Abstract: A thin-walled elastic sheath that can be stretched axially over an elongated imaging device to closely conform to the device and isolate the device from an external environment, and a method of forming such a sheath, are shown and described. The method includes the steps of heating at least a portion of a sheet of an elastomeric material to an elevated temperature to form a malleable heated portion of the sheet, pressing an elongated forming tool against the sheet at a location central with respect to the heated portion of the sheet, stretching the heated portion of the elastomeric material with the forming tool until an elastic conforming portion of the sheet is conformed to at least a portion of the length of the forming tool, and removing the forming tool from the conforming portion of the sheet to leave the thin-walled, elastic sheath having a wall thickness approximately equal to or less than 0.006 inches.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for accessing the interior of the heart and performing procedures therein while the heart is beating. In one embodiment, a tubular access device having an inner lumen is provided for positioning through a penetration in a muscular wall of the heart, the access device having a means for sealing within the penetration to inhibit leakage of blood through the penetration. The sealing means may comprise a balloon or flange on the access device, or a suture placed in the heart wall to gather the heart tissue against the access device. An obturator is removably positionable in the inner lumen of the access device, the obturator having a cutting means at its distal end for penetrating the muscular wall of the heart. The access device is preferably positioned through an intercostal space and through the muscular wall of the heart.

Abstract: A thin-walled elastic sheath that can be stretched axially over an elongated imaging device to closely conform to the device and isolate the device from an external environment, and a method of forming such a sheath, are shown and described. The method includes the steps of heating at least a portion of a sheet of an elastomeric material to an elevated temperature to form a malleable heated portion of the sheet, pressing an elongated forming tool against the sheet at a location central with respect to the heated portion of the sheet, stretching the heated portion of the elastomeric material with the forming tool until an elastic conforming portion of the sheet is conformed to at least a portion of the length of the forming tool, and removing the forming tool from the conforming portion of the sheet to leave the thin-walled, elastic sheath having a wall thickness approximately equal to or less than 0.006 inches.

Abstract: A hood for an endoscope has a cap part detachably mounted on the end portion of the insertion part of an endoscope. An opening communicates with the inside of the cap part, at the end of a flexible tube connected to the opening. Into the flexible tube, such an endoscopic treating instrument as a high frequency snare is inserted.

Abstract: A treating instrument for an endoscope has a flexible sheath and an operating part connected to the proximal end of the flexible sheath. A first buckling preventing member formed from a flexible cylindrical material covers a proximal end portion of the flexible sheath. One end of the first buckling preventing member is secured to the operating part. A second buckling preventing member formed from a flexible cylindrical material overlaps the first buckling preventing member at a region extending from an intermediate position on the first buckling preventing member to the proximal end thereof. One end of the second buckling preventing member is secured to the operating part.

Abstract: Described is a system for the delivery of health care which comprises at least one detection device to detect or analyze information from the human body and provide sensor information or data. A receiver-transmitter is adapted to read the sensor information or data received from the detection device, and is further adapted to transfer the sensor information or data to an Internet server or web site. Software programmed to handle the sensor information or data received by the Internet server or web site determines appropriate action based on the sensor information or data and pre-established algorithms or protocols.

Abstract: A protective tube is provided for use in sterilizing flexible endoscopes in a vacuum method. Such flexible endoscopes comprise a flexible sleeve at a distal end portion. The diameter of the protective tube is selected such that the tube can be slipped onto and fit onto the distal end portion. The length of the tube is selected such that it at least covers the end portion with the flexible sleeve. In addition, the structure of the tube is selected such that the flexible sleeve is protected against swelling under vacuum conditions, at the same time however the sterilizing agent reaches between the outside of the sleeve and the applied protective tube.

Abstract: An endoscopic assembly, utilizing a braided mesh material as an expandable sheath, is disclosed. The mesh sheath is adapted to receive an endoscope for viewing the interior of a body cavity or lumen and one or more channels for performing medical procedures within the patient. The mesh sheath expands laterally as it is compressed longitudinally, which allows it to come into contact with the interior of the body cavity. By doing so, it can anchor the assembly, take samples from the body cavity, or dilate a stricture in the body cavity. Additional dilation procedures can be performed by removing the endoscope and inserting other instruments without removing the entire assembly from the patient. The body cavity can be hermetically sealed to reduce the risk of contamination of the endoscope and channels.

