Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging a narrow body lumen, the method comprising maintaining separation between a distal end of an optical viewing scope and a lumen wall with a spacing structure which extends distally from the distal end of an access catheter. Optional spacing structures include distal cages and a guidewire which is fixed to and extends distally from the access catheter body. The invention is beneficial during either retrograde imaging of the fallopian tube, and also allows antigrade imaging and advancing the access catheter and scope under the direction of the image provided, as it prevents the tubal wall from coming into such close proximity to a falloposcope as to produce “white-out” on the imaging monitor.

Abstract: An endoscope system in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of endoscope modules having different treatment instruments mounted therein, an endoscope to which the endoscope modules can be attached, and a coupling member fixed to the distal part of an insertion unit of the endoscope and used to make the plurality of endoscope modules freely exchangeable. The plurality of endoscope modules having the different treatment instruments mounted therein are freely exchangeable to be coupled to the distal part of the insertion unit of the endoscope.

Abstract: A minimally invasive technique for harvesting saphenous veins and the like for use as autografts in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery include a microsurgical instrument adapted to be demountably secured to the distal end of an endoscope. The instrument is inserted through an entry incision in the patient's skin, at the end of the endoscope which is used by a surgeon to advance the instrument along the saphenous vein, using the vein as a guide for the instrument. The instrument is tapered to provide initial separation of surrounding tissues from the vein, and cutting means supported by the instrument and viewed via the endoscope allow dissection of all tissues and side branch vessels from the saphenous vein. The instrument further provides a protective hood which prevents tissues or skin from blocking the endoscope. The desired length of saphenous vein is transected and is extracted via the entry incision. The technique minimizes trauma to the patient and to the saphenous vein graft.

Abstract: A system for evulsing subcutaneous tissue including an endoscope adapted to be inserted into subcutaneous tissue through a skin cut portion to observe tissue to be evulsed and existing under the skin, a dissecting unit adapted to be inserted into the subcutaneous tissue through the skin cut portion so as to dissect the tissue, to be evulsed, from surrounding tissue in order to form a cavity along the tissue to be evulsed and below the skin, a cavity maintaining unit adapted to be inserted from the skin cut portion into the cavity formed by the dissecting unit and to be retained in the cavity in order to maintain, around the tissue to be evulsed, a treatment space which permits the endoscope to be inserted and removed and which enables treatment of the tissue to be evulsed, and at least one treatment tool adapted to be inserted into the treatment space maintained by the cavity maintaining unit in order to perform, in the treatment space, treatment required to evulse the tissue to be evulsed.

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: The invention relates to a suction/rinsing instrument comprising a suction channel for removing fluid and a rinsing channel for supplying rinsing fluid. The suction channel is provided for receiving an auxiliary instrument. Via a grip part of the instrument, the auxiliary instrument, for example a forceps, may be controlled. The auxiliary instrument is fixed on the suction/rinsing instrument by way of a receiver. The receiver can be traversed in the axial direction of the shank, the traversing is effected via operating means provided on or near the grip part, so that the operator, without having to let go of the grip part, may selectively, with only one hand, push forward the auxiliary instrument an thus operate or also retract the auxiliary instrument and clear the suction/rinsing channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging a narrow body lumen, the method comprising maintaining separation between a distal end of an optical viewing scope and a lumen wall with a spacing structure which extends distally from the distal end of an access catheter. Optional spacing structures include distal cages and a guidewire which is fixed to and extends distally from the access catheter body. The invention is particularly beneficial during retrograde imaging of the fallopian tube, as it prevents the tubal wall from coming into such close proximity to a falloposcope as to produce "white-out" on the imaging monitor.

