspection/examination. The device includes a body having an integral speculum with a video image capture device or camera, a power supply and a video display. These components, in addition to user actuatable controls, are disposed integrally with the body. The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user's hand to provide a unitary, hand-held device capable of illuminating and capturing an image of a patient, and displaying the image. The video display is disposed on a display portion of the speculum, while components of the image capture device, such as a lens and light emitter, are disposed on a nose portion of the speculum. The nose portion is modularly replaceable with alternate nose portions sized and shaped to facilitate various discrete medical/dental examination procedures.

Abstract: An otoscopic instrument permits visual inspection of the ear canal and includes at least one chemical sensing element for detecting a fluid indicative of a disease as well as at least one of an infrared thermometer, and a mechanism for determining pressure variations and the presence of fluid in the ear for providing a comprehensive examination of a patient. The instrument can also be adapted for use with other body cavities such as the throat and nose, among others.

Abstract: A hand-held ophthalmoscope modified by the removal or augmentation of the focusing wheel and the addition of a manual or automatic focusing lens system. An electronic imager (CCD array or video camera) is placed optically conjugate to a viewing screen such that focus operations performed by the examiner to adjust the image seen by the examiner on the screen also focuses the image on the electronic imager. This is accomplished by an optical system which includes a straight path from the viewing screen to the patient's eye with a beam splitter interposed to cause the image of the patient's eye to be reflected onto the imager. As a result, when the examiner uses the focusing lens system, manual or automatic, positioned between the beam splitter and the patient's eye, to affect the image viewed by the examiner, the focus of the imager is simultaneously affected as well.

Abstract: Ear observation apparatus for self-inspecting the external auditory meatus and/or the tympanic membrane, characterized in that it comprises inspection means (2) for the external auditory meatus associated to reflection means (3) able to reflect the image of said external auditory meatus and/or tympanic membrane, illumination means (6) being provided for illuminating said external auditory meatus and/or tympanic membrane, said reflection means (3) being angularly set with respect to said inspection (2) means such as to reflect the image of the external auditory meatus and/or tympanic membrane on an external mirror.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a new device for adjustably attaching a tongue blade to an endoscope. In general, the device secures a tongue blade holder to the body of an endoscope and permits adjustment of the angle of the tongue blade with respect to the light source of the endoscope. Typically, the device has a clamp for receiving an endoscope body near the juncture of the handle and the light source of the endoscope. The clamp has a fastener for securing the clamp to the outer surface of the endoscope body and may be adapted for use with endoscopes somewhat larger or smaller in cross section than the clamp opening. The clamp has an attached tongue blade holder pivotably attached to the clamp and securable at an angle relative to the endoscope light source. The device also has several surfaces for the display of graphics.

Abstract: A hand-held ophthalmoscope modified by the removal or augmentation of the focusing wheel and the addition of a manual or automatic focusing lens system. An electronic imager (CCD array or video camera) is placed optically conjugate to a viewing screen such that focus operations performed by the examiner to adjust the image seen by the examiner on the screen also focuses the image on the electronic imager. This is accomplished by an optical system which includes a straight path from the viewing screen to the patient's eye with a beam splitter interposed to cause the image of the patient's eye to be reflected onto the imager. As a result, when the examiner uses the focusing lens system, manual or automatic, positioned between the beam splitter and the patient's eye, to affect the image viewed by the examiner, the focus of the imager is simultaneously affected as well.

Abstract: An otoscope kit includes a light source, an otoscope head for mounting on the light source; an adapter for removably mounting to the otoscope head, the adapter having a helical slit about its periphery; and at least one speculum for mounting on the adapter, the speculum having a projection wherein for engaging the slit for drawing the speculum into close contact with the adapter to removably secure the speculum to the adapter during use.

Abstract: A plurality of pieces of medical equipment each of which includes a microcomputer and has a program used to control the microcomputer stored in a reproqrammable storage device such as an EEPROM is linked to a remote computer over a communication line. Using a rewriting/updating program sent from the computer, each piece of medical equipment rewrites or updates the program stored in the storage device. When a plurality of programs is stored, if one of the programs is rewritten or updated abnormally, the other program is used to activate medical equipment.

