Abstract: An integral adaptor for connecting an accessory to a medical instrument is disclosed herein. The accessory includes a first connector and the medical instrument includes a second connector. The first connector is incompatible with the second connector. The adaptor can include a first portion configured to selectively engage the first connector of the accessory and a second portion that is integral to the first portion. The second portion is configured to selectively engage the second connector of the medical instrument. The first portion and the second portion collectively define an inner volume that establishes a fluid connection between the accessory and the medical instrument when the accessory is connected to the medical instrument. The adaptor can further include a mechanical connection configured to secure the integral adaptor to the medical instrument when the second portion is selectively engaged with the second connector of the medical instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope add-on assembly adapted to be attached to a target endoscope. The assembly includes an ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, including a communications cable connected to an ultrasound imaging head and an imaging head movement sub-assembly, including a conduit, holding a tension member that is attached to the ultrasound imaging head. Further included are connective elements, adapted to permit the endoscope add-on assembly to be attached to the target endoscope. Finally, the imaging head movement sub-assembly is detachable from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, thereby permitting the imaging head movement subassembly to be processed separately from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, after use.

Abstract: An endoscope add-on assembly adapted to be attached to a target endoscope. The endoscope add-on assembly includes an ultrasound imaging head, an ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, and a needle guide ramp. The ultrasound imaging head defines an imaging slice plane. The ultrasound imaging sub-assembly is configured to selectively engage the ultrasound imaging head. The ultrasound imaging sub-assembly includes a retaining element configured to secure the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly to the target endoscope. The needle guide ramp is configured to direct a motion of a needle of the target endoscope. The needle guide ramp is configured to align the needle of the target endoscope within the imaging slice plane when the endoscope add-on assembly is attached to the target endoscope.

Abstract: A sleeve configured to be dispositioned between an endoscope and an ultrasound accessory selectively attachable to the endoscope is disclosed herein. The sleeve can include a rigid body configured to maintain a structural integrity of the sleeve, a first flexible layer positioned about an inner surface of the rigid body, and a second flexible layer positioned about an outer surface of the rigid body. The first flexible layer can create a friction fit between the inner surface of the rigid body and an outer surface of the endoscope and the second flexible layer can create a friction fit between the outer surface of the rigid body and the ultrasound accessory. The sleeve can be inserted into an inner bushing that includes a connecting plate configured for alignment with a positioning plate of the ultrasound accessory such that the ultrasound accessory is properly positioned when selectively attached to the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope add-on assembly adapted to be attached to a target endoscope. The assembly includes an ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, including a communications cable connected to an ultrasound imaging head and an imaging head movement sub-assembly, including a conduit, holding a tension member that is attached to the ultrasound imaging head. Further included are connective elements, adapted to permit the endoscope add-on assembly to be attached to the target endoscope. Finally, the imaging head movement sub-assembly is detachable from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, thereby permitting the imaging head movement subassembly to be processed separately from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, after use.

Abstract: Various ultrasonic attachment assemblies for endoscopes are disclosed. In one aspect, the ultrasonic attachment assembly can include an ultrasonic transducer and a clip. The ultrasonic transducer includes a transducer lens and a transducer body, The clip is configured to be removably secured to a distal end of an endoscope and hold the transducer body such that the transducer lens is positioned distally with respect to the distal end of the endoscope. In another aspect, the ultrasonic attachment assembly can include an ultrasonic transducer and a sleeve. The ultrasonic transducer includes a transducer lens and a transducer body. The sleeve is configured to be positioned on a distal end of an endoscope and hold the transducer body such that the transducer lens is positioned distally with respect to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A sleeve configured to be dispositioned between an endoscope and an ultrasound accessory selectively attachable to the endoscope is disclosed herein. The sleeve can include a rigid body configured to maintain a structural integrity of the sleeve, a first flexible layer positioned about an inner surface of the rigid body, and a second flexible layer positioned about an outer surface of the rigid body. The first flexible layer can create a friction fit between the inner surface of the rigid body and an outer surface of the endoscope and the second flexible layer can create a friction fit between the outer surface of the rigid body and the ultrasound accessory. The sleeve can be inserted into an inner bushing that includes a connecting plate configured for alignment with a positioning plate of the ultrasound accessory such that the ultrasound accessory is properly positioned when selectively attached to the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly is disclosed herein. The endoscope assembly can include an endoscope, having a proximal and a distal end, and defining a lumen, and having a proximal lumen port, permitting entry of a lengthwise needle or other device into said lumen; and a tubular extension, having a proximal and distal end, and having said distal end affixed to said proximal lumen port, an ultrasound endoscope needle assembly attached to proximal end of said tubular extension and having: a proximal handle; and a needle having a distal end, extending distally out of said handle; and wherein said needle fits through said tubular extension, and through said proximal lumen port into said lumen, and with said needle positioned so that said distal end is within said lumen but can be extended out of said lumen by manipulation of said handle.