Abstract: The illuminated iris retractor probe system is a medical device for use in ophthalmic surgery, particularly anterior segment and posterior segment surgery where visualization of ocular structures is required. The device utilizes a handpiece to support a 23-gauge sheathed fiber optic element that transmits the illumination. The 23-gauge dimension of the sheathed fiber optic element allows it to be inserted through self-sealing incisions of 1.5-2.0 mm in size in the peripheral cornea, thereby allowing the incision to be self-sealing and thus avoiding the operative intervention and postoperative complications of sutures. The tip of the illuminated iris retractor probe has a backward bend or hook whose peripheral end is flush with the illumination end of a fiber optic element which is surrounded by a metal sheath. The specific angle of the hook and its location allows the probe to retract the iris during anterior segment procedures.

Abstract: A front end hood for an endoscope allows an observation image of a portion which is transmitted through the transparent front end hood to be less distorted, and produces an excellent observation image even in a periphery of a wide visual field. An optically transparent front end hood projects from a front end insertion portion of an endoscope so that an observation port located in the front end face of the front end insertion portion is positioned inside the front end hood. A portion of the front end hood may be formed into a spherical shape, the diameter of which decreases toward the opening end of the front end hood.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held endoscopic camera having all of the necessary components for performing endoscopic procedures comprises power source means, lens means, light source means, and video camera means. The portable endoscopic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of systems and includes a highly efficient means for focusing the illumination of the light source. The lens means includes a fiber bundle and the light source means includes a bulb. The bulb is positioned in an abutting relationship with the fiber bundle, thereby focusing light into the fiber bundle. The camera is selectively operable in a cordless and cord-operated mode.

Abstract: An MR compatible endoscope 1 has associated MR saddle coil 10 mounted on a removeable former 9. The tip 2 of the endoscope has the usual service channels for imaging. The coil 10 provides an additional MR signal. To avoid the need to plug the coil 10 in, it is inductively couples to a pick-up coil 13 and, to enable this to be removable as will from the endoscope, this may be located in one of the service channels 7 of the endoscope. The removable nature of the coil permits easy repair and, more importantly, a range of coils to be fitted to the endoscope to accommodate different magnetic field strengths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging a narrow body lumen, the method comprising maintaining separation between a distal end of an optical viewing scope and a lumen wall with a spacing structure which extends distally from the distal end of an access catheter. Optional spacing structures include distal cages and a guidewire which is fixed to and extends distally from the access catheter body. The invention is beneficial during either retrograde imaging of the fallopian tube, and also allows antigrade imaging and advancing the access catheter and scope under the direction of the image provided, as it prevents the tubal wall from coming into such close proximity to a falloposcope as to produce "white-out" on the imaging monitor.

Abstract: In a front end structure of a side-view type endoscope in which a treatment tool raising piece is swingably held in a raising piece receiving groove formed in the front end body, a bridge is provided on the front end surface of the front end body and extends to bridge a front opening of the raising piece receiving groove.

Abstract: A front end structure of a side-view type endoscope includes a metal front end body on the side face of which a view window is provided, and an end cap of a resilient material in the form of a cylinder with a closed bottom. The end cap is detachably attached to the front end body and is provided with an opening through which at least the view window is exposed. Detachment preventing engagement portions are provided between the end cap and the front end body on opposite sides of the view window. The detachment preventing engagement portions are each provided with at least one recess and at least one projection which is engaged in the recess to resist the movement of the end cap in the end cap detachment direction.

Abstract: In an endoscope of the present invention, while a cover indicator on a distal cover is aligned with a scope indicator on a main distal part, the distal cover is put on the main distal part in an axial direction at a certain insertion angle. Thereafter, the distal cover is rotated while being thrust in the axial direction. The stoppage of a locking convex part of a hook of the main distal part by a claw of a reinforcement member is released, and the locking convex part of the hook is positioned in a locking ditch of the reinforcement member. The head of the hook is constrained to move in the axial direction by means of a main distal cover that is an elastic member and the claw. The locking convex part is then fitted into the locking ditch reliably. Consequently, the distal cover can be fixed to the main distal part readily, freely detachably, and reliably with high positioning precision.

