Abstract: The invention is a laparoscopic device comprising an internal light source located at the distal end of the handle section, a central core comprising an optical system, and a light guide in the form of a cylindrical tube that is slipped over the central core. The light guide is adapted to cause the light emitted by the internal light source to propagate through it by internal reflection until light exits the light guide at the distal end of the laparoscope.

Abstract: The invention is an endoscopic device comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a first location positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. The endoscopic device comprises an optical system that terminates with an objective lens that is located at the first position. A lens protector unit is positioned between the objective lens and the distal tip in order to protect the objective lens. The lens protector unit comprises a rotating window that is located at the distal end of the endoscopic device. The endoscopic device also comprises a source of light located on the distal end. The source of light is adapted to illuminate the space in front of the distal end of the endoscopic device.