Abstract: An endoscope assembly comprising a handle incorporating a liquid reservoir and injection system, a cannula attaching to the handle, and a distally attached miniature imaging head. The imaging head is a transparent tubular shaped body having an essentially closed proximal end, and a tubular wall extending from the closed proximal end to the distal open end of the body. An optical source is attached to the closed proximal end, and its emitted illumination directed into the tubular wall of the body, such that said illumination is partially internally reflected within the tubular wall and is emitted both radially and from the distal open end. The optical source is disposed radially inwards of the outer dimensions of the tubular shaped body. Alternatively, the optical source can be positioned back-to-back with the camera chip. A system is provided for cell collection from the region in which the endoscope is operating.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly comprising a handle incorporating a liquid reservoir and injection system, a flexible or rigid cannula attaching to the handle, and a distally attached miniature imaging head. The imaging head is a transparent tubular shaped body having an essentially closed proximal end, and a tubular wall extending from the closed proximal end to the distal open end of the body. An optical source is attached to the closed proximal end, and its emitted illumination directed into the tubular wall of the body, such that said illumination is internally reflected within the tubular walls and is emitted from the distal open end. A detector array is disposed within the inner surfaces of the tubular wall section, and a lens images light reflected back into said imaging head, onto the detector array. The optical source is disposed radially inwards of the outer dimensions of the tubular shaped body.