Abstract: A removable cover of an endoscope shaft (2) includes a sleeve (4) of elastic material having a low friction external surface configured so that the frictional resistance to forward displacement of the endoscope shaft is less than the frictional resistance to reverse movement of the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tissue modulation device for use dining spectroscopy of tissue of a subject. In one embodiment, the device comprises an inner sheath, an outer sheath and a window disposed through the inner and outer sheaths, wherein the inner and outer sheaths comprise a sufficiently flexible material that the device can be secured to a region of tissue to be spectroscopically probed, wherein the inner and outer sheaths are joined to one another so that at least one temperature regulating element can be disposed between the inner and outer sheaths, and wherein the window is sufficiently transparent that electromagnetic radiation can be delivered to and collected from an underlying tissue through the inner and outer sheaths. The invention additionally provides a method of modulating temperature of tissue in a subject to be spectroscopically probed.

Abstract: A disposable hand piece providing irrigation and aspiration capability to a surgical field can adaptably hold within itself endoscopes of different manufacturers. Running through the hand piece is a bore; attached at the distal end of the hand piece is a reusable sheath. The tubular shaft of an endoscope is inserted into the bore of the hand piece and the reusable sheath. A first collet at the proximal side of the hand piece securely holds the endoscope by adjusting to the outer diameter of the tubular shaft of the endoscope. A second collet at the distal side of the hand piece holds the reusable sheath in a selected linear extension. The collets, however, permit the tubular shaft and the reusable sheath to be rotated in place and thus adjust the view of the surgical field. An annular space is maintained between the tubular shaft and the reusable sheath so as to provide a channel for irrigation and aspiration. Further aspiration capability is provided by a separate suction device.

Abstract: A directionally expandable standoff device for use with an imaging instrument is disclosed. The standoff device has an elastic sheath configured for placement over a probe of an imaging instrument and a substantially rigid cover configured for placement over the elastic sheath, the cover containing an opening exposing a portion of the elastic sheath. The standoff device allows controlled positioning of the tissue surface within the cavity of a patient's body during imaging analysis.

Abstract: A sheath for use on a closed loop Joule-Thomson cryosurgical probe, and the combination of the sheath and the closed loop probe. The sheath is slipped over the probe, thereby separating the probe from the environment. The sheath has a grip which fits over the handle of the cryosurgical probe, and an extendible shroud which can be longitudinally extended to cover tubing and which are attached to the handle. The sheath has a hollow multi-lumen catheter shaped and sized to fit snugly over the cannula of the cryosurgical probe. The catheter is not thermally conductive, preventing transfer of heat from the ambient to the gas mixture, and preventing the freezing of tissues at undesired locations along the catheter. A thermally conductive cap or tip is attached to the distal end of the hollow catheter. The thermally conductive cap or tip is biased against the cold tip on the probe by a biasing element in the sheath assembly, to promote heat transfer.

Abstract: A flexible sheath that is to be inserted into or removed from a treatment tool insertion channel of an endoscope has a thick portion formed locally near the base end. The thick portion has a larger outside diameter than the other portions. The base end of the flexible sheath 1 is inserted into a connection member which is to be connected to the base end. The thick portion and an adjacent portion of the connection member are pressure-inserted in series into a soft coupling tube to fix the connection between the flexible sheath and the connection member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument including an improved outer sheath which is removable and which rotateably engages the ultrasonic waveguide to facilitate attachment of the ultrasonic instrument to a handpiece. In particular, in one embodiment of the present invention, an improved sheath includes a first and second sheath pin slots extending from the proximal end of the sheath to first and second sheath pinholes respectively. An ultrasonic surgical instrument according to the present invention further includes a connector pin, the connector pin extending through the first sheath pinhole, a waveguide pinhole and the second sheath pinhole and an attachment hub surrounding the outer sheath, wherein the attachment hub is slideable over the outer sheath. A first pin slot may be positioned on an inner surface of the attachment hub wherein the connector pin engages the first pin slot when the attachment hub is in its proximal most position.

