Abstract: The present disclosure provides an endoscopic apparatus and associated methods. The apparatus may include a steerable tool having a first flexible tube concentrically nested within a second flexible tube. The apparatus may include an end cap disposed on the steerable tool, an image sensor disposed on the end cap, and one or more light sources disposed on the end cap. The apparatus may be configured for accessing a region within a middle ear cavity of a patient. As such, the apparatus may further include a flexible tube, through which the steerable tool may extend, as well as a pre-curved rigid tube, through which the flexible tube may extend, thus allowing the apparatus to be deployed for middle ear access.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an endoscopic apparatus and methods. The apparatus may include a steerable sheath, a control wire disposed within the steerable sheath, and a basket disposed on the control wire. The steerable sheath may be actuated to form a bend, advancing movements of the control wire may cause the basket to project out of the steerable sheath and expand, and retreating movements of the control wire may cause the basket to retract into the steerable sheath and contract.

Abstract: A composition of refractory cement includes about 65 percent by weight of refractory clay, about 15 percent by weight of ball clay and about 20 percent by weight of calcium aluminate cement to yield a product composition which is air-setting, acid resistant, and non water soluble. The composition ingredients are so sized to provide the product composition with a screen analysis of about 2 percent to 6 percent +40 mesh, about 20 percent to 35 percent +70 mesh, 10 percent to 25 percent +100 mesh and 40 percent to 60 percent -100 mesh.