Abstract: An endoscope handpiece and system may include an angle of view selector, a depressible button, which may be connected to a lock disposed within a port of the endoscopic handpiece. The system may further provide an endoscope, which may be connected to the handpiece via the port and locked in place by the lock.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use on a patient. A tube assembly comprises an outer tube having a curved region, an inner tube disposed within the outer tube and comprising a single lumen, and a handle coupled to the outer tube. A viewing assembly is disposed within the single lumen. An actuation assembly is coupled to the inner tube and configured to steer the viewing assembly. The handle and the actuation assembly are complimentarily arranged such that the outer tube is positionable and the viewing assembly is steerable a user grasping the tube assembly with a single hand. The single lumen may define an irrigation flow path in communication with a fluid source and provide pressurized irrigation flow. An interior tube may be provided comprising an articulating region configured to articulate between a substantially curved condition and a substantially straight condition. Methods of manipulating an instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable endoscope and system, the endoscope comprising: a tubular component, a linear drive piece controlling the component to bend, an image pickup unit at the front end of the component and a wiring harness connected thereto, a cladding layer wrapping around the integral structure, and a connector head and a disposable fixing piece both at one end of the piece away from the component. A first connector fixed at the head at one end of the piece is detachably engaged with a corresponding second connector of an external control base; the first connector is fixed by the disposable fixing piece with respect to the head, and can be moved in a length direction within a through hole of the head after the piece is removed.

Abstract: An elongate medical device having an axis comprises an inner liner, a jacket radially outward of the liner, a braid comprising metal embedded in the jacket, a sensor, and at least one wire electrically connected to said sensor. The at least one wire is one of: embedded in the jacket and optionally disposed helically around the braid; extending longitudinally within a tube which extends generally parallel to the device axis and wherein the tube is embedded in the jacket; and disposed within a lumen, wherein the lumen extends longitudinally within the jacket.

Abstract: An endoscope includes stays extending inside an operation section along a direction of a longitudinal axis, and a suction pipeline fixed to the operation section at a distal end side and a proximal end side so as to extend inside the operation section, along the stays and in the direction of the longitudinal axis, where an inside of the operation section is partitioned into a first space portion and a second space portion by the stays and the suction pipeline, each angle wire is disposed inside the first space portion, and long internal components, such as a signal cable and a light guide, are disposed inside the second space portion.

Abstract: A bending portion for endoscope includes: a distal end side bending tube in which a plurality of bending pieces are continuously and pivotably coupled; a proximal end side bending tube coupled to a proximal end side of the distal end side bending tube and including a bending element with a bending moment for obtaining a predetermined bending angle greater than a bending moment of the distal end side bending tube; and an operation wire actively bending the distal end side bending tube and the proximal end side bending tube by pulling and relaxing, wherein pulling and relaxing of the operation wire actively bend the distal end side bending tube and the proximal end side bending tube.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are discussed herein for an endoscope. The endoscope has a distal tip with an oblique portion and a flat portion, the oblique portion defines a plane that forms an angle between and including 20 and 40 degrees to a central axis of the endoscope. A related sheath may have similar features at the distal tip.

Abstract: A deflective medical device including a catheter shaft having a distal end, and an ablation electrode disposed at the distal end of the catheter shaft. A deflection body is provided within the catheter shaft, and the deflection body includes a longitudinally extending spine. Multiple slots are formed in the deflection body, and the slots define a group of ribs. A flex member is disposed distal to the deflection body, and an intermediate region is defined between the deflection body and the flex member. A deflection mechanism is coupled to the intermediate region, which includes a retaining member, a collar, and a pull wire coupled to the collar.

Abstract: In a wire-pulling mechanism, a second engaging portion is configured so that the position of the second engaging portion in the longitudinal direction of a second pulling wire is displaceable closer to the front end than an engaged portion of the second pulling wire, the second pulling wire is configured so as to enter the inside of a second movement track and extend in the shape of a straight line, in a neutral state of an operating unit, and the tilting operation of the operating unit causes the second engaging portion to be moved to the front end along the second movement track with respect to the second pulling wire and causes the engaged portion of the second pulling wire and the second engaging portion to be separated from each other from a state where the engaged portion of the second pulling wire and the second engaging portion engage each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fully integrated sterilizable one time use disposable tissue visualization device and methods for using such devices. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate the visualization of an internal tissue site while causing a minimum of damage to the surrounding tissue. Further preferred embodiments may allow for the delivery of fluids and other treatment to an internal tissue site.

