Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly includes a surgical instrument having a proximal handle (16) for control by the surgeon, the handle being ergonomically configured and having surface depressions (17, 18, 19, 20) to accommodate thumb and finger tips. The handle extends no more than about 5 cm beyond the point of grip so that the surgeon can rotate his/her hand over the end of the handle in unrestricted movement while maintaining the grip between thumb and middle finger. Improvements in the support means for the endoscope telescope and instrument shaft, as well as in the lighting system of the assembly are also disclosed, together with improvements in the mechanisms for moving a distal end of the instrument in the operating zone within a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument with a handle (3) on which at least one gripping part (7), in particular a finger ring, is secured by a connecting clamp in a removable manner and is mounted in rotatable fashion on one handle part (4, 5), and the connecting clamp consists of a shaft (10) configured on one of the components (4, 5, 7) that are to be connected to one another and of a sheath (11) configured on the other component (7, 4, 5) and where the outer diameter of the shaft (10), forming an undercut (13) in the area of the free end of the shaft (10), exceeds the core diameter of the shaft (10) and the inner diameter of the sheath correspondingly has an area forming an undercut (14) and serving to receive the free end of the shaft (10), with a larger inner diameter, and an area (15) extending in the direction of the sheath opening with a lesser inner diameter.

Abstract: This endoscope includes a magnification change manipulative switch made easy to manipulate in relation to an angle manipulative knob. That is, in an endoscope manipulative section with an angle manipulative knob for bending a front end and a magnification change manipulative switch disposed, two switch bodies making up the above magnification change manipulative switch are arranged in a direction nearly perpendicular to a rotation axis of the angle manipulation knob and disposed nearly in contact with each other so as to be retained by a retaining member to which a rubber cover is attached in an airtight condition. On an outer surface of this rubber cover, a convex portion for identifying function is provided. According to this endoscope, movement of a thumb between the angle manipulation knob and the magnification change manipulative switch is smoothed and the above convex portion enables a magnification change, for example, to a near side or to the far side, to be manipulated.

Abstract: A micro-endoscopic system employs a pulsed xenon light source and image collection optics with a fine diameter optical probe for an endoscope. Very bright pulses of light emitted by a xenon flash tube increase the intensity of light incident on the light transmitting optics, allowing a reduction in size of the optical components, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the size of the optical probe. A segmented glass image guide directs the reflected light to a sensor array. Segmentation of the image guide avoids the stress related problems associated with fine diameter glass optical structures.

Abstract: A multiplane transesophageal probe (20) includes a transducer (28) and a handle (30). The handle incorporates a control (40) mounting switches (51-58). The switches and control panel are covered with foil (43). A seal (70) couples the control panel and foil to the handle.

Abstract: A handle is provided for a medical instrument having a tubular shaft. The handle comprises at least one movable grip element as well as a coupling portion through which the tubular shaft is connected or can be connected to the handle. The movable grip element is or can be connected to a force transmission element axially movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Motion of the at least one movable is translated into an axial motion of the force transmission element. The coupling portion is pivotal and lockable relative to a handle axis about a pivot axis running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. A control element formed as a dual-arm lever is provided whose one lever arm is connected to the movable grip element and whose other lever arm is connected to the force transmission element, such that motion of the movable grip element causes rotation of the control element, which is translated into an axial movement of the force transmission element.

Abstract: An endoscope can undergo at least one of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization at high temperature. The endoscope includes an elongated insertion member and a control section joined to the proximal end of the insertion member. A drop in the temperature of at least part of the outer surface of the insertion member occurring when the endoscope is cooled to predetermined temperature after being processed at high temperature is substantially equal to or larger than a drop in the temperature of at least part of the outer surface of any member other than said part of the outer surface of the insertion member.

