Abstract: An endoscope system including a first reusable hand-piece and a second reusable hand-piece. The first reusable hand-piece is a different size than the second reusable hand-piece. The first reusable hand-piece and the second reusable hand-piece are selectively attachable and detachable to the same or a different single-use shaft assembly. Varying sizes of reusable hand-piece assemblies provide for improved user ergonomics. Ergonomic variations may include different size reusable hand-piece assemblies, different size articulation control knobs, and/or different distances between the centerline of the housing of the reusable hand-piece and the knobs and/or between the backstrap of the reusable hand-piece and the knobs, customizable to user preference.

Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, systems, and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. In particular, endoscopes having controls and/or tool port openings one end of an elongate handle and the insertion tube assembly and umbilical extending to the console at another end of the elongate handle are provided. Fluid control and flow path arrangements in the handle of the endoscope are also described as well as configurations for articulation links and constructions for insertion tubes.

Abstract: Endoscopes comprising a reusable hand-piece and separable disposable shaft assembly are illustrated and described. The reusable hand-piece includes a housing having an articulation control mounted thereto and an electronics module mounted thereto. The articulation control includes control knobs and concentric drive shafts for articulation. The electronics module includes a battery, a control board, and an optical and/or electrical connector. The separable disposable shaft comprises a housing having an articulation wire actuating assembly mounted thereto and an optical and/or electrical connector mounted thereto. When the housing of the hand-piece and the housing of the separable disposable shaft assembly are joined together, the articulation control engages the articulation wire actuating assembly and the optical and/or electrical connector of the reusable hand-piece engages the optical and/or electrical connector of the disposable shaft assembly.

Abstract: Endoscopes comprising a reusable hand-piece and separable disposable shaft assembly are illustrated and described. The reusable hand-piece includes a housing having an articulation control mounted thereto and an electronics module mounted thereto. The articulation control includes control knobs and concentric drive shafts for articulation. The electronics module includes a battery, a control board, and an optical and/or electrical connector. The separable disposable shaft comprises a housing having an articulation wire actuating assembly mounted thereto and an optical and/or electrical connector mounted thereto. When the housing of the hand-piece and the housing of the separable disposable shaft assembly are joined together, the articulation control engages the articulation wire actuating assembly and the optical and/or electrical connector of the reusable hand-piece engages the optical and/or electrical connector of the disposable shaft assembly.