Abstract: An optical medical tube and control unit assembly and methods of using the same are provided. The optical medical tube may include a steering mechanism and an imaging device which provides the user a visual aid when placing a tube in the body of a patient. The optical medical tube may be coupled to a coupling adaptor to enable quick and easy connecting of the imaging device and steering mechanism of the tube with a control unit such that a single control unit may be used to place multiple feeding tubes or confirm that a feeding tube remains in its proper position without the need for lengthy sterilization procedures between uses.

Abstract: A system of rotate-to-advance medical devices including catheters, dilators, occluders, stents, suprapubic catheters and camera introducers configured with external screw threads and depending substantially on rotation for means of advancement and emplacement in mammalian genitourinary and gastrointestinal passages and organs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an endoscopic stent delivery device. The device includes an endoscope having an elongate shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall and a longitudinal working channel through the elongate shaft defining an inner wall of the elongate shaft; a stent juxtaposingly disposed to a distal portion of the inner wall; and an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the working channel and having a stent holding member engaging an interior portion of the stent for releasably securing the stent to the distal portion of the inner wall. The device may further include a viewing device disposed at the distal end of the endoscope and/or an illuminating device disposed at the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments illustrated provide the discovery of methods and apparatuses for periscope devices that couple to a viewing end of a visualization catheter or endoscope to extend the viewing range and accessory range of the endoscope or visualization catheter so as to provide for greater viewing and reach into multiple areas of the anatomy.

Abstract: A rotational device for rotating an endoscope having an operating element for moving a movable assembly of the endoscope includes a rotatable assembly, to which an endoscope is connectable, a stationary assembly, relative to which the rotatable assembly is rotatable, a first drive means for rotating the rotatable assembly relative to the stationary assembly in order to put a shaft of an endoscope connected to the rotatable assembly into rotational motion about a longitudinal axis of the endoscope, and a second drive means for moving an operating element of the endoscope connected to the rotatable assembly relative to the shaft of the endoscope in order to move an assembly of the endoscope, which assembly is movable by means of the operating element.

Abstract: A rotational device for rotating an endoscope having a stationary assembly, a rotatable assembly, which includes a distal coupling means for coupling to an endoscope, a drive means, which is embodied for putting the distal coupling means into rotational motion for rotating an endoscope connected to the distal coupling means, a proximal coupling means at the stationary assembly for coupling to a camera device, and an optical unit for transmitting light from the distal coupling means to the proximal coupling means.

Abstract: A treatment endoscope includes that a body cavity insertion portion which includes a main body distal hard portion, and a main body curving portion provided to a proximal side of the main body distal hard portion, one or more treatment arm/arms projecting to a distal side from the main body distal hard portion, each of the treatment arm/arms including a curving mechanism, an operation portion provided to the proximal side of the body cavity insertion portion, and an observation section configured to image a field of view in a body cavity, the observation section including an imaging section provided within the main body distal hard portion. The treatment endoscope includes that an operation portion attaching/detaching mechanism configured to removably attach the operation portion to the body cavity insertion portion, and an observation section attaching/detaching mechanism configured to removably attach the observation section to the body cavity insertion portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical endoscope including a control handle (2) provided with a control mechanism and that, by means of an attachment system, is temporarily attached to a consumable medical instrument (3) including: at least one flow circuit for a fluid, a portion of which circuit extends along an insertion tube, the fluid circuit including a connector fitting accessible independently from the handle; an actuation system for actuating the head of the insertion tube, which actuation system is driven by the control mechanism after the handle and the consumable medical instrument have been attached together; in accordance with the invention, the control handle (2) and the consumable medical instrument (3) respectively have a first portion and a second portion of a closure device, which portions co-operate with each other in the attached position to close off at least one fluid flow circuit in controlled manner.

