Abstract: An apparatus for the radio-frequency (RF) thermal treatment of tissue, particularly, prostatic tissue is intended for use in conjunction with a conventional endoscope. The apparatus includes an elongate member having at least one passageway extending at least partially along its length, a delivery tube disposed within the passageway and having a memory portion comprised of a shape memory material, and being moveable within the passageway to extend the memory portion from the elongate member to permit the memory portion to assume a normal unstressed curved configuration, an electromagnetic probe disposed within the delivery tube and moveable within the delivery tube to extend a probe end portion beyond the delivery tube and within tissue. The electromagnetic probe has sufficient flexibility to follow the curved path defined by the memory portion of the delivery tube. The elongate member of the apparatus may further include a channel dimensioned to receive a conventional endoscope.

Abstract: An auxiliary electromagnetic thermal treatment apparatus for use with an endoscope to provide the endoscope with electromagnetic thermal treatment capabilities is provided. The auxiliary apparatus includes a handle portion and an elongate portion connected to the handle portion and dimensioned to be at least partially inserted within a working channel of an endoscope. The elongate portion includes at least one delivery tube having a memory portion comprised of a shape memory material and defining a normally unstressed curved configuration. The one delivery tube is longitudinally moveable relative to the handle portion to extend the memory portion beyond the working channel of the endoscope such that the memory portion assumes the normal unstressed curved configuration thereof. An electromagnetic probe is disposed within the delivery tube and is longitudinally moveable relative to the delivery tube to extend a probe end portion thereof beyond the delivery tube and within tissue.

Abstract: An endoscope, in particular for applications in urology, has a hollow shaft (10), an optical viewing system (12) which can be inserted in the hollow shaft (10) and has a fiber-optic illumination system, an optical fiber (16) which can be introduced with the optical system (12) into the hollow shaft (10) and connected at its proximal end to an external laser source and is bent at its distal end away from the shaft axis. In order to allow irradiation of tissue lying closely packed around the hollow shaft, an indeformable holding tube (14) which is parallel to the optical system (12) and passes through the hollow shaft (10) is provided; this tube accommodates the optical fiber (16) and its distal end is bent at a fixed angle in relation to the shaft axis and accommodated entirely within the shaft cross-section. A spacer (36) with a radiation window (32) ensures that the tissue to be irradiated cannot lie next to the point (18) at which light emerges from the optical fiber (16).

Abstract: A cystoscope of the invention comprises a main portion (10) and a tubular sheath (12, 110) that carries on its distal end a balloon (22, 114, 214) inflatable from the outer side of the cystoscope for spreading apart the prostate lobes in the prostatic part of the urethra and thus improving conditions for observation and operation on the prostate. The invention also provides a cystoscope convertable into a resectoscope which consists of a sheath (12, 110) and an outer sleeve (112), slidingly guided over the sheath. On the outer side of its distal portion, the sliding outer sleeve (112) carries an inflatable balloon (114) which is connected to an air-feed tube (118) located inside the sheath. The outer sleeve is connected to an inner sleeve (116) which slides inside the sheath. The distal end face (110b) of the sheath is inclined at an acute angle to accommodate the inclined optical portion of the cystoscope, whereas the distal end face (116a) of the inner sleeve is arranged substantially at 90.degree.

Abstract: A resectoscope with a working element and an electrode. The working element has a movable actuator assembly with a receiving area for receiving a proximal end of the electrode. The receiving area has an entrance, a plug area, and a curved section between the entrance and the plug area. The electrode has a proximal end with a connection section for connection to an electrical plug connector in the plug area. The proximal end also has a flexible section next to the connection section. The flexible section resiliently deforms along the curved section of the receiving area in the actuator assembly.

Abstract: An optical surgical device includes a detachable, disposable semi-flexible sheath for insertion into a patient's body. The sheath is provided with plurality of channels. One of the channels receives an endoscope for optical examination of an operative site within the patient. The remaining channels may be used for suction, drainage or irrigation of the operative site. The disposable sheath provides a significant improvement in the efficiency and sterility of internal surgical procedures.

Abstract: An endoscope with a working element and a sheath assembly. The sheath assembly has an outer sheath with an outer tube, and inner sheath with an inner tube and an insulating tip. An inflow channel is formed inside the inner tube. An outflow channel is formed between the inner and outer tubes. The insulating tip is connected to the front of the inner tube and has two holes; one for inflow and one for outflow. The top side of the inner tube has a flat shape to form an enlarged outflow channel area between the flat top side and the outer tube.

Abstract: A prostascope with a bridge includes a guide member which has a guide surface for a laser beam emitting end of a fiber cable at the bottom thereof and which is attached to the tip of the bridge, a reflector which is formed with a slant reflecting surface having a predetermined angle of reflection and which is detachably attached to a mounting portion of the guide member such that the reflector is prevented from rotating relative to the guide member and that a threaded end of the tip of the bride penetrates the reflector, and a cap nut which is removably screwed onto the threaded end of the bridge.