Abstract: A focusable imaging laser otoscope for performing laser surgery without the need for anesthesia, The apparatus includes a housing, an end member movably disposed within the housing, an imaging device attached to the housing for producing an image of a target area, an illuminating system attached to the housing for illuminating the target area, a speculum having a longitudinal axis and detachably attached to the end member, an optical system attached to the housing and having a main optical axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the speculum, for directing a surgical and/or an aiming laser beam from a laser source through the housing and the speculum to strike the target area and for directing image forming light rays to project an image of the target area onto the imaging device such that when the image of the target area is focused, the surgical laser beam and/or aiming laser beam are also focused on the target area, and a focusing assembly attached to the housing and to the end member for adjustably mov

Abstract: A surgical device for expanding and viewing tissue is disclosed. The surgical device includes a handle, an insertion probe, and at least one window disposed within the insertion probe. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end, and the handle is sized and shaped to be held by a surgeon. The insertion probe has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end of the insertion probe is removably attached to the distal end of the handle. The window extends along a length of the longitudinal axis, and has an opening that is sufficient in size to allow tissue to prolapse through the window and into the insertion probe.

Abstract: Differing shaped fittings to retrofit an otoscope to use to inspect and remove foreign material from a nose or an ear depending upon need and fittings to allow use of foot pressure or finger pressure to vary internal pressure in the otoscope are provided within kits of differing makeups.

Abstract: An otoscopic accessory for use in performing procedures in the external auditory canal and middle ear space, having a speculum, a probe and an actuator. The speculum has a generally tapered sidewall. The proximal end of the sidewall is configured to engage the head of an otoscope, and the distal end of the sidewall is configured to be inserted into a patient's outer ear canal. The probe has a shaft that is positioned against an exterior surface of the sidewall of the speculum. The actuator is coupled at its distal portion to the speculum. The distal portion of the actuator is closely conformed to the proximal end of the sidewall of the speculum to form a guide between the exterior surface of the speculum and the distal portion of the actuator. The probe is positioned within the guide, and the guide directs the distal end of the probe to a location within or on the distal end of the sidewall of the speculum. The probe is fixed to and moves with the proximal portion of the actuator.

Abstract: An otoscope kit includes a light source, an otoscope head for mounting on the light source; an adapter for removably mounting to the otoscope head, the adapter having a helical slit about its periphery; and at least one speculum for mounting on the adapter, the speculum having a projection wherein for engaging the slit for drawing the speculum into close contact with the adapter to removably secure the speculum to the adapter during use.

Abstract: A dental/medical instrument is provided for use in diagnostic and related patient inspection/examination. The device includes a body having an integral speculum with a video image capture device or camera, a power supply and a video display. These components, in addition to user actuatable controls, are disposed integrally with the body. The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user's hand to provide a unitary, hand-held device capable of illuminating and capturing an image of a patient, and displaying the image. The video display is disposed on a display portion of the speculum, while components of the image capture device, such as a lens and light emitter, are disposed on a nose portion of the speculum. The nose portion is modularly replaceable with alternate nose portions sized and shaped to facilitate various discrete medical/dental examination procedures.

Abstract: A portable data collection device is provided for diagnostic image and data collection at a remote location. The device is implemented as an otoscope including a speculum and light source for illumination of the ear canal. A digital camera element collects the reflected images and provides the images to a processor. The processor processes the images using pattern matching techniques and displays and/or stores suitable images. The images are transferred to a base station for subsequent transmission to a remote server or computer, where an authorized party may access and examine the images. An authorization or prescription from the remote server or computer may be required to enable data collection and transmission by the otoscope.

Abstract: A dental/medical instrument is provided for use in diagnostic and related patient inspection/examination. The device includes a body having an integral speculum with a video image capture device or camera, a power supply and a video display. These components, in addition to user actuatable controls, are disposed integrally with the body. The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user's hand to provide a unitary, hand-held device capable of illuminating and capturing an image of a patient, and displaying the image. The video display is disposed on a display portion of the speculum, while components of the image capture device, such as a lens and light emitter, are disposed on a nose portion of the speculum. The nose portion is modularly replaceable with alternate nose portions sized and shaped to facilitate various discrete medical/dental examination procedures.