Abstract: A portable endoscope tester determines specific properties of an endoscope optical system and enables comparisons between individual endoscopes to be made. The tester includes a holder for receiving and aligning an endoscope and a target attachable to the holder. The target is held in a plane normal to the optical axis of the endoscope when received in the holder. Opaque indicia indicative of the optical properties of the endoscope appears on the target and include a central disk with either a pinhole or a cross formed at the center, a plurality of field circles including an inner and outer bold ring, an inner and outer group of resolution targets arranged at respective clock positions, each resolution target comprising a plurality of parallel lines of different width and spacing, and rectangular grid centered on the optical axis.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion, a front end body provided on the front end of the elongated insertion portion, and a detachable front end cover which covers said front end body, wherein said front end cover is comprised of a combination of an easily deformable member having a high resiliency and a deformation restricting member having a lower resiliency than the easily deformable member.

Abstract: A side view type endoscope includes a front end body having a view window on the side surface thereof, a detachable front end cover which covers the front end body, an opening provided on the side surface of the front end cover, through which the view window is exposed to the exterior, air and/or water supply passages which supply cleaning air and/or water, and a nozzle connected to the air and/or water supply passages to selectively inject air or water toward the view window, wherein the air and/or water supply passages are provided on said front end body and the nozzle is provided on the front end cover.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a front end of an inserting portion of an endoscope and a cap to be attached to the front end of the endoscope, comprising; a first engaging portion provided on the front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope; and, a second engaging portion provided on the cap being disengageably engaged with the first engaging portion of the endoscope. The front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope is provided with a projection whose diameter being smaller than a diameter of the front end, the projection being connected to the front end through a stepped portion.

Abstract: A distal end part of an endoscope including an end cap provided with a nozzle for spouting a fluid in a predetermined direction. The end cap is detachable with respect to a distal end block which is provided at the distal end of an insert part of the endoscope. Engagement portions are provided on the end cap and the distal end block to regulate the condition in which the end cap is fitted to the distal end block. The engagement portion of the end cap and the engagement portion of the distal end block are formed such that, among different models of endoscopes in which the distal end blocks have approximately the same outer diameter, the engagement portion of the end cap off one model cannot be engaged with the engagement portion of the distal end block of another model.

Abstract: A tip ring 18 for forming a lock mechanism for locking a tip cover 51 is formed in a circumferential part with a lock projection 22 for forming a lock groove 26 which becomes a recess of the lock mechanism on the endoscope tip side between the lock projection and curved rubber 19. A lock piece which becomes a projection of the lock mechanism of the tip cover 51 is locked into the lock groove 26 made by disposing the tip ring 18 and the curved rubber 19. To enhance the attachment property of the lock piece 52 to the lock groove 26, the lock projection 22 is formed with a slant projection 27 which becomes a slope for guiding the lock piece 52 to the lock groove 26. The slant projection 27 is formed as a slope projecting to the tip side from the lock projection 22 and rising from the tip bottom face to the top face of the lock projection 22.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a front end of an inserting portion of an endoscope and a cap to be attached to the front end of the endoscope, comprising; a first engaging portion provided on the front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope; and, a second engaging portion provided on the cap being disengageably engaged with the first engaging portion of the endoscope. The front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope is provided with a projection whose diameter being smaller than a diameter of the front end, the projection being connected to the front end through a stepped portion.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a front end of an inserting portion of an endoscope and a cap to be attached to the front end of the endoscope, comprising; a first engaging portion provided on the front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope; and, a second engaging portion provided on the cap being disengageably engaged with the first engaging portion of the endoscope. The front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope is provided with a projection whose diameter being smaller than a diameter of the front end, the projection being connected to the front end through a stepped portion.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a front end of an inserting portion of an endoscope and a cap to be attached to the front end of the endoscope, comprising; a first engaging portion provided on the front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope; and, a second engaging portion provided on the cap being disengageably engaged with the first engaging portion of the endoscope. The front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope is provided with a projection whose diameter being smaller than a diameter of the front end, the projection being connected to the front end through a stepped portion.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a front end of an inserting portion of an endoscope and a cap to be attached to the front end of the endoscope, comprising; a first engaging portion provided on the front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope; and, a second engaging portion provided on the cap being disengageably engaged with the first engaging portion of the endoscope. The front end of the inserting portion of the endoscope is provided with a projection whose diameter being smaller than a diameter of the front end, the projection being connected to the front end through a stepped portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging a narrow body lumen, the method comprising maintaining separation between a distal end of an optical viewing scope and a lumen wall with a spacing structure which extends distally from the distal end of an access catheter. Optional spacing structures include distal cages and a guidewire which is fixed to and extends distally from the access catheter body. The invention is particularly beneficial during retrograde imaging of the fallopian tube, as it prevents the tubal wall from coming into such close proximity to a falloposcope as to produce "white-out" on the imaging monitor.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an operating portion placed outside a living body, an insertion portion having a proximal end portion coupled to the operating portion, a distal end portion inserted in the living body, and an instrument insertion channel extending through the insertion portion, a raising mechanism having an operation wire and designed to direct the distal end portion of an instrument, caused to extend through the channel, to a predetermined position, and an operation means for operating the operation wire. The endoscope includes a distal end body portion arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and incorporating an observation means for observing the interior of the living body, a support member for forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the distal end portion. The support member is detachable from the distal end body portion.

