Abstract: A sheath is provided having a tube and a latch receptacle for removably connecting the sheath with a cooperating working element. The latch receptacle is static and has means for receiving at least a portion of a movable latch of the working element such that the latch receptacle can be disconnected from the working element without touching the sheath. A continuous flow resectoscope sheath assembly may also be provided with both an inlet post and an outlet post on the outer sheath portion.

Abstract: An etchable core glass composition consisting essentially of the following components present in the glass in the following mole percent ranges is shown:CHART I ______________________________________ CHEMICAL COMPOSITION RANGES mole percent ______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 35-46 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 22-28 BaO + SrO + CaO + ZnO 20-32 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 + Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-3.5 La.sub.2 O.sub.3 + Nd.sub.2 O.sub.3 + Sm.sub.2 O.sub.3 + CeO.sub.2 1-11 As.sub.2 O.sub.3 + Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-1.5 ______________________________________A core glass for manufacturing a microchannel plate made from a glass composition having components in the glass range as defined above is also shown. The core glass has a transformation temperature in range of about 637.degree. C. to about 654.degree. C., a liquidus temperature below 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrohydraulic probe for use with a lithotriptic instrument is shown. The probe comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and a relatively rigid spacer means therebetween to maintain a relatively constant equidistant space between the first and second electrodes during the entire work life of the probe. The method comprises the steps of connecting a distal end spacer member with a first electrode wherein the spacer member has a central aperture therein with a relatively constant thickness between its central aperture and an outer perimeter of the space member at the distal tip of the probe and wherein the spacer member comprises a relatively mechanically rigid dielectric material; and connecting a second electrode with the spacer member wherein the central aperture such that said second electrode is spaced equidistantly from the first electrode at the distal tip of the probe.

Abstract: An intubating stylet adapted to be operatively connected to a laryngoscope having a shaped frame with a relatively rigid blade for positioning a workpiece, such as an endotracheal intubation tube, in the larynx and upper trachea region of a patient as shown. The intubating stylet comprises a relatively rigid preformed member having a central portion, a proximal portion and a distal portion. The elongated member is contoured from the central section to the distal section to substantially follow the shape of the shaped frame and rigid blade. The distal portion terminates in a distal tip which, in the preferred embodiment, is adapted to removable support the distal end of an endotracheal intubation tube. The elongated member is contoured from the central section to the proximal section to substantially follow the shape of the laryngoscope which extends in a direction opposite to the relatively rigid blade.

Abstract: A glass composition consisting essentially of the following components present in the glass in the following mole percent ranges is shown:CHART I ______________________________________ CHEMICAL COMPOSITION RANGES mole percent ______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 58-68 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-2 K.sub.2 O + Rb.sub.2 O + Cs.sub.2 O 0-3 PbO 10-15 Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 0.3-2.1 MgO + CaO + BaO 10-20.4 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-4 As.sub.2 O.sub.3 + Sb.sub.2 O 0.1-1.1 ______________________________________A glass composition for manufacturing a high performance microchannel plate is also shown. A microchannel plate made from a glass composition consisting essentially of components in the glass range as defined above is also shown. A method for making a non-porous glass tubing comprising a hollowed out central area and having a transformation temperature in range of about 570.degree. C. to about 610.degree. C., a liquidus temperature below 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A system for reducing drag in a resectoscope working element. A hole is provided at a proximal end of a substantially enclosed electrode sheath for exiting fluids and substantially preventing pressure from being generated in the sheath. A working element has a guide block with a guide bar channel having a first cross-sectional shape and a guide bar with a second cross-sectional shape such that there are spaces between the guide bar and the guide bar channel and the bearing surfaces therebetween are relatively small.

Abstract: A disposable bipolar electrosurgical probe which can be readily applied to the tissue to be treated, then discarded. The probe comprises an elongated substrate member having a peripheral surface of dielectric material and a longitudinal axis extending between a working end and an attachment end. At least a pair of electrically isolated electrodes extend continuously on the peripheral surface of the substrate member between an active region at the working end and an electrical terminal region at the attachment end for quick connection and/or disconnection, respectively, to opposite poles of an RF generator. A handle with a quick disconnect mechanism is provided to physically support the probe and enable it to be selectively energized. The probes can be of a fail safe construction so as to assure that only a proper probe can be used for a desired treatment.

Abstract: A sheath is provided having a tube and a latch receptacle for removably connecting the sheath with a cooperating working element. The latch receptacle is static and has means for receiving at least a portion of a movable latch of the working element such that the latch receptacle can be disconnected from the working element without touching the sheath. A continuous flow resectoscope sheath assembly may also be provided with both an inlet post and an outlet post on the outer sheath portion.