Abstract: A controllable sheath for optimizing the control of surgical instruments at the operation site includes a flexible sheath surrounding an endoscope and including a lumen extending along the walls of the sheath and adjacent to the endoscope. The lumen permits the passage of surgical instruments from the proximal end of the endoscopic device to the operation site. The lumen extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope and deflects at the distal end as desired by the operator's manipulation of a controller device. This distal end deflection may occur through various different techniques where the ability to deflect the lumen gives the operator increased control and maneuverability over the surgical implements located in the lumen. Depending upon the particular requirements of the surgical procedure, the controllable sheath may include any number of lumens capable of distal end deflection.

Abstract: A controllable sheath for optimizing the control of surgical instruments at the operation site includes a flexible sheath surrounding an endoscope and including a lumen extending along the walls of the sheath and adjacent to the endoscope. The lumen permits the passage of surgical instruments from the proximal end of the endoscopic device to the operation site. The lumen extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope and deflects at the distal end as desired by the operator's manipulation of a controller device. This distal end deflection may occur through various different techniques where the ability to deflect the lumen gives the operator increased control and maneuverability over the surgical implements located in the lumen. Depending upon the particular requirements of the surgical procedure, the controllable sheath may include any number of lumens capable of distal end deflection.

Abstract: A sheath for use with an endoscope having a flexible insertion tube to isolate at least a portion of the insertion tube from an external environment, and to alter the bending characteristics of at least a portion of the insertion tube, is shown and described. The sheath includes a compliant tube and an elongated shape-retaining member attached to the compliant tube. The compliant tube has a proximal end having an interior area configured to receive a first portion of the flexible insertion tube. The shape-retaining member extends axially along a second portion of the flexible insertion tube when the first portion of the flexible insertion tube is positioned in the interior area of the compliant tube. The shape-retaining member is sufficiently stiff to remain in a selected shape or position, and to retain the second portion of the flexible insertion tube in the selected shape or position.

Abstract: A deflection cover for a medical endoscope comprises a tubular covering that protects the articulation system of an endoscope during sterilization procedures where pressure differentials are generated. The deflection cover is of a single layer of a selected material whose properties provide the deflection cover with adequate flexibility, thinness, and strength for use on a medical endoscope. The deflection cover may include a reinforcement structure, such as a helically oriented thread, to increase the tube's pressure resistance without impeding the tube's longitudinal flexibility, which is needed to allow the articulation system in the endoscope to deflect through its intended range of motion.

Abstract: A stent deployment device for deploying a stent within a body cavity comprises an endoscope having a protective cap, a flexible stent, a sheath, and a flexible, elongated member. The protective cap is mounted on the distal end of the endoscope providing a protected surface for retaining the stent. The flexible stent is circumferentially compressed over the perimeter of the cap, and the sheath is then releasably wrapped around the stent to hold it in a compressed configuration over the cap. The flexible, elongated member, such as a wire extending through a working channel of the endoscope, is attached to either the sheath directly or to a releasing device for the sheath. After the endoscopic device is inserted in a body cavity, the flexible, elongated member is pulled through the working channel to release the sheath and deploy the stent into a desired body opening in the body cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides a camera system including a handpiece having a lens, and a cable connector connected to opposite ends of a cable and a plurality of power source bases. The cable connector includes a video processor. Each power source base has a base connector and a light source. The cable connector is adapted to be connected to each base connector. The camera system is used by connecting the cable connector one at a time to each of the base connectors. The handpiece is enclosed by a disposable sleeve. The sleeve is held against the handpiece by an autoclavable rigid jacket. The portable dental camera is maintain sterile by enclosing at least the distal end of the handpiece with a first sleeve, and generating an image of first patient with the camera and a first power source base in a first dental operatory room. The first sleeve is then removed from the handpiece and replaced with a second sleeve.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a housing having a working channel extending therethrough; an elongated insertion section mounted to the housing and having a distal end to be attached on the housing so as to cover a portion of the elongated insertion section. The sheath creates and maintains a working space at the surgical site.

