Abstract: A flexible endoscope providing increased control to an operator or user, the flexible endoscope utilizing an ionic polymeric material positioned in the shaft of the endoscope, such that, upon application of an electrical current to the ionic polymeric material, the material contracts and becomes relatively rigid. The flexible endoscope may further include mechanical controls for control of the flexible shaft allowing the user to simultaneously actuate both the polymeric material and mechanically deflect the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical implement for use with a hand-piece of a surgical instrument for performing a surgical treatment, comprises: an outer tube member including an outer hub and an outer tube extending longitudinally from the outer hub, the outer tube and the outer hub defining a longitudinal bore, the outer hub having a generally circular outer surface and including a circumferential locking groove and a key for releasable attachment of the outer tube member to the surgical instrument; and, an inner tube member including an inner hub and an inner tube extending longitudinally from the inner hub, the inner tube and the inner hub defining a longitudinal bore, the inner tube configured to insert within the longitudinal bore of the outer tube member and including an end effect portion disposed adjacent to a distal end of the inner tube, the inner hub having a generally circular outer surface and including a plurality of bosses radially formed on the outer surface thereof for releasably connecting the inner tube member to

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscope light source safety system including visible light transmitted along an illumination path; a source for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path; an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation; a first reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for reflecting at least a portion of the radiation received by said illumination attenuator; a combiner for combining the radiation from said source into the illumination path; and a detector for receiving at least a portion of the radiation reflected from said first reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.

Abstract: An endoscope light source safety system, including visible light transmitted along an illumination path, one or more sources for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path, an optical element for combining the radiation from said one or more sources into the illumination path, an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation, a reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for transmitting said visible light and returning at least a portion of the radiation, and one or more detectors for receiving the returned radiation from said reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes an endoscopic device having a light guide passing therethrough to a distal end thereof, a light source in communication with the endoscopic device, the light source transmitting illumination light to the light guide, a light source controller in communication with the light source, the light source controller controlling an intensity of the illumination light transmitted to the light guide, and at least one temperature sensor, at least a portion of which is carried by the endoscopic device. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of at least a portion of the endoscopic device and produces a signal indicative of the sensed temperature, the signal being transmitted to the light source controller. The light source controller varies the intensity of the illumination light transmitted to the light guide based at least in part upon the signal indicative of the sensed temperature.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope providing increased control to an operator or user, the flexible endoscope utilizing an ionic polymeric material positioned in the shaft of the endoscope, such that, upon application of an electrical current to the ionic polymeric material, the material contracts and becomes relatively rigid. The flexible endoscope may further include mechanical controls for control of the flexible shaft allowing the user to simultaneously actuate both the polymeric material and mechanically deflect the shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope device providing electrical isolation between the endoscope and a camera control unit coupled to the endoscope. The endoscope uses an optical channel to transmit illuminating light to the endoscope and to transmit image data generated by an imaging device to the camera control unit. In this manner, only an optical connection between the endoscope and the camera control unit exits. Alternatively, a wireless channel for transmission of the image data and any commands signals may be utilized.

Abstract: A surgical implement for use with a handpiece of a surgical instrument for performing a surgical treatment, comprises: an outer tube member including an outer hub and an outer tube extending longitudinally from the outer hub, the outer tube and the outer hub defining a longitudinal bore, the outer hub having a generally circular outer surface and including a circumferential locking groove and a key for releasable attachment of the outer tube member to the surgical instrument; and, an inner tube member including an inner hub and an inner tube extending longitudinally from the inner hub, the inner tube and the inner hub defining a longitudinal bore, the inner tube configured to insert within the longitudinal bore of the outer tube member and including an end effect portion disposed adjacent to a distal end of the inner tube, the inner hub having a generally circular outer surface and including a plurality of bosses radially formed on the outer surface thereof for releasably connecting the inner tube member to a