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: A disposable pad for use with a surgical instrument having a supporting element. The pad includes a flexible elongated member having a channel therein for slidably receiving the supporting element. A stop member limits longitudinal insertion of the supporting element into the channel, a retention member prevents lateral movement of the supporting element out of the channel, and a latching member secures the supporting element against longitudinal displacement from the channel. The latching member is normally disposed in a latching position but is shiftable into a releasing position as the elongated member is flexed to remove the pad. The supporting element of the surgical instrument can hold an artery or vein or other body tissue without damage when using the disposable pad.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding hemostatic clips comprises an outer casing and an elongated body positioned within the casing. The body includes a plurality of sets of pairs of walls on each side of a longitudinal line along the body. Each pair of walls defines a clip-receiving compartment between the walls, and each compartment is transversely aligned with a compartment on the other side of the longitudinal line so that each end of a generally U-shaped hemostatic clip can be received in one of the transversely aligned compartments. The walls of each pair of walls are flexible away from each other so that a clip can be removed by inserting the jaws of applying forceps between the walls and over the clip to flex the walls apart.

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.