Abstract: Differing shaped fittings to retrofit an otoscope to use to inspect and remove foreign material from a nose or an ear depending upon need and fittings to allow use of foot pressure or finger pressure to vary internal pressure in the otoscope are provided within kits of differing makeups.

Abstract: A portable data collection device is provided for diagnostic image and data collection at a remote location. The device is implemented as an otoscope including a speculum and light source for illumination of the ear canal. A digital camera element collects the reflected images and provides the images to a processor. The processor processes the images using pattern matching techniques and displays and/or stores suitable images. The images are transferred to a base station for subsequent transmission to a remote server or computer, where an authorized party may access and examine the images. An authorization or prescription from the remote server or computer may be required to enable data collection and transmission by the otoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus and method permit a general practitioner to obtain specimens from a bodily orifice of an animal, such as, for example, a sinus specimen from a nasal area of a human. The apparatus includes a specimen access tube fixedly or removably connected to a speculum, which may be a standard nasal speculum attachment. Anti-contamination structures, either inside or outside the specimen access tube protect against contamination of the specimen due to contact with other matter in the bodily orifice. In accordance with the method, a practitioner advances the specimen access tube into the bodily orifice, and advances the speculum toward the orifice to visualize the advancement of the specimen access tube. When the tip of the specimen access tube is proximate the specimen to be collected, the practitioner advances an applicator into the end of the specimen access tube such that a head of the applicator contacts and holds the specimen.

Abstract: An improved waveguide for an infrared thermometer, comprising a silver halide optical fiber cable of low transmission loss, a high aspect ratio, and a radially decreasing index of refraction. The transmission loss is low enough to enable the cable to be up to ten meters in length, thereby extending beyond the housing of the thermometer and being insertable in confined spaces such as an ear canal. The small cross sectional area and radially decreasing index of refraction of the cable make the field of view of the cable small enough to enable it to resolve targets as small as a portion of the human tympanic membrane, enabling the device to be used to measure the core temperature of humans and other organisms.

Abstract: A blood clot filter which is collapsible toward a central longitudinal axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into a blood vessel and which is radially expandable outwardly from the longitudinal axis to an expanded configuration for contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel at two longitudinal spaced locations. A first plurality of spaced, elongate arms, in the expanded configuration of the filter, curve outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading end of the filter to form a first filter basket and to center a hub at the trailing end of the filter within the vessel. A second plurality of spaced elongate legs angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading edge of the filter in the expanded configuration thereof to form a second filter basket opening toward the leading end.

Abstract: A probe cover of a tympanic thermometer having a probe comprises a base in the form of a ring-type plastic sheet formed with a central opening; and a film sheath that is infrared transparent and has an open end and a closed end, wherein the open end is attached to the base, the sheath portion extended from the central opening can be fitted on the probe of tympanic thermometer, the film sheath comprises a first wall section, a second wall section, and a window between the open end and the closed end, wherein the entire first wall section is formed of a plurality of pleat surfaces and the width of each pleat surface is gradually reduced in the direction from the open end to the closed end, the second wall section is formed by plastic deformation and thus has a smooth wall surface, and the window is in the form of a flat closed surface for fitting on the front end of the probe.

Abstract: A free standing filter is provided with a filter body having an elongate guidewire receiving member extending centrally therethrough to define an open ended channel configured to receive a plurality of different sized guidewires. An expandable and contractible frame surrounds the elongate guidewire receiving member and is connected at a proximal end to the elongate guidewire receiving member. A porous embolic capturing unit has an open end connected to the frame and a closed end connected to the elongate guidewire receiving member which extends through the porous embolic capturing unit.

Abstract: A disposable otoscope tip stacking system that mounts to a receptacle on a head of an otoscope. The system comprising a conical member that is secured to the receptacle. The conical member having a first and a second open end and a stop. The first open end has a greater diameter than the second open end. The first open end of the conical member being connected to the receptacle. The stop extending radially inward along an inner surface of the conical member.