Abstract: In a manual control part of the present invention, a transverse section of a grip is formed in such a manner that two arches with centers inside the grip and with different radii of curvature are connected with each other. The radius of curvature of one arch the finger pads of an operator touch is larger than that of the other arch the palm of the operator touches. In addition, a part of the grip formed by the arch the finger pads touch is thinner than a part formed by the arch the palm touches.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided having a shaft and a handle extending to the side of the shaft at the proximal end. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the view direction in an observation area and has at least one operating element being engaged with the mechanism for actuating the mechanism. The at least one operating element is positioned on the handle, such that the mechanism is actuatable with at least one finger or thumb of the same hand holding the handle.

Abstract: A zoom laparoscope having a laparoscope base unit with a proximal end and a distal end and having a sheath with a zoom assembly. In one embodiment, the laparoscope comprises a two dimensional solid state imaging sensor. The laparoscope can contain a sheath locking mechanism located at both its proximal and distal ends. The sheath can comprise a light transmitting material for illumination of a region of interest. In an alternate embodiment, the sheath comprises an attachment for changing the angle of view of the laparoscope. The laparoscope can also contain a handle at its proximal end.

Abstract: The endoscope has a frame member for satisfying at a time, mechanical strength chemical resistance, size reduction, weight reduction, and workability by using carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin as a frame member disposed inside the endoscope. The frame member of an at-hand operating part is formed by using carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin. In the carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin, substantially 20% to substantially 30% of carbon fiber is contained in a mixed material prepared by mixing crystalline resin and amorphous resin in a ratio of substantially 7:3 to substantially 8:2.

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 low wattage light source means. The camera is self-contained. A kit is also provided, the kit having all of the components necessary for performing endoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or like instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes an elongated housing tube extending from an outer control end to an inner image input end that is closed by an input lens; the input lens preferably is a diverging lens. In the form shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the input lens has a concave inner surface and a concave outer surface. A lighting apparatus illuminates a surgical working area beyond the image end of the housing tube; the illumination may be projected outwardly through the input lens. A movable mirror intercepts light reflected from the surgical working area to produce a working image that is reflected to a fixed mirror that in turn reflects the working image to impinge upon the input end of a relay lens assembly. The working image is transmitted to a receptor, which is located near the outer (control) end of the housing tube. The relay lens applies the image to an image device, such as a conventional CCD unit, that transmits the image to a location exterior to the scope.

Abstract: Described is a grip part of an endoscopic instrument with at least a movable control element for mechanical guidance of a tool unit mounted on the distal end of the shaft of the endoscopic instrument and a main body. The invention is distinguished in that the main body has a largely symmetrical shape which is ergonomically adapted to the human hand such that the endoscopic instrument can be encircled at least partially by the palm of a hand balled into a fist and that the operating element is movable relative to the main body.

Abstract: An endoscope has a first bending portion and a second bending portion. The first bending portion is the distal portion of an elongated insertion member and bent in four directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion member. The second bending portion is bent in at least two directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion member. The endoscope further includes a hand-held unit having a control section that is used to bend the first bending portion and second bending portion. The control section of the handheld unit has an angling knob that is used to bend the first bending portion, and a second angling lever that is used to bend the second bending portion.

Abstract: A medical instrument for endoscopic removal of the saphenous vein has an elongated shaft which has at the distal end a spatula tip and in whose proximal region is arranged a laterally projecting handle. The instrument further has an endoscopic optical system which has an eyepiece cup that is arranged at the proximal end of the instrument. The handle is joined to the shaft in such a way that an outer side of the instrument facing away from the handle continuously has a surface that, from the distal to the proximal end, is free of projections. The eyepiece cup is arranged in oblique orientation with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the shaft and encloses with the handle, with respect to the longitudinal center axis, an angle of less than 90°.

Abstract: An ergonomically superior endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument for surgery comprises a telescope sheath connected at an adjustable angle, preferably approximately 30°, to a vertically elongated handle having thumb-operated irrigation and suction valves and a hook for supporting the handle from the surgeon's hand when the surgeon's grip on the handle is loosened. The instrument is especially suited for sinus surgery.

