Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope is positionable at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium to accomplish visualization. A method of use includes introducing the variable direction of view endoscope into a nasal cavity with the endoscope adjusted to a first direction of view between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. A therapeutic device is introduced into the nasal cavity and the endoscope is adjusted to a second direction of view directed toward the sinus opening or passageway. The method also includes advancing the therapeutic device into or through the sinus opening and viewing at least one of the sinus opening or passageway or the therapeutic device using the endoscope adjusted to the second direction of view.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope is positionable at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium to accomplish visualization. A method of use includes introducing the variable direction of view endoscope into a nasal cavity with the endoscope adjusted to a first direction of view between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. A therapeutic device is introduced into the nasal cavity and the endoscope is adjusted to a second direction of view directed toward the sinus opening or passageway. The method also includes advancing the therapeutic device into or through the sinus opening and viewing at least one of the sinus opening or passageway or the therapeutic device using the endoscope adjusted to the second direction of view.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope is positionable at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium to accomplish visualization. A method of use includes introducing the variable direction of view endoscope into a nasal cavity with the endoscope adjusted to a first direction of view between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. A therapeutic device is introduced into the nasal cavity and the endoscope is adjusted to a second direction of view directed toward the sinus opening or passageway. The method also includes advancing the therapeutic device into or through the sinus opening and viewing at least one of the sinus opening or passageway or the therapeutic device using the endoscope adjusted to the second direction of view.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope is positionable at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium to accomplish visualization. A method of use includes introducing the variable direction of view endoscope into a nasal cavity with the endoscope adjusted to a first direction of view between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. A therapeutic device is introduced into the nasal cavity and the endoscope is adjusted to a second direction of view directed toward the sinus opening or passageway. The method also includes advancing the therapeutic device into or through the sinus opening and viewing at least one of the sinus opening or passageway or the therapeutic device using the endoscope adjusted to the second direction of view.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for the ablation of tissue in breast ducts comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway, a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than said tube internal cylindrical passageway to receive and guide an endoscope, the smaller cylindrical tube forming together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube a second passageway. A energy transmitting probe is mounted in the second passageway and is connected at the distal end of the guide tube with an energy transmitting device. The assembly is inserted into a mammary duct and the interior of the duct is viewed until an abnormality is determined in the duct. The tissue and cells from the abnormality area are ablated, irrigated and aspirated through a suction channel to a collection device.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for the treatment of diseased tissue in breast ducts comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway, a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than said tube internal cylindrical passageway to receive and guide an endoscope, the smaller cylindrical tube forming together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube a second passageway. A light transmitting probe is mounted in the second passageway and is connected at the distal end of the guide tube with an energy transmitting device. The light probe is activated to generate light at a particular wavelength to cause the tissue to fluoresce and is again activated to generate light at a specific wavelength to necrose the diseased tissue.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for the removal of tissue and cells from breast ducts comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a beveled distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway and a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than the tube internal cylindrical passageway and adapted to receive and guide an endoscope with a handle assembly wherein the smaller cylindrical tube together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube forms a second passageway. A second conduit of a smaller diameter than the smaller cylindrical tube is mounted in the second passageway to divide the second passageway into two separate divided sections and is of sufficient diameter to receive a laser fiber and a micro-endoscope is mounted in the smaller cylindrical tube and a laser is mounted in the second cylindrical tube in the second passageway.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for intraductal brachytherapy comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway, a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than said tube internal cylindrical passageway to receive and guide an endoscope, the smaller cylindrical tube forming together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube a second passageway. A energy transmitting cartridge is mounted in the second passageway. The assembly is inserted into a mammary duct and the interior of the duct is viewed until the abnormality to be treated is determined in the duct. The container is deposited adjacent the abnormal tissue area in the duct and left in place to produce localized radiation or other forms of energy.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for intraductal brachytherapy comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway, a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than said tube internal cylindrical passageway to receive and guide an endoscope, the smaller cylindrical tube forming together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube a second passageway. A energy transmitting cartridge is mounted in the second passageway. The assembly is inserted into a mammary duct and the interior of the duct is viewed until the abnormality to be treated is determined in the duct. The container is deposited adjacent the abnormal tissue area in the duct and left in place to produce localized radiation or other forms of energy.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for the treatment of diseased tissue in breast ducts comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway, a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than said tube internal cylindrical passageway to receive and guide an endoscope, the smaller cylindrical tube forming together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube a second passageway. A light transmitting probe is mounted in the second passageway and is connected at the distal end of the guide tube with an energy transmitting device. The light probe is activated to generate light at a particular wavelength to cause the tissue to fluoresce and is again activated to generate light at a specific wavelength to necrose the diseased tissue.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for the ablation of tissue in breast ducts comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway, a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than said tube internal cylindrical passageway to receive and guide an endoscope, the smaller cylindrical tube forming together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube a second passageway. A energy transmitting probe is mounted in the second passageway and is connected at the distal end of the guide tube with an energy transmitting device. The assembly is inserted into a mammary duct and the interior of the duct is viewed until an abnormality is determined in the duct. The tissue and cells from the abnormality area are ablated, irrigated and aspirated through a suction channel to a collection device.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for the removal of tissue and cells from breast ducts comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a beveled distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway, a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than said tube internal cylindrical passageway to receive and guide an endoscope with a handle assembly, the smaller cylindrical tube forming together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube second passageway. A second conduit of a smaller diameter than the smaller cylindrical tube is mounted in the second passageway to divide said second passageway into two separate divided sections and is of sufficient diameter to receive a laser fiber and a micro-endoscope is mounted in the smaller cylindrical tube and a laser is mounted in the second cylindrical tube in the second passageway.

Abstract: A three part microendoscope system including a cannula, a dilator, and endoscopic insert for detection of breast cancer are disclosed. To facilitate surgical entry of an endoscope system through the sphincter of a breast, a special dilator is used with an endoscope so that the endoscope can more readily pass through tortuous passageways. In accordance with the present invention, a semi-rigid endoscope can be advanced through the sphincter in the nipple using a nipple dilator. The microendoscope uses a special lumen tube that is usable with various insertable tools that allows for minimal invasive damage to surrounding cells. Insertable tools to irrigate, lavage, or perform biopsies on targeted areas of the breast are disclosed. A novel video coupler having a predetermined focus and orientation to be used with the present system is also disclosed. A method of using the three part microendoscope system and its various insertable tools are disclosed. A method of manufacturing the video coupler is disclosed.