Abstract: An endoscope for examining the interior of a canal or hollow organ. The endoscope includes an optical system and a channel for an auxiliary instrument such as a laser probe. The distal end of the endoscope shaft and that of the optical system each have a groove-shaped recess so that, upon pulling back of the auxiliary instrument into the endoscope, the probe head, guided by the edge of the recess of the endoscope shaft, is deflected laterally downward of the optical system so as not to impede the field of view of the optical system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image directing member is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to direct optical images into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve. A movable blade is positioned distal to the image directing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically observing a body cavity in which the view field is made more clear by eliminating mucus in the body cavity. The apparatus includes a tubular fluid passage forming member which surrounds an insert part and which is inserted into the body cavity. A space between the fluid passage forming member and the outer face of the insert part is divided into a fluid supply space and discharge space. The fluid supply space is externally supplied with fluid such as clean water and the mucus in the body cavity is discharged to the outside of the body via the fluid discharge space. The fluid passage forming member is made of economical material such as plastics so that it may be disposable, reducing the risk of infecting a patient with a virus.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's prostate. An endoscopic instrument is inserted through the patient's urethra such that a distal portion of the endoscopic instrument is inserted into the patient's prostatic urethra and engaged with an interior wall of the prostatic urethra. A laterally transmitting laser fiber tip of a laser fiber is placed in the endoscopic instrument adjacent to a window therein such that the tip is spaced laterally from an area of the interior wall of the prostatic urethra. Laser light energy is transmitted laterally from the tip through the window onto the interior wall for treatment thereof. A telescope may be placed adjacent the laser fiber tip so that the interior wall of the prostatic urethra may be viewed. Irrigating fluid may be provided from a source external of the patient through the endoscopic instrument to a proximity of the tip. Excess fluid may be returned through the instrument to a fluid dump zone external of the patient's body.

Abstract: An endoscope having a longitudinally-slotted probe that is connected to a guidance part for an optical system which extends in an axially movable fashion through the guidance part into the probe and the view of which is directed toward the longitudinal slot of the probe. The axial adjustment of an associated optical system is operated by a drive, which is connected to the guidance part and can be operated by hand. The instrument can be held by an operator using one hand and, as this is done, the optical system can be securely brought into position. The optical system can be adjusted using this same hand, thus permitting the operator to use the other hand to guide a surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image passing member, such as an optical window is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to permit optical images to pass into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve and to permit illumination light to pass to the surgical site. An automatically retracting blade is positioned distal to the image passing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue.

Abstract: In a device for transanal resectate extraction which includes a rectoscope sleeve with a proximal tubular end portion, a connecting piece sealingly mounted onto said tubular proximate end portion for closing the rectoscope sleeve and including a bore axially extending therethrough and a resectate extractor having a tubular portion extending through the bore so as to be axially movable but position-lockable therein. The tubular portion of the extractor has a protector portion at its distal end with an axial passage in alignment with the tubular extractor portion for receiving grasping pincers inserted through the tubular extractor portion. The protector portion has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the rectoscope sleeve so that it can be retracted into the sleeve.

Abstract: A continuous flow cystoscope is shown. The cystoscope includes an outer sheath having an outer surface, a hollowed out central area extending along a central axis which extends therethrough, a proximal section and a distal section. The distal section includes a distal end having a member defining an opening. In the preferred embodiment, the outer sheath opening is formed at an acute angle relative the central axis. The distal section of the outer sheath includes an elongated fenestra extending distally therefrom along a path substantially parallel to and spaced from the central axis. The proximal section of the outer sheath includes an inlet port and an outlet port. An inner member is positioned within the hollowed out central area of the outer sheath and includes an inner member channel having a first passageway which is adapted to receive a telescope and a second passageway which is utilized for passing a working tool, such as a laser fiber.

Abstract: A continuous flow resectoscope having a working element and a sheath assembly removably connected to the working element. The sheath assembly has an outer sheath removably attached to an inner sheath. The improvement comprises a rotatable connection of the inner sheath to the working element, wherein the working element is rotatable relative to both the inner and outer sheaths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image passing member, such as an optical window is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to permit optical images to pass into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve and to permit illumination light to pass to the surgical site. An automatically retracting blade is positioned distal to the image passing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue.

Abstract: An improved endoscope assembly for exploratory and general surgery which permits exceptional vision while eliminating the requirement of both washing of the lense and expansion of the body cavity. Using a standard endoscope, a housing is placed over the end of the endoscope. The housing is equipped with a window for viewing through by the endoscope's viewing tip. The window is arranged at an angle different from the angle of the viewing tip so that light is reflected back into the housing, and not into the viewing tip. The interior of the housing is coated with a light absorbing material to eliminate back-scattering of light into the viewing tip of the endoscope which degrades the endoscope's vision. An air-chamber between the viewing tip of the endoscope and the window assures the crispest vision possible. Further, fogging of the window is eliminated through the use of heating wires, dry gases, or the like so that the endoscope is also useful for cadaver lessons.

Abstract: A trocar obturator includes a hollow tube having a substantially solid, optically clear tip attached thereto. A distal cutting end of the tip is formed by a pair of opposing, angularly oriented surfaces which converge to a line at that point with a cutting element disposed along the line. For electrosurgical operation, an electrode is positioned along the line. The tip serves as a viewing window and defines a viewing port at its proximal end for an endoscope inserted into the hollow obturator tube for viewing a tissue wall as it is penetrated. The trocar obturator tip may include an axial bore extending between its proximal and distal ends with a viewing rod within the bore for viewing the area ahead of the tip. Here again, the distal cutting end of the tip may be formed by a pair of opposing angularly oriented surfaces which converge to a line. Two cutting elements extend linearly along the distal end of the tip, one on either side of the bore.