Abstract: An endoscopic sheath comprising a tubular sheath section having a distal end portion and a hole which extends throughout the length of the sheath section and through which an insert section of an endoscope having observation device can be passed, at least the distal end of the distal end portion opening, and at least the distal end portion being formed of a transparent material, and positioning device for positioning the insert section of the endoscope in the sheath section so that at least part of the distal end portion of the sheath section can be within the view range of the endoscope. A method of securing a cavity includes introducing the sheath and transparent distal end portion into an incision and detaching first and second tissues using the sheath and transparent distal end portion.

Abstract: For use with a surgical microscope having an objective lens barrel protruding therefrom, drapes, methods of draping the microscope and methods of manufacturing the drapes. In one embodiment, a drape includes: (1) a sheet, having a sheet aperture therethrough, that covers at least a portion of the surgical microscope, (2) a rigid, planar seal mount, coupled to the sheet and having a mount aperture therethrough that aligns with the sheet aperture and (3) an elastomeric sheet seal, coupled to the planar seal mount and having a dilatable seal aperture therethrough that has a constricted diameter less than the mount aperture, aligns with the mount aperture, expands to receive the objective lens barrel therethrough and elastically constricts about the objective lens barrel.

Abstract: An endoscope system having a cover type endoscope provided with an elongate inserting section having therein an observation device and an illuminating device and bulge portions formed on the outer periphery at the side of a forwardmost end of the inserting section; and an endoscope cover having an endoscope inserting passage for covering and protecting the inserting section. The endoscope inserting passage receives the inserting section using the bulge portions as a guide. The bulge portions project more than the outer periphery of the inserting section.

Abstract: The disposable endoscope sheath includes a low-profile sleeve member that can accommodate a variety of different endoscope lengths that are longer than the sleeve member. In several embodiments of the invention, the sleeve member includes irrigation channels that do not communicate with an endoscope receiving space. In other embodiments of the invention, irrigation fluid passes through the endoscope receiving space of the sleeve member. In all embodiments of the invention, irrigation fluid that is expelled from the sleeve member can flush surgical debris away from the viewing end of the endoscope. The sleeve member has a generally low profile and does not require continuous suction to halt the expulsion of irrigation fluid from the sheath when the irrigation function is not being used. A brief reverse suction can be used to remove a residual drop of cleaning solution from the viewing end of the sheath.

Abstract: A bending sheath for a probe being inserted in a channel of a forceps of an endoscope inserted in a body cavity of a patient for observing the diseased part thereof is disclosed. The bending sheath comprises a hollow sheath, at least one extended portion extending in the sheath axis direction from the sheath tip portion, and a tip holding member for holding detachably the inserted tip portion of the probe inserted in the sheath.

Abstract: A gripping handle for a diagnostic instrument, such as an intraoral dental camera, in which the instrument includes an elongate body having an integral camera head and a protective sheath having a transparent window which overlays the camera head. The gripping handle is a unitary hollow section of an elastomeric material which is fitted over a portion of the instrument body and clamps the sheath in a predetermined position to prevent the sheath and the transparent window form being twisted during use. Preferably, the gripping handle and the instrument body can each be made from a biodegradable and recyclable material allowing one time use of each.

Abstract: A sheath for use with an interventional device for tissue spectroscopy within a body includes a substantially cylindrical, flexible body having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The flexible body securely receives interventional device via an interference fit. At least the distal end of the flexible body is formed of a material substantially transmissive of at least one of ultraviolet or visible light. For example, the material can be a polymeric materials such as polyurethane, polyethylene or polystyrene. The sheath can be disposable.