Abstract: An endoscope of the present invention includes an insertion portion including a bending portion, an operation portion separate from the insertion portion, a bending operation wire that is inserted through the insertion portion and used for bending the bending portion in a predetermined direction with tugging in a forward/backward tugging direction, and connecting mechanisms that makes it possible to couple the insertion portion and the operation portion in a manner in which the bending wire is freely tugged in the operation portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for passing optical radiation into and out of a body lumen may include a rotatable ferrule for use in an optical guidewire and methods for using a rotatable ferrule. The rotatable ferrule may be either rotatably captured by and free to rotate within a guidewire, or may rotate upon release from a releasable, mechanically stable friction-fit engagement with a guidewire. Sterile interfaces for readily connecting and disconnecting an optical guidewire with and from other optical instrumentation while maintaining the sterility of the guidewire, and methods for using a sterile interface device are disclosed. Interface devices can be used to provide either direct or indirect optical and mechanical connection between an optical guidewire and peripheral instrumentation.

Abstract: An indwelling apparatus (5) for holding a capsule endoscope (3) is arranged with a control device (57) including an optical sensor (73), a control board (66) configuring a controller and a reset circuit, a driver board (68) configuring an electromagnet driver, and an electromagnet (70), where when the optical sensor (73) detects the light, the controller performs the drive control of the electromagnet (70) at every constant time interval to turn ON the reed switch (14) and supply power to the capsule endoscope (3) thereby operating the capsule endoscope (3) only when observation is necessary, and thus the battery drain of the capsule endoscope is reduced.

Abstract: An imaging system can include a base unit and one or more imaging units. The base unit can include a main interface that has a plurality of main electrical connectors and one or more main mechanical connectors. A mechanical system is located in the base unit. Each imaging unit can include an elongate support member having a proximal end, a proximal section, a bendable section, and a distal end. Also, an imaging interface that couples with the main interface can be included on the proximal end of the elongate support member. The imaging interface includes a plurality of imaging electrical connectors that correspond and connect with the main electrical connectors of the main interface and includes one or more imaging mechanical connectors that correspond and connect with main mechanical connectors of the main interface. Mechanical actuators can bend the bendable section under control from the base unit.

Abstract: A self-contained surgical, e.g., endoscope, system. The surgical, e.g., endoscope, system may include a sterilizable shaft having a light source and/or an image capture device mounted at the distal end of the shaft or connected to the distal end of the shaft by fiber optics. The light source is a light emitting diode or an array of light emitting diodes, and may have its own power source located at the distal end of the shaft. The shaft includes a working channel, an irrigation/aspiration channel, and an electric cable. The shaft is coupled at its proximal end to a control module having a video processor and an integrally-mounted display screen for displaying image data from the image capture device. The control module may also include an irrigation/aspiration system, a control unit, and a controller. The control module is coupled to a power module. The power module includes steering motors connected to steering cables in the shaft. In addition, the power module includes drive motors and a power source.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an apparatus main body having a housing with a concave portion formed in one surface, and an endoscope unit including a detachable connector portion in the concave portion, wherein, when the connector portion is mounted to the concave portion, the connector portion constitutes a part of the one surface. More preferably, a packing is provided in the housing or the connector portion that, when the connector portion is mounted to the housing, retains the mutual mating surfaces of the housing and the connector portion in a closely contacting state.

Abstract: A medical appliance including a medical instrument that is separable from an actuator support, the appliance including a connection and disconnection system including a connector carried by the instrument and including a guide for guiding at least one actuator rod retained elastically in the guide by a head, and a coupling endpiece carried by the support and including at least one engagement mechanism that is guided in rotation and that defines a reception setback for receiving the head of the actuator rod. The engagement mechanism is fitted with a rotary coupling member complementary to the rotary coupling member presented by the connector, and the endpiece also presents at least one hook connected to an actuator system.

Abstract: A remote viewing device including a hand-holdable control unit. The control unit supports a display device and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is removably attached to the control unit and provides mechanical power to an insertion tube. A distal end of the insertion tube includes an inspection head for insertion into a structure for imaging the interior of the structure. The insertion tube is removably attached to the drive assembly by a connector assembly, where the connector assembly is operable, when attached, to convey mechanical power from the drive assembly for moving the articulated tip in response to a user input at the control unit, and to convey images from the inspection head to the display device.

Abstract: A socket section 72 for providing a first light guide 13 is supported movably in an endoscope main body 4, and a plug section 62 for fixing a second light guide 15 is disposed in an endoscope insertion section 5. The socket section 72 is configured to move freely in an insertion direction of the endoscope insertion section 5 and to a direction orthogonal with respect to the insertion direction. Furthermore, an attachment-detachment-detecting switch 33 is disposed in the endoscope main body 4 so as to detect that the endoscope insertion section 5 has been separated from the endoscope main body 4 before the plug section 62 is freely detached from the socket section 72. By this configuration, it is possible to attach the endoscope insertion section from the endoscope main body and detach them easily and reliably, in particular, to reduce loss of light caused by the attachment and the detachment.