Abstract: A manual instrument for medical and dental diagnostics having an instrument housing (5). An examination sensor (3) is exchangeably mounted on the proximal end, and an image display device (4) is mounted on its distal end. The image display device (4) has a screen (9) and at least one lighting device (23) with a tension source (22) and light transfer means, as well as a means for image creation is located within the image display device (4). The image display device (4) is swivel-mounted on the instrument housing (5) around a vertical axis (8) extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal symmetrical axis (7) of the manual instrument (2).

Abstract: An endoscope has a first bending portion, a second bending portion, and a hand-held unit. The first bending portion is the distal portion of an elongated insertion member and has a plurality of joint pieces concatenated so that the joint pieces can rotate freely. The second bending portion is located at the proximal end of the first bending portion, and has a plurality of joint pieces concatenated so that the joint pieces can rotate freely. The hand-held unit is located at the proximal end of the insertion member, and has a control section that is used to bend the first bending portion and second bending portion. In the endoscope, the control section of the hand-held unit has an angling knob that is used to bend the first bending portion, and a second angling lever that is used to bend the second bending portion.

Abstract: A video endoscopic probe has a distal terminal utilizing an objective, a color CCD sensor, and an electrical interface microcircuit. The probe utilizes a continuous bundle of optical fibers which is coupled to a light source. The probe also has a video processor coupled to an electrical interface microcircuit. This video processor is adapted to supply and synchronize electrical signals from the color CCD sensor, to process the electrical signal generated by said color CCD sensor, and to produce a video signal. The color video monitor is adapted to receive the video signal produced by the video processor. The probe also has a tubular probe coupled to the distal terminal and a control handle adapted to include the video processor and the color video monitor. A multiconductor electrical is used to couple the video processor to the electrical interface microcircuit.

Abstract: In a manual control part of the present invention, a transverse section of a grip is formed in such a manner that two arches with centers inside the grip and with different radii of curvature are connected with each other. The radius of curvature of one arch the finger pads of an operator touch is larger than that of the other arch the palm of the operator touches. In addition, a part of the grip formed by the arch the finger pads touch is thinner than a part formed by the arch the palm touches.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical rotor very closely confined between two rigid thrust bearing surfaces is radially suspended by an array of attracting or repelling magnets or by a combination of permanent magnets and ring shaped members composed of ferromagnetic material. The geometry permits very small spacing between magnetic components to achieve high radial stiffness. High magnetic axial forces exerted between the rotor and stationary component on one end of the rotor are counter-balanced by equal and opposite forces at the other end of the rotor. Precise positioning of the rotor in the location where the opposing axial magnetic forces counterballance each other yields a net magnetic axial force on the rotor of near zero, hence the reference to this as the null position. Wear resistant mechanical thrust bearings confine the rotor axially to maintain this position during rotatioin. Precisely balance the magnetic axial forces in the proper geometry with relation to the mechanical thrust bearings.

Abstract: A surgical endoscope has a shaft and a main body affixed to the proximal end of the shaft. A duct to permit passage of an operating implement extends through the main body. An optics and a fiber optics extend through the main body from an ocular and/or camera adapter and a fiber optics hookup which are mounted on the main body. A thumb grip having a proximal gripping surface and a first finger-grip having a distal gripping surface are attached to opposite sides of the main body so that the finger gripping surface is distally offset from the thumb gripping surface and is circularly separated from it by substantially 180°.

Abstract: An endotracheal inspection and intubation device comprising a handle and a blade, the blade comprising a rigid rear portion and a front portion with an intermediate flexible portion. The rear portion and the intermediate portion have a generally L-like cross-sectional shape with the front portion being essentially flat. The blade holds a flexible deflection member with a front end fixed to the front portion of the blade. The deflection member is slidably retained by guide means at least to the intermediate portion with a suitable activator for engaging with a rear end of the deflection member for causing axial displacement thereof, entailing deflection of the blade.