Abstract: A sleeve for medical instruments such as endoscopes is disclosed. The sleeve is attachable in any axial or rotational orientation on the endoscope tube. A clamp-like locking means holds the sleeve securely to the endoscope tube without causing damage, while a locking screw permits easy locking, releasing or adjustment. A flared extension at the distal end of the sleeve facilitates stabilization during medical procedures.

Abstract: An endoscopic insertion tube includes a helically wound spiral tube and a net-like braid disposed in overlaying relation. A polymeric adhesive layer is applied over the length of the spiral tube and the outer peripheral surface of the braid. A pre-expanded hollow tubular sheath member is placed over the adhesive layer and is shrunk thereupon using heat to cross-link with the polymeric adhesive layer. The sheath includes a preferably multi-layer structure including at least an inner and an outer layer which can be co-extruded or applied to the assembly in separate sections. According to a preferred embodiment, the outer layer is a clear high-polymer material that allows printing applied to the exterior of the upper layer to be protected.

Abstract: An endoscope which is both flexible and easily cleaned having a pair of telescoping sections at its distal end one of which carries a camera and which are alternately actuated to provide movement through a body passageway by a Bowden type of cable. Such cable has an outer helical casing with an inner steel wire. Respectively attached to the two cylindrical sections are inflatable bladders which provide for the movement above which also are an integral part of the flexible sterilized sheath being held to the respective sections by O-rings.

Abstract: In an endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section to be inserted into a cavity under inspection, a bending portion which is provided in said insertion section near a distal end thereof and is bendable in at least two different directions and an operation section to which a proximal end of the insertion section is connected and a disposable protection cover having an insertion section cover for covering said insertion section of the endoscope and having formed therein an insertion section inserting channel into which said insertion section of the endoscope is insertable and at least one conduit channel, said insertion section and bending portion of the endoscope are formed to have a non-circular lateral cross section, a direction in which said non-circular cross section has a larger size is aligned with a direction in which said bending portion is bent by a maximum bending angle or a direction in which said non-circular cross section has a smaller size is aligned with a direction in whi

Abstract: The disposable endoscope sheath includes a low-profile sleeve member that cooperates with the endoscope shaft to establish a relatively narrow irrigation space between the sleeve member and the endoscope shaft. The sleeve member is intentionally shorter than the endoscope shaft to accommodate a variety of different endoscope lengths that are longer than the sleeve. In various embodiments of the invention the sleeve member can be positioned to establish a predetermined distal gap between the terminal end of the sleeve member and the viewing end of the endoscope shaft, to establish a flush alignment between the respective ends, or to have the endoscope shaft project slightly beyond the terminal end of the sleeve member. Irrigation fluid can thus flow across the viewing end of the endoscope flushing away surgical debris from the viewing end. The sleeve member can be a rigid or flexible structure.

Abstract: A sanitary protective cover or sheath for the ear canal probe of a tympanic thermometer. The speculum has a generally tubular body portion and an infrared transparent membrane attached to and sealing the forward end of the body portion. While the tubular body portion is being injection molded of plastic material such a polypropylene or polyethylene, a film of a similar plastic material is mated to the forward end of the membrane and is thus severed from the film and one side thereof thermally bonded to the tubular body portion. At the same time a bonding ring of roughly the same diameter as the forward end of the tubular body portion is injection molded. The ring is thermally bonded to the opposite side of the film in alignment with the forward end of the tubular body portion.

Abstract: Expendable video camera cover for medical use comprises a sleeve-shaped cover means shaped such as to cover a video camera and its electrical cable, and rigid ring-shaped case means for holding the cover means therein. The case has a generally U-shaped cross-section with its outer and lateral sides closed and leaving a central hole open, and the cover means is contained in said case in a tightly packed state resulting from the cover means having, first, one of its ends fixedly attached to said case, and second, the rest of the cover means being gradually crushed against the outer and lateral sides of the case means such as to leave a central hole in the cover means in its packed state, and leaving the second end of the cover means free.