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 the insertion section near a distal end thereof and is bent in at least up and down 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 dover for covering the insertion section of the endoscope and having formed therein an insertion section inserting channel into which the insertion section of the endoscope is insertable and conduit channels, the insertion section inserting channel and conduit channels are both crossed by a line which is parallel with the up and down directions, so that the distal end of the insertion section can be correctly bent in the up and down directions without being influenced by the conduit channels.

Abstract: An end structure of an endoscope includes a front end body of a cylindrical insertion portion to be inserted in a human body, a fluid discharge opening which opens into the front end body, a front end cap detachably attached to the front end body and having a fluid injection nozzle connected to the fluid discharge opening. A projection is provided on the end cap, is fitted in the fluid discharge port, and constitutes at least a part of the fluid injection nozzle.

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 and tool therefore which provides a shroud for the protection of the viewing end of an endoscope. The shroud is curved and extends forward of and around the viewing end of an endoscope. This configuration vastly reducing tissue traumatization as tissue is "guided" about the smooth curved outer edges of the shroud. Therefore, the surgeon may use the shroud to separate tissue to improve the view through the endoscope without fear of injuring the patient. Further, even though the shroud extends around the viewing end of the endoscope, viewing remains unobscured as there is a cut-away section in the shroud through which the endoscope receives its image. Additionally, the shroud is capable of being equipped with surgical tools to assist in slicing, cauterizing, and biopsy removal, thereby permitting the surgeon to perform more activities and reducing the need for an assisting surgeon.

Abstract: The improved endoscope has a detachable tip cover 15 which has at the distal end a tip forming member 5 and a forceps holder 19 that is pivotally mounted in said tip forming member 5, said detachable tip cover 15 being made of an elastic material and detachably mounted over the distal end in such a way as to cover at least part thereof; the endoscope also has means for mounting said detachable tip cover 15 over said distal end and is characterized in that said tip cover 15 is provided with a reinforcement member 28 in the inside, said reinforcement member 28 having an engagement hole 32 which engages a corresponding projection 31 on the tip forming member 5.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic subfascial discission of perforans veins (ESDP) consists of a surgical endoscope (1) and a tube (9). The surgical endoscope (1) contains an optical image recording and transmission system, a fiber-optic lighting system and a working channel (4). A lateral handle (14) forms in an obtuse angle with the surgical endoscope and has at least one reproduction and lighting system (8, 6) guided to coupling spots (5, 7) provided at the proximal end of tube instrument. The distal end of the tube (9) extends beyond the distal end of be surgical endoscope (1) and is designed as a thicker, atraumatic lip (10) that contains a suction channel (12) diametrically arranged to a front lens system (16) and connected through a space (11) between the shaft (2) and the tube (9) to a connection fitting (13) for a suction hose (15).