Abstract: A convertible laryngoscope includes a deployable integral mirror to allow the doctor to clearly view the larynx and more easily insert an endotracheal tube. In many patients, due to injury, deformation, or an existing medical condition, the introduction of the endotracheal tube can be a prolonged and difficult affair, the doctor being forced to work blind when they cannot gain an unobstructed view of the larynx and the path that the cannula or tube needs to travel during intubation. The present invention addresses this problem by providing the above mentioned mirror, which is disposed in a first position proximate the laryngoscope blade during the initial introduction of the blade into the patient's mouth. Once the base of the tongue is reached and depressed, the user may deploy the mirror into a second position extending towards the soft palate that allows a reflected view towards the larynx and epiglottis.

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: A medical instrument has a tube-like element, a handle bent off from said tube-like element, an endoscope having a shaft, a camera module connected to said endoscope, a light pipe and a guide provided on said tube-like element for receiving said shaft of said endoscope. The endoscope is provided with at least two coupling elements extending in a direction of said bent-off handle and into an inside of said handle, one of said at least two coupling elements is coupled to said light pipe, another of said at least two coupling elements is coupled to said camera module, and said camera module is disposed inside of said handle.

Abstract: A focus mechanism having an actuator positioned near the rear of a handheld piece and that allows a lens element to be moved with respect to a stationary image sensor to achieve a range of focus. When implemented as a manual focusing feature of an intraoral dental camera or handpiece, the focus mechanism allows greater control of focus as the user's hand that grasps the actuator (e.g., ring) is not in close proximity to the distal end of the camera which is inserted into the patient's mouth. Maintaining the image sensor stationary also helps increase system reliability. In a particular embodiment, a variable profile cam allows high precision focus with the camera inside the patient's mouth, while still allowing enough focus travel for capturing a head shot or an image of the patient's smile or face when the camera is moved outside the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A portable endoscope system having an illuminating light guide for transmitting light for illuminating an object, and an illuminating light supply unit for supplying illuminating light to the illuminating light guide. The entrance end portion of the illuminating light guide is disposed in an endoscope control part. The portable endoscope system includes a device for detachably connecting the illuminating light supply unit and the control part, and a connecting device for sealing a joint between the illuminating light supply unit and the control part. The connecting device seals the joint in a watertight manner so that water will not enter the portable endoscope system when the illuminating light supply unit is attached to the control part.

Abstract: An eyepiece optical system, an illuminating lamp, and a battery 2 are housed in an operation unit 2. An insertion unit in which an image transmitting optical fiber bundle and an illumination light transmitting optical fiber bundle are incorporated is detachably coupled with the operation unit through a coupling unit. The insertion unit is bent using a bending wire attached to the distal end thereof and coupled to the operation unit by a wire operating mechanism. An anti-clouding material can be disposed on a surface of the distal end of the insertion unit to protect it against clouding.

Abstract: An operating unit for an endoscope is provided in which focusing and/or zooming operations can be easily performed using a hand holding an operating unit, without removing a hand holding an insertion unit from the insertion unit. An optical system operating member for performing focusing and/or zooming operations on an observation optical system is disposed at a position where the optical system operating member is operable by the thumb of a hand holding an operating unit. The optical system operating member is arranged to be coaxially rotatable with a bending operation member disposed on a side face of the operating unit.

Abstract: An endoscope, in particular a mediastinoscope, in which the handle and the optics guided therein form an inseparable unit and which includes a first and second spatula-like part which can be separated from one another in the longitudinal direction. An adjusting mechanism is provided which permits a separation, a fastenable displacement parallel to the axis and a fastenable pivoting of the two parts relative to one another. In particular by way of the pivotability an expansion of a body cavity to be visually examined or which is to undergo therapy by way of introduced auxiliary instruments is made possible according to requirements.