Abstract: A distal end part of an endoscope having a viewing window for introducing light from an object into an objective optical system for forming an observed image. An illuminating window is disposed in a side by a side relationship with the viewing window for illuminating a visual field of the objective optical system. A continuous transparent cover covers the surfaces of both the illuminating and viewing windows. A window glass is attached to the viewing window in such a manner that a virtual image of the outer edge portion of the window glass, which is produced by single reflection from the inner side of the outer surface of the transparent cover, lies outside the visual filed of the objective optical system.

Abstract: A device utilizable with an endoscope to promote cleanliness comprises a substantially thin-walled elongate tubular sheath made of a flexible material, the sheath having a use configuration with an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of an insertion member of the endoscope, whereby the sheath may be removably disposed about such insertion member to substantially surround same prior to insertion of the insertion member into a patient. A liner element extends parallel to the sheath and inside the sheath at least along a distal end portion of the liner element. The liner element is insertable into a biopsy channel of the insertion member of the endoscope. The sheath and the liner element are attached at their distal ends by a transparent cap member to form a germ-tight seal. Biopsy channels expandable from a collapsed configuration to receive endoscopic surgical instruments during an operation are provided in or on the sheath.

Abstract: A sensor probe cover (20) is composed of two substantially square transparent films (21) and (22) and a ring (23) having a hole (23a) suitable for being mated with a sensor probe (12). The center of the first film (21) is provided with a hole (21a), and the ring (23) is fused to the inner periphery of the hole (21a) on the inner surface of the first film (21). The ring (23) is made of a material harder than that of the films. The first film (21) and the second film (22) are thermally fused together at the four corners of these films. The thermally fused locations are indicated at (20a). When used in the cover of the probe of an infrared thermometer, the second film (22) is made of a material transparent to infrared radiation. When the tip of the probe (12) is pressed into the ring (23) from above the second film (22), the probe (12) is covered while the second film (22) is folded back. The fitting on of the cover is completed when the ring (23) fits into an annular groove (12a) of the probe (12).

Abstract: In an endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section insertable into a cavity under inspection and an operation section having at least one operation switch, the operation section being connected to a proximal end of the insertion section and a disposable protection cover having an insertion section cover for covering said insertion section of the endoscope and an operation section cover for covering the operation section of the endoscope, the insertion section cover includes a forceps channel through which existing forceps for use in ordinary coverless endoscopes can be inserted. An inner diameter of the forceps channel is determined to be slightly larger than an outer diameter of most frequently used forceps or standard forceps whose number is maximized in the outer diameter series of the forceps.

Abstract: A hand-held viewing system for use during medical procedures including endotracheal intubations or tracheostomies is disclosed. The viewing system includes an endoscope assembly having a fiber optic bundle for indirectly viewing the tracheal area of a patient into which the breathing tube is being inserted and a malleable sheath on the endoscope assembly for guiding the tube into place within the patient's trachea. The viewing system also incorporates an adapter stop which allows the endoscope assembly to be used with breathing tubes of varied lengths. A handle is included to which the endoscope assembly and a viewing means are removably connected.

Abstract: An endoscopic assembly, utilizing a braided mesh material as an expandable sheath, is disclosed. The mesh sheath is adapted to receive an endoscope for viewing the interior of a body cavity or lumen and one or more channels for performing medical procedures within the patient. The mesh sheath expands laterally as it is compressed longitudinally, which allows it to come into contact with the interior of the body cavity. By doing so, it can anchor the assembly, take samples from the body cavity, or dilate a stricture in the body cavity. Additional dilation procedures can be performed by removing the endoscope and inserting other instruments without removing the entire assembly from the patient. The body cavity can be hermetically sealed to reduce the risk of contamination of the endoscope and channels.

Abstract: A disposable, sterilizable sheath for use on a closed loop Joule-Thomson cryosurgical probe, and the combination of the disposable sheath and the closed loop probe. The sheath is slipped over the probe, thereby separating the probe from the environment. The sheath has a grip which fits over the handle of the cryosurgical probe, and an extendible shroud which can be longitudinally extended to cover tubing and which are attached to the handle. The sheath has a hollow multi-lumen catheter shaped and sized to fit snugly over the cannula of the cryosurgical probe. The catheter is not thermally conductive, preventing transfer of heat from the ambient to the gas mixture, and preventing the freezing of tissues at undesired locations along the catheter. A thermally conductive cap or tip is attached to the distal end of the hollow catheter.