Abstract: A disposable otoscope tip system that mounts to a head of an otoscope. The system comprising a receptacle that mounts to the head of the otoscope and a conical member that is secured to the receptacle. The conical member having a first and a second open end. The first open end includes a lip and has a greater diameter than the second open end. The first open end of the conical member being connected to the receptacle by a shoulder which extends radially inward from an inner surface of a neck to secure the lip therein.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dental/medical instrument for use in diagnostic and related patient inspection/examination. The device includes a body including an integral speculum with a video image capture device or camera, a power supply and a video display. These components, in addition to user actuatable controls, are disposed integrally with the body. The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user's hand to provide a unitary, hand-held device capable of illuminating and capturing an image of a patient, and displaying the image.

Abstract: Mechanically operable extensions for an otoscope speculum holder to allow line of sight through the otoscope to manually position finger like projections around or over an object such as a bug or peanut and with finger pressure on a lever hold such object for manual removal by removing the otoscope.

Abstract: An otoscope having (a) a gripping body; (b) a hollow ear speculum, having an outer end adapted to be placed in the ear canal of a patient, said ear speculum being connected to a top end of the gripping body; (c) a viewing port connected to the top end of said gripping body to provide a line of sight through the ear speculum; (d) a light source which is directed through said ear speculum; and (e) a dispenser which is integral with said otoscope for ejecting medicament through the ear speculum.

Abstract: A probe cover for an infrared (IR) thermometer having two distinct portions, one which is substantially rigid, and the other which is stretchable by at least two times to envelop the probe of the IR thermometer. The stretchable portion allows IR radiation to pass toward the optical window of the IR thermometer probe. The rigid portion of the probe cover is engaged with the probe during the installation process.

Abstract: A retrofocus objective lens system which is conducive for an otoscope includes a first group of optical elements positioned at a distal portion and a second group of optical elements proximally spaced from the first group of optical elements. The first group of optical elements includes at least one negative small diameter lens while the second group of optical elements include a plurality of small diameter lenses having an aggregate optical power which is positive, allowing an image of interest to be transmitted through the system without any intermediate imaging planes, and without the need for rod lenses. The first and second lens groups are retained in a plurality of linearly interconnected lens tubes such that one lens tubes is linearly adjustable in relation to the remaining lens tubes in order to vary the focal length of the lens system.

Abstract: An imaging instrument includes a compact hand-held housing having an electronic imaging element supported within a housing, and a plurality of interchangeable instrument heads separably attachable to the housing. Each of the instrument heads includes an optical system disposed in alignment with the electronic imaging element along an instrument viewing axis. Preferably, the instrument further includes an integral display for displaying at least one captured or real-time video image as viewed through the instrument head of choice. The instrument includes a controller with sufficient programmable logic to capture and store a plurality of imaging images which can be transferred along with audio and/or annotation data relating to a captured image. Corresponding video and audio data can be then transferred using a receiving cradle to a computer which contains software which organizes the stored data for further processing.

Abstract: A measuring adapter allows a viewing instrument, such as an otoscope or other imaging device, to perform surface examinations without significant modification thereto. The adapter is releasably attachable to the instrument housing and includes a distal optical element retained by an adapter housing which is suitably aligned with the distal tip opening of the diagnostic instrument, when attached thereto, for allowing a target to be viewed at a predetermined distance from the viewing system. According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter includes a baffle which causes illuminated light from the distal tip opening to obliquely impinge onto the optical element in order that a reflected image of the illumination optics is not directed to the viewing system. According to another preferred embodiment, the optical element is skewed relative to the illumination axis of the viewing instrument.

Abstract: An otoscope retrofit speculum extension with a sidearm thereon connectable to a vacuum source to pull a vacuum in the interior of said retrofit extension to pull and to hold a foreign body against an end of said extension to allow removal of foreign bodies from an ear or a nose by removal of the otoscope.