Abstract: An endoscope including an elongated endoscope body sized and adapted for insertion into a passage, such as a passage of the body of a patient. Optical components are carried by the endoscope body to enable viewing of the passage distally of the distal end of the endoscope body within a field of view of the endoscope. An elongated, resilient member is mounted on and carried by the endoscope body such that the endoscope body and the resilient member are a unitary assembly which can be inserted as a unit into the passage. The resilient member extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope body and is capable of contacting material within or forming the passage and relatively displacing the distal end of the endoscope body and such material within the field of view of the endoscope to enhance viewing of the passage with the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus including an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, and a tip structure constituting a tip portion of the insertion portion. A tip cover is detachably mounted on the tip structure from a side of a tip portion of the tip structure such that the tip cover covers the tip structure. An engagement mechanism is provided on the insertion portion for detachably engaging the tip cover, and a hard finger driven engaging/disengaging member is provided on an outer periphery of a portion of the insertion portion which is located in the vicinity of the engagement mechanism.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an endoscope tube, illumination and viewing systems disposed within the endoscope tube in a manner to define a blunt distal end, and a penetrating member coupled with an operating mechanism for moving the penetrating member between a retracted position where a distal end of the penetrating member is proximally spaced from the blunt distal end of the endoscope and an extended position where the distal end of the penetrating member protrudes beyond the blunt distal end of the endoscope. The penetrating member can be a blade, one or more needles or any other type of instrument suitable for penetrating anatomical tissue. Upon being extended, the penetrating member can be held in the extended position, automatically retracted and/or reciprocatingly moved as desired.

Abstract: An endoscope with separable auxiliary assembly is provided that includes a cylindrical shaped endoscope that is insertable within a sterile end cap with attached sterile drape, the drape being extendable over the length of the endoscope and its trailing cables thus isolating the endoscope and its trailing cables from the environment. A sterile separable channel section is provided that releasably attaches to the end cap. The separable channel section has a plurality of longitudinal channels running therethrough so that operative fluids, gases or operative instruments may be applied to the surgical site. To enable a surgeon to obtain selectable images of an operative site, a detachable viewing head may be attached to the distal end of the endoscope prior to placement of the endoscope inside the end cap.

Abstract: A coupling cartridge and end cap for protecting an endoscope from contamination during use. The coupling cartridge provides fluid communication between a pair of external fluid conduits and respective channels formed in an endoscope insertion tube, and between a biopsy channel port projecting from the cartridge and an additional insertion tube channel. In one embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by an external fluid control unit that is electrically controlled by respective switches mounted on the control handle of the endoscope. In another embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by a valve mechanism in the coupling cartridge that is controlled by either an actuator on the cartridge or an actuator on the control handle that is mechanically coupled to the valve mechanism. The coupling cartridge may be removed from endoscope after an endoscopic procedure for disposal or rigorous cleaning.

Abstract: An endoscope including an elongated endoscope body sized and adapted for insertion into a passage, such as a passage of the body of a patient. Optical components are carried by the endoscope body to enable viewing of the passage distally of the distal end of the endoscope body within a field of view of the endoscope. An elongated, resilient member is mounted on and carried by the endoscope body such that the endoscope body and the resilient member are a unitary assembly which can be inserted as a unit into the passage. The resilient member extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope body and is capable of contacting material within or forming the passage and relatively displacing the distal end of the endoscope body and such material within the field of view of the endoscope to enhance viewing of the passage with the endoscope.

Abstract: A channel system for use with a conventional endoscope is provided. The system comprises a collapsible access channel that is connected to a first distal end of the endoscope. The collapsible channel includes an access opening communicating between the two ends of the collapsible channel. The endoscope may be provided with a protective sheath and/or an endcap that is integral with the collapsible channel. The collapsible access channel allows a physician to insert functional instruments such as a biopsy device or tubes for supplying air, water, suction and irrigation.