Abstract: A diagnostic assembly includes an instrument having a body portion and a distal camera head, in which a protective sheath encases the instrument body and includes a transparent window for allowing the camera head to view a target. A releasably attached handle overlays the instrument body and includes inner surfaces conforming to the instrument body to clamp the sheath in a predetermined position to prevent the sheath and the transparent window form being twisted during use.

Abstract: An endoscope system provided with an electronic or optical endoscope is provided therein with an illuminating optical system, an observation optical system, a flow passage system and a forceps channel. Cleaning and disinfection operations are performed on the endoscope so that the endoscope is reusable. An electronic or optical cover type endoscope is provided therein with an illuminating optical system and an observation optical system. The cover type endoscope is used with an endoscope cover having a flow passage system and a forceps channel mounted on the cover type endoscope. The endoscope cover is discarded and replaced whereby the cover type endoscope is reused. Peripheral equipment for endoscope inspection used in combination with the endoscopes is capable of being selectively connected to any of the endoscopes.

Abstract: The endoscope unit 1 includes a flexible tube 3 having a deflectable portion at one end and a proximal housing 4 at the other end. The deflectable portion of the flexible tube 3 has a hard tip 2 at its distal end and the tip 2 has an observation opening 11. The flexible tube 3 has a optical assembly guide channel 10, extending from the proximal housing 4 to the observation opening 11, for removably fitting an optical assembly 9. Optical assembly 9 includes a bundle of optical fibres covered by an external cover 18. The bundle of optical fibres has an objective lens 15 at one end and eyepiece 16 at the other end. A watertight sheath 19 is provided, the watertight sheath 19 being transparent near objective lens 15.

Abstract: A surgical drape having a transparent, flexible tubular body for enclosing a non-sterile video camera includes a closed end and an opening adjacent the closed end. A flat reinforcing washer formed to the tubular body adjacent the opening defining an access opening into the tubular body for receiving a male threaded connection of a sterile camera coupler. The access opening of the reinforcing washer is sized to snugly fit the male threaded connection of the coupler so that the drape is readily secured to the coupler for providing an effective seal. When the coupler is screwed onto the camera, there is a clear optical channel between the camera and the coupler. With such an arrangement, the coupler is accessible from outside the drape. The drape separates the camera from the coupler and in operation, the coupler is sterilized prior to the start of the surgical procedure. As a result, both the coupler and the endoscope are easily accessible during the procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope for use with an elastomeric sheath for performing an endoscopic procedure. The endoscope includes a body, an insertion tube extending away from the body and terminating at a distal end portion, and a sheath retainer connected to the distal end portion of the insertion tube for releasably retaining the sheath on the insertion tube in a substantially fixed position during the endoscopic procedure. The sheath is an elastomeric member movable between a radially expanded position and a contracted position, and the sheath is biased toward the contracted position. The sheath retainer is a generally C-shaped member having a pair of retaining tabs spaced apart from each other and extending away from an outer surface of the insertion tube's distal end portion to define a working channel retaining area therebetween.

Abstract: A device for use with an endoscope is provided. The device allows the equalization of the pressure between an internal space of the endoscope and an environment outside the endoscope. The device includes a housing defining an opening, a gas-transmissive removal zone in the opening and at least one hydrophobic breathable membrane between the gas-transmissive removal zone and the environment. The housing of the device is adapted to receive a port that is connected to an internal space of the endoscope. The gas-transmissive removal zone includes a desiccant material and a material which removes an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes an endoscopic tube for insertion into a cavity to be viewed; an optical system including a video camera and illuminating means for viewing the cavity, the image on the screen being a noninverted image; and a removable, rigid, sterilizable or discardable sheath completely enclosing the endoscopic tube and the illuminating means to prevent their exposure to the cavity environment.