Abstract: A surgical instrument incorporating visualizing optics is disclosed. The instrument comprises a handle supporting a rigid hollow shaft, an expanded tip is located on the distal end of the shaft providing a surface that will not tear or easily penetrate tissue. A fiber-optic assembly, containing at least one illumination transmitting fiber, a plurality of image-carrying fibers and an objective lens mounted near the distal end of the image fibers runs the length of the shaft. The objective lens is positioned relative to an opening in the tip allowing viewing. Light for illuminating the surgical site passes through one or more illumination fibers and through the opening in the tip of the probe. Light reflected from the tissue at the tip of the probe is focused onto the distal face of the image bundle by an objective lens and is then transmitted to the proximal end of the image bundle.

Abstract: A kit is provided including at least one fiber-optic bundle of the type including a plurality of flexible image fibers having an objective lens attached to one end and a connector attached to the other end. The connector is adapted to mate with a viewing device. A coating of a pressure-sensitive adhesive is also provided to secure the fiber-optic bundle to a selected one of a variety of instruments with the fiber-optic bundle conforming to the profile of that instrument over substantially the entire length with the objective lens positioned so as to include the working element of the instrument in the field-of-view. A positioning device is used to position the objective lens to ensure proper focus. The components of the kit are contained in a sterilizable enclosure which includes a bottom tray and a top cover which may be formed of a spun-bonded polyolefin fiber material.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for improved viewing of a surgical site by a surgeon from the perspective of a working element of the instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft with a distal operating portion extending at least about one-fourth of the length of the shaft. A working element is disposed on a distal end of the shaft. An elongated fiberoptic assembly is included, having image fibers with a distal end with an objective lens for defining a predetermined field-of-view, and a coupling device at a proximal end for coupling same to a viewing system. A mounting device is utilized for mounting the fiberoptic assembly to the shaft along the length of the distal operating portion thereof. The distal end of the image fibers is positioned with a predetermined portion of the working element within the field-of-view of the fiberoptic assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for improved viewing of a surgical site by a surgeon from the perspective of a working element of the instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft with a distal operating portion extending at least about one-fourth of the length of the shaft. A working element is disposed on a distal end of the shaft. An elongated fiberoptic assembly is included, having image fibers with a distal end with an objective lens for defining a predetermined field-of-view, and a coupling device at a proximal end for coupling same to a viewing system. A mounting device is utilized for mounting the fiberoptic assembly to the shaft along the length of the distal operating portion thereof. The distal end of the image fibers is positioned with a predetermined portion of the working element within the field-of-view of the fiberoptic assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument incorporating visualizing optics is disclosed. The instrument comprises a handle supporting a rigid, curved, hollow shaft, a spherical tip is located on the distal end of the shaft providing a surface that will not tear or easily penetrate tissue. A fiber-optic assembly, containing at least one illumination transmitting fiber, a plurality of image-carrying fibers and an objective lens mounted near the distal end of the image fibers runs the entire length of the shaft. The objective lens is mounted relative to an opening in the tip allowing either axial viewing or side viewing. Light for illuminating the surgical site passes through one or more illumination fibers and through the opening in the spherical tip of the probe. Light reflected from the tissue at the tip of the probe is focused onto the distal face of the image assembly by an objective lens and is then transmitted to the proximal end of the image assembly.