Abstract: A stethoscope having a light source includes a stethoscope head and flexible tubing coupled to the stethoscope head and in communication with ear pieces for the detection and transmission of sounds from a patient's body. A casing is affixed to a cover of the stethoscope head and has a light source mounted therein. A switch is operable mounted on the casing for activating and deactivating the light source. Notches extend intermediate the casing and cover for grasping the same during use. A first end of the casing is disposed toward a perimeter of the cover and has an aperture through which light is emitted. The first end is adapted for mounting thereon various instrument heads as an otoscope or opthalomoscope. The first end may extend beyond the perimeter of the cover for mounting thereon the instrument heads. In an alternative embodiment, the casing is detachably secured to the flexible tubing of the stethoscope.

Abstract: A removable Tee piece to allow connecting to a vacuum source to pull a vacuum in the interior of an otoscope and to allow finger pressure control of the interior vacuum and a plastic foreign body remover extension of the speculum holder of the otoscope allows insertion of the otoscope for removal of foreign bodies from an ear or a nose by using the vacuum to pull and hold a foreign body against the extension as the otoscope is withdrawn. A speculum holder modified to prevent the speculum from making a seal with the outer ear and differing embodiments of the foreign body remover extension are shown. In all instances the retrofitted unit is prevented from making an outer ear seal. Removal of the Tee piece and extension of the speculum holder retrofit units allows the normal use of the otoscope for an ear inspection.

Abstract: A sheath defines a lumen. A mesh portion is coupled to the sheath and is movable between a retracted position and an expanded position. An elongate member is disposed in the lumen and is operably attached to one of the mesh portion and the sheath such that longitudinal movement of the elongate member within the lumen causes movement of the mesh portion between the expanded position and the retracted position. The sheath and the mesh portion are introduced into the body along with an end effectuator. The mesh portion is moved to its expanded position to form an object supporting surface. The surface is used to support an object, such as a stone, during a medical treatment procedure using the end effectuator.

Abstract: A sensor probe cover (20) is composed of two substantially square transparent films (21) and (22) and a ring (23) having a hole (23a) suitable for being mated with a sensor probe (12). The center of the first film (21) is provided with a hole (21a), and the ring (23) is fused to the inner periphery of the hole (21a) on the inner surface of the first film (21). The ring (23) is made of a material harder than that of the films. The first film (21) and the second film (22) are thermally fused together at the four corners of these films. The thermally fused locations are indicated at (20a). When used in the cover of the probe of an infrared thermometer, the second film (22) is made of a material transparent to infrared radiation. When the tip of the probe (12) is pressed into the ring (23) from above the second film (22), the probe (12) is covered while the second film (22) is folded back. The fitting on of the cover is completed when the ring (23) fits into an annular groove (12a) of the probe (12).

Abstract: A portable endoscope having a control part containing an entrance end portion of a light guide for transmitting light for illuminating an object, and an illuminating light supply unit containing a light source lamp for supplying illuminating light to the light guide. A connecting mechanism detachably connects the control part and the light supply unit. A switch for turning on/off the light source lamp is provided in the connecting mechanism. When the light supply unit is connected to the control part in a predetermined state, the switch is turned on; when the former is detached from the latter, the switch is turned off. An electric resistor may be provided for gradually reducing the electric resistance between the lamp and a power supply therefor from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state as the switch is moved from an OFF position toward an ON position.

Abstract: A video otoscope includes an elongated body portion having a conically shaped insertion portion sized for insertion a predetermined distance into an ear canal. The insertion portion includes a tip opening and an interior having a lens system for focusing an optical image of a target onto a distally positioned imager each contained therein. The body portion includes an insufflation port to pressurize or apply a vacuum within the ear canal to allow stimulation of the tympanic membrane. In a preferred embodiment, a clear speculum releasably attached to the insertion portion transmits light to a target within the ear canal, while also allowing insufflated air to be reliably guided to the tip opening.

Abstract: An ear speculum is provided for use with a standard otoscope for simultaneously viewing and removing an obstruction from a patient's ear canal. Alternative embodiments can perform like functions in other body canals. Affixed to the speculum is a guide tube through which an elongated, flexible probe may be passed into the ear canal without hindering visibility through the speculum. Various embodiments of the flexible probe function to grasp, suction, or cut obstructions within the ear canal. Additionally, the speculum may be used in conjunction with an embodiment of the probe designed to puncture a patient's eardrum and collect a sample of middle ear fluid which is subsequently released into the ear canal.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical inspection comprising a hand-held medical diagnostic instrument having a battery pack for providing energy to a light source for illuminating the target area, a housing, a charger for charger the battery pack that is integral with the housing and adapted to provide electric energy to the battery pack to charge the battery pack, a video adapter detachably coupled to the medical diagnostic instrument, video processing circuitry contained within the housing and an umbilicus for connecting the video adapter to the video processing circuitry.