Abstract: A disconnectable electrical plug for use with a urological endscope comprising a housing; a conductor; a connector; and an extension block keyed for insertion into a guide block of the endoscope. The extension blocks extends from the housing at a substantially right angle to the entry of the conductor into the housing and is insertable into the guide block in either a first or second position. A urological endoscope is provided comprising a guide block with an electrical plug channel with a first entry on a first lateral side and a second entry on a second lateral side such that an electrical plug can be connected directly to an electrode by mounting the plug in the channel in either the first or second side of the guide block.

Abstract: A disconnectable electrical plug for use with a urological endoscope comprising a housing; a conductor; a connector; and an extension block keyed for insertion into a guide block of the endoscope. The extension block extends from the housing at a substantially right angle to the entry of the condutor into the housing and is insertable into the guide block in either a first or second position. A urological endoscope is provided comprising a guide block with an electrical plug channel with a first entry on a first lateral side and a second entry on a second lateral side such that an electrical plug can be connected directly to an electrode by mounting the plug in the channel in either the first or second side of the guide block.

Abstract: An electrode for use with a urological endoscope and a method for making the same. The electrode comprises an electrode lead, an electrode end and an electrode stabilizer. The stabilizer can stabilize the electrode proximate a distal region of a telescope and is made of a resilient material for resiliently mounting the electrode to the telescope. The electrode lead and electrode end can be made from a single conductor.

Abstract: A gas pressure neutralizing device for use with a working channel of an inspection instrument. The device comprises means for providing a first gas pressure buffer, a second gas pressure buffer, a chamber formed therebetween and means for reducing the pressure in the chamber whereby gases are substantially prevented from exiting the instrument through a working inlet of the device at an elevated pressure or high velocity.

Abstract: A disposable bipolar electrosurgical probe which can be readily applied to the tissue to be treated, then discarded. The probe comprises an elongated substrate member having a peripheral surface of dielectric material and a longitudinal axis extending between a working end and an attachment end. At least a pair of electrically isolated electrodes extend continuously on the peripheral surface of the substrate member between an active region at the working end and an electrical terminal region at the attachment end for quick connection and/or disconnection, respectively, to opposite poles of an RF generator. A handle with a quick disconnect mechanism is provided to physically support the probe and enable it to be selectively energized. The probes can be of a fail safe construction so as to assure that only a proper probe can be used for a desired treatment.

Abstract: An integrated beam splitter video camera for processing an optical image from an endoscope is shown. The integrated beam splitter video camera includes a housing having a central area which extends therethrough, an optical aperture for passing an optical image to be processed from an endoscope along a predetermined path into the central area of the housing, and a viewing opening for viewing the optical image. A beam splitting surface, located along the predetermined path and within the central area of the housing, receives the optical image and, with a minimum absorption loss in the visible spectrum, transmits a nominal portion of the optical image along a first optical path and reflects the remaining substantial portion of the optical image along a second optical path which is at a selected angle to the first optical path.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for use in the treatment of tissue, particularly in the esophageal and anal regions of the body. The device comprises a multipolar probe body sized for passage into and within a body cavity whose tissue is to be treated without the aid of an endoscope. The probe body includes an active member for providing focused treatment of tissue, the active member being cylindrical and having a peripheral surface on which are mounted a plurality of electrodes, those of one polarity being interposed with those of the opposite polarity. The length of the electrodes can be chosen to obtain desired longitudinal focussing. Additionally, the electrodes can be positioned within a restricted arc to obtain desired peripheral focussing. The probe body also includes non active rounded cap members at its proximal and distal ends, and at its proximal end is mounted on a shaft which extends to the user. A filliform may be mounted on the distal end of the probe body to aid in its insertion into the esophagus.

Abstract: An instrument of a generally tubular flexible shape for accessing a target area comprising an objective head, a control head and a flexible shaft therebetween. The control head has a repositionable instrument entry block for inserting a surgical instrument or washing fluid into the control and to a target area near the objective head. The control head also has a repositionable light post and vent valve assembly which may be repositioned after the instrument has been inserted into a target area. The light post and vent valve assembly may also comprise a connector for a disconnectable external light carrier.

Abstract: An endoscope having a control head, an objective head and a flexible shaft therebetween. The shaft has a flexible core with a conduit means therewith. A deflection means is provided with the shaft having a tension member and a distal end compression member for controllably returning the distal end to an undeflected position.