Abstract: A method of providing and processing an ultrasound capable endoscope assembly that uses an endoscope having a proximal and a distal end, and that has been used previously. The endoscope is cleansed to a level appropriate for re-use within a human body. The method also uses an unused ultrasound assembly, sealed in antiseptic packaging, and which includes a multiple signal pathway connector; an ultrasound transducer head including an ultrasound transducer; and a set of signal pathways, extending from the ultrasound transducer to the multiconductor electrical connector. In the method, the ultrasound assembly is to the endoscope, so that the set of signal pathways extends along the elongate body of the endoscope and the ultrasound transducer head is attached at the distal end. After use, the ultrasound assembly is detached from the endoscope and permanently disposed.

Abstract: A method of providing and processing an ultrasound capable endoscope assembly that uses an endoscope having a proximal and a distal end, and that has been used previously. The endoscope is cleansed to a level appropriate for re-use within a human body. The method also uses an unused ultrasound assembly, sealed in antiseptic packaging, and which includes a multiple signal pathway connector; an ultrasound transducer head including an ultrasound transducer; and a set of signal pathways, extending from the ultrasound transducer to the multiconductor electrical connector. In the method, the ultrasound assembly is to the endoscope, so that the set of signal pathways extends along the elongate body of the endoscope and the ultrasound transducer head is attached at the distal end. After use, the ultrasound assembly is detached from the endoscope and permanently disposed.

Abstract: An endoscope add-on assembly adapted to be attached to a target endoscope. The assembly includes an ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, including a communications cable connected to an ultrasound imaging head and an imaging head movement sub-assembly, including a conduit, holding a tension member that is attached to the ultrasound imaging head. Further included are connective elements, adapted to permit the endoscope add-on assembly to be attached to the target endoscope. Finally, the imaging head movement sub-assembly is detachable from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, thereby permitting the imaging head movement subassembly to be processed separately from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, after use.

Abstract: A method of providing and processing an ultrasound capable endoscope assembly that uses an endoscope having a proximal and a distal end, and that has been used previously. The endoscope is cleansed to a level appropriate for re-use within a human body. The method also uses an unused ultrasound assembly, sealed in antiseptic packaging, and which includes a multiple signal pathway connector; an ultrasound transducer head including an ultrasound transducer; and a set of signal pathways, extending from the ultrasound transducer to the multiconductor electrical connector. In the method, the ultrasound assembly is to the endoscope, so that the set of signal pathways extends along the elongate body of the endoscope and the ultrasound transducer head is attached at the distal end. After use, the ultrasound assembly is detached from the endoscope and permanently disposed.

Abstract: An endoscope add-on assembly adapted to be attached to a target endoscope. The assembly includes an ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, including a communications cable connected to an ultrasound imaging head and an imaging head movement sub-assembly, including a conduit, holding a tension member that is attached to the ultrasound imaging head. Further included are connective elements, adapted to permit the endoscope add-on assembly to be attached to the target endoscope. Finally, the imaging head movement sub-assembly is detachable from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, thereby permitting the imaging head movement subassembly to be processed separately from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, after use.

Abstract: An endoscope add-on assembly adapted to be attached to a target endoscope. The assembly includes an ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, including a communications cable connected to an ultrasound imaging head and an imaging head movement sub-assembly, including a conduit, holding a tension member that is attached to the ultrasound imaging head. Further included are connective elements, adapted to permit the endoscope add-on assembly to be attached to the target endoscope. Finally, the imaging head movement sub-assembly is detachable from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, thereby permitting the imaging head movement subassembly to be processed separately from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, after use.