Abstract: The pneumatic otoscope includes a speculum which has an elongated preferably generally cylindrical body with a rear end to which a vewing lens is fixed to seal that end. The opposite front end of the speculum is open. The sidewall of the speculum body is closed and defines a generally central space extending from the rear end to the front end of the body. The speculum body also has at least one opening extending peripherally through the sidewall. To the front end of the speculum body is secured a forwardly projecting extension having a closed sidewall defining a passageway extending from the rear end of the extension to the open front end thereof and in communication with the space in the speculum body. The extension tapers from its rear end to its narrow diameter front end which is adapted to be inserted into an ear canal to a point adjacent an eardrum.

Abstract: A temporary inflatable filter device, and method of use, particularly suited to filtration of the inferior vena cava is disclosed. The device features a catheter with an inflatable cuff at one end with a mesh filter spanning the cuff's aperture. During insertion into the vena cava, the cuff is deflated and, along with the filter, is wrapped about the catheter. The catheter features a central lumen passing through its longitudinal axis. The central lumen receives a guidewire upon which the catheter may travel. Upon removal of the guidewire, the central lumen may be used as a means for delivering medicated fluids and the like into the vena cava. An inflation lumen runs parallel to the central lumen and is used for the inflation and deflation of the inflatable cuff. A filament runs through a third catheter lumen that is parallel with the other two lumina.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor for providing surgical access through a passage in tissue, together with methods for its use and deployment. The retractor comprises an anchoring frame having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening therethrough which defines an axial axis. A flexible tensioning member is attached to the frame, and is extendable from the frame out of the body through the passage when the frame is positioned through the passage and into a body cavity. This tensioning member is selectively tensionable to spread the tissue radially outwardly from the axial axis. Hence, it is the tension imposed on the flexible liner which effects retraction of the tissue, rather than relying on the structural integrity of an artificial lumen.

Abstract: A disposable cover for an infrared thermometer provides IR window isolation of handling and usage generated forces. The cover comprises a thin sidewall linked to the film window with a collar structure. The collar structure includes one or more characteristics that either isolate the film window from externally applied forces, or develops counter forces in a way that precludes film stretching and other transmission distorting effects. The cover of the present invention permits sanitary application of an infrared clinical thermometer without hindering reading accuracy or patient comfort.

Abstract: An optical diagnostic system for use within a convention physician-patient examining distance, not exceeding the manual reach of the doctor, including an ergonomic, hand-held, non-surgical, optical diagnostic medical instrument having a light image input-to-output pathway corresponding to an axis of examination, the instrument including an integral gripping assembly for gripping by the physician, and the instrument also including a light source from the pathway and power supply, a light-tight optical coupling for re-directing light received from the light pathway along the axis of examination to a pathway substantially normal thereto, that pathway defining an axis of manipulation and, in optical communication with the coupling, a micro-video camera for generating an electronic signal corresponding to the re-directed light image from the coupling, the micro-video camera including an exterior housing defining, in combination with the gripping assembly of the medical instrument, an axis of manipulation substanti

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating a medical diagnostic instrument with a light source that is located remotely from the instrument and that is equipped with a fiberoptic cable having a threaded connector. The instrument to be illuminated includes a light cavity designed to receive an electrically powered light source. The illumination apparatus includes an adapter having a first coupling structure for engaging said threaded connector and a second coupling structure for engaging the instrument in proximity to said light cavity. When so engaged, the apparatus fiberoptically illuminates the light cavity in place of said light source.

Abstract: A medical visualization device for examination of an anatomical area through a body orifice for diagnosis or local therapeutic treatment. The device comprises a fiber optic handle and a distal tip which incorporates a viewing lens. The distal tip further comprises access means for insertion of hypodermic needle to perform an injection of therapeutic substances.