Abstract: A portable endoscope having a control part containing an entrance end portion of a light guide for transmitting light for illuminating an object, and an illuminating light supply unit containing a light source lamp for supplying illuminating light to the light guide. A connecting mechanism detachably connects the control part and the light supply unit. A switch for turning on/off the light source lamp is provided in the connecting mechanism. When the light supply unit is connected to the control part in a predetermined state, the switch is turned on; when the former is detached from the latter, the switch is turned off. An electric resistor may be provided for gradually reducing the electric resistance between the lamp and a power supply therefor from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state as the switch is moved from an OFF position toward an ON position.

Abstract: A handle is provided for attachment to a medical endoscope for advancing instrumentalities through the instrument channel of the endoscope. The handle is adapted for use with instrumentalities requiring multiple longitudinal strokes to be performed in a predetermined sequence. A detent mechanism is provided to assure that a first stroke is completed before the next succeeding stroke begins. The invention as disclosed is used to operate an endoscopic sewing machine.

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: A sterile enclosure is provided having a body portion for encapsulating one or more monitor modules used for viewing one or more surgical areas in a sterile operating field. The video monitor can be very thin and lightweight monitor modules. The sterile enclosure may be flexible or rigid and have one or more cable drapes extending from the body to cover one or more cables associated with the video monitor. In some embodiments, the body is flexible. In another embodiment, the body is rigid. The body is transparent in at least an area for viewing the screen of the video monitor and is substantially impervious to liquid and gas. A vacuum line may be connected to the body portion to evacuate air therefrom. The video monitor may be controlled by controls located on the monitor, or may be controlled by voice activation or by a remote video control system. During use, the monitor module may be placed on or adjacent to the patient.

Abstract: A portable endoscope having a control part containing an entrance end portion of a light guide for transmitting light for illuminating an object, and a hermetic illuminating light supply unit containing a light source lamp for supplying illuminating light to the light guide. The unit is connected to the control part. An armoring member is disposed at a position where it is heated by heat radiated from the light source lamp. The outer surface of the armoring member is covered with a heat-insulating cover made of a material having a low thermal conductivity. A battery chamber is formed in the illuminating light supply unit to accommodate a battery as a power supply for the lamp. A relief valve releases the pressure in the battery chamber to the outside of the unit when the pressure rises.

Abstract: A pivotable handle assembly for an endoscope such as an operative laparoscope having a proximal end is shown. The handle assembly includes a handle support operatively connected to the proximal end of a laparoscope. A handle including a mounting end is operatively connected by a member to the handle support. The mounting end is pivotally attached to the handle support enabling the handle to be pivoted relative to the operative laparoscope.In the preferred embodiment, the operating laparoscope is a video operating laparoscope and includes an image transferring member for producing an optical image at the proximal end of the laparoscope. A video camera is operatively connected to the proximal end to receive the optical image.A method for using the video operating laparoscope with a pivotable handle assembly in a surgical procedure is also shown.

Abstract: An optical diagnostic system for use within a convention physician-patient examining distance, not exceeding the manual reach of the doctor, including an ergonomic, hand-held, non-surgical, optical diagnostic medical instrument having a light image input-to-output pathway corresponding to an axis of examination, the instrument including an integral gripping assembly for gripping by the physician, and the instrument also including a light source from the pathway and power supply, a light-tight optical coupling for re-directing light received from the light pathway along the axis of examination to a pathway substantially normal thereto, that pathway defining an axis of manipulation and, in optical communication with the coupling, a micro-video camera for generating an electronic signal corresponding to the re-directed light image from the coupling, the micro-video camera including an exterior housing defining, in combination with the gripping assembly of the medical instrument, an axis of manipulation substanti

Abstract: A cylindrical grip member is connected to a back end of a body of an operation section at hand. The grip member is connected to face forward so that its axis can be at an acute angle against an axis of the back end of an insertion section. As for the grip member, it is possible to keep the body of the operation section horizontal if the grip member is held by a wrist in a natural way. Therefore, when this endoscope is used, the extra force does not have to be added to the wrist during observation. And, in the case that an angle formed by the body of the operation section and the grip member is set at 20.degree.-45.degree., it is possible to hold the grip member in such a manner that an arm holding the grip member is put against the side of a human body, that is, the underarm is tightened, so the body of the operation section can be stably supported.

