Abstract: A urological instrument for use with an endoscope and an endoscope sheath to facilitate the insertion of one or more catheters or flexible instruments from the bladder into the ureter. The instrument includes an elongated sleeve for receiving the stem of the endoscope, a deflecting element pivotally mounted at the distal end of that sleeve, and a mechanism at the proximal end of the sleeve for operating the deflecting element. The mechanism is spring-loaded so that the deflecting element normally assumes a retracted position generally parallel with the axis of the sleeve. Such mechanism also includes a finger lever for selectively controlling the angular position of the deflecting element. A finger brace projects outwardly from the sleeve on the opposite side from the lever.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument having a sheath, a grasping and/or cutting jaw assembly at one end of the sheath, a housing at the sheath's opposite end, and a plunger slidably supported by the housing and connected to the jaw assembly by means of an actuator rod extending through the sheath. The housing and plunger portions of the instrument are adapted to be coupled to a handle unit, if desired, for manipulation of the instrument and operation of the jaw assembly. The structure and method for facilitating quick removal and replacement of the jaw assembly and actuator rod are disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable unitary drape particularly suited for use in performing transurethral surgery of the bladder and prostate, and similar operations. A thin flexible finger cot projects from the body of the drape, the cot having a bulbous distal end portion and an elongated neck portion of reversed taper and reduced wall thickness. An annular retention rib projects outwardly from the cot at the juncture of the neck and end portions and, in one embodiment, the wall thickness of the neck portion is even further reduced in an arcuate intermediate section to increase tactile sensitivity in that zone for the surgeon. The cot may be supplied in longitudinally collapsed form. Because of its configuration and construction, the cot tends to be self-retaining in use.