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: Disclosed is a spring-loaded fish hook comprising a first hook connected to a first shaft and a second hook connected to a second shaft. The shafts are connected to a resistance element that biases the shafts apart from one another. A first shaft has a catch element, and a second shaft has a slide element that is adapted to slide along said second shaft. The spring-loaded fish hook device can be arranged in a closed configuration in which the shafts are urged towards one another and are held in position by means of the slide element engaging with the catch element. A releasing line is connected to the slide element, and by pulling on the releasing line, the slide element can be disengaged from the catch element, allowing the resistance element to forcibly separate the shafts, and thus the hooks, from one another resulting in an open configuration.