Abstract: A device for the injection of substances into human tissue by means of an injection cannula (2.0) is axially adjustable along an endoscope shaft (1.0). The cannula is proximally connected to a coupling (1.8). Allocated to the endoscope shaft (1.0) is a guide tube (1.2) for the injection cannula (2.0), which is inserted into this guide tube (1.2) from the proximal end of the device and is detachably connected with the coupling (1.8). In addition, the unit including the guide tube (1.2) and the injection cannula (2.0) is axially adjustable relative to the endoscope shaft (1.0) by means of a handle (5) that can be operated with one hand.

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 endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument is disclosed having a handle assembly including a barrel portion, stationary handle and a pivoting handle. A body assembly includes a pair of coaxial members attached at one end to the handle assembly, and an inner rod member slidable within an outer tube member in response to movement of the pivoting handle of the handle assembly. The body assembly terminates at an end remote from the handle assembly in a reciprocatingly movable tool mechanism. A first toothed ratchet mechanism is associated with the pivoting handle, and a second toothed mating ratchet mechanism is operatively associated with the first toothed ratchet mechanism for selectively locking the first toothed ratchet mechanism and the pivoting handle in one of a plurality of selectable positions to thereby position the inner rod member and the movable tool mechanism in predetermined selectable positions.

Abstract: In an endoscope, a curvature indicating element for curvature-indicating a curvable curvature section provided adjacent to a distal end of an elongated inserting section having elasticity is arranged at a location close to a thumb of a hand grasped by an operator in the operating section provided at a proximal end portion of an inserting section. An operating element for controlling operation of fluid such as outflow, inflow or the like is arranged at location opposite to the curvature indicating element in the operating section. Thus, operations of the curvature operation, outflow and inflow of the fluid and the like can be executed simultaneously under a condition where the operating section is grasped.

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: A covering endoscope having a curving portion composed of a plurality of curving pieces and an observation optical system and an endoscope cover having an inserting path for inserting the endoscope and a contained unit provided along the inserting path. A side of the curving pieces facing the contained unit is formed of flat surfaces and a coupling portion coupling adjacent ones of the curving pieces are provided in a position near the flat surfaces from a center of the endoscope.

Abstract: A catheter for use in body vessels or cavities has a housing of such size as to be readily held in the hand of a user and elongate tube means having one end connected to the housing and extending outwardly therefrom and being formed of material of such a stiffness so as to maintain the elongate tube means in straight condition in the absence of an external force applied thereto, an outer end portion of the elongate tube means being flexible. Guide wires are connected to the housing by the inner ends thereof and extend outwardly therefrom through the elongate tube means. The outer ends of the guide wires are connected to the flexible outer end portion of the elongate tube means. Guide wire control means is carried by the housing and cooperates with the inner end portions of the guide wires for controlling the angular attitude of the flexible outer end portion of the elongate tube means.

Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument having an internally disposed ratchet mechanism located within a barrel portion of a handle assembly. The instrument includes a handle assembly having a pivoting handle and a stationary handle, a barrel portion to which an elongated body assembly is secured, and a ratchet mechanism for releasably positioning a tool mechanism located at the distal end of the body assembly at various increments. The ratchet mechanism comprises a pawl member and a rack member which are disposed within the handle assembly. A rotational knob and locking member may also be provided to lock the body assembly at various orientations to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The sheath according to the present invention comprises the hard sheath member which can cover the entire hard insertion tube of the hard endoscope and the soft sheath member. So, when the hard insertion tube is inserted into the body cavity of a patient, it will not possibly be contaminated with the blood, bacteria or the like. The hard insertion tube can be used for a next endoscopy without the necessity of sterilization or disinfection. Also according to the present invention, the soft sheath member is fitted closely over the controller, so that the controller can be operated from outside the soft sheath member without any direct contact with the controller. The controller may not be sterilized or disinfected for a next use of the hard endoscope.

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.