Abstract: An attachment and detachment mechanism includes convex and concave engaging portions provided in first and second couplings respectively and extending in a radial direction of first and second shaft portions, the convex engaging portion is to be slidably inserted into and removed from the concave engaging portion along a longitudinal direction of the concave engaging portion, the convex and concave engaging portions includes basic positions where the longitudinal directions of the convex and concave engaging portions correspond to the attachment and detachment direction of the first and second main body portions and the convex and concave engaging portions are insertable into and removable from each other, and the attachment and detachment mechanism further includes a guide mechanism to guide one engaging portion such that the one engaging portion is disposed at the basic position in conjunction with the attachment or detachment of the first and second main body portions.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling. Techniques for improving visual images include forward facing fluid ports for clearing tissue debris and LED positioning and design. Manufacturability is improved through separately formed tip and shaft pieces. User interface features are described including user-friendly handle-mounted buttons as well the use of an interactive integrated touch screen display. The handle and display can be mated to a docking station for storage and recharging batteries.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a first breakable portion provided between a part of an outer peripheral surface of a distal rigid section main body and a second inner peripheral surface, and including a fragile portion which is formed in a concaved-shape and which is more easy to break than any other part of the outer peripheral surface except for thereof. The endoscope includes a second breakable portion provided between a first inner peripheral surface and the second inner peripheral surface, and a third breakable portion provided between the first inner peripheral surface and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the distal rigid section main body, which differs from the fragile portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable endoscope and kit for performing multiple medical procedures. The portable endoscope comprises a detachable operator control section assembly and one of multiple detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assemblies with a flexible distal end. The proximal end of a detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly is detachably connected to the detachable operator control section assembly. The detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly accommodates principal cable wires, proxy cable wires, an optical imaging system, and an illumination system. An internal cable wire control system integrated with the detachable operator control section assembly utilizes an adaptable drive transmission system for controlling the orientation and angular position of the flexible distal end using the principal cable wires or the proxy cable wires. The proxy cable wires may be engaged in an event of failure of the principal cable wires.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device that includes an outer rod having a end connected to a handle and an end having an articulated section formed from links joined with non-diametrical hinges; an actuation rod within the outer rod, having an end connected to the handle and an end connected to a tension element within the articulated section, configured to cause the articulated section to bend when tension is applied; and an attachment rod within the actuation rod having an end connected to the handle and an end having a flexible section connected to a tool. The handle includes an actuator configured to apply tension to the attachment rod such that the tool is activated; a rod actuator configured to apply tension to the actuation rod such that the articulated section of the outer rod bends; and a lockable rotator, configured to rotate the outer rod with respect to the handle.

Abstract: Systems and methods permit remote endoscope handle manipulation. This can include a control housing configured to removably attach to an endoscope. A manipulator, associated with the housing, can be configured to engage with a control device of the endoscope with the endoscope attached to the housing. An actuator, drivingly coupled with the manipulator, can be configured to move the manipulator to operate the control device with the endoscope attached to the housing.

Abstract: A device for use for the treatment of a hemorrhoid prolapse, particularly by HAL surgery, attaching a tightening suture, or a rubber band ligation, using a tube having a tube shell wall and a closing device having a closure shell wall enclosing a hollow space. The tube shell wall is supported displaceably and/or rotatably in the hollow space of the closure shell wall, and the tube shell wall and the closure shell wall can be inserted into a rectum of a patient. The tube shell wall has at least one tube wall opening, and the closure shell wall has at least one closure shell opening which can be at least partially aligned with one another in an open position with a web arranged thereof protruding at least partially into the tube shell opening and/or into the closure shell opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical endoscope including a control handle (2) provided with a control mechanism and that, by means of an attachment system, is temporarily attached to a consumable medical instrument (3) including: at least one flow circuit for a fluid, a portion of which circuit extends along an insertion tube, the fluid circuit including a connector fitting accessible independently from the handle; an actuation system for actuating the head of the insertion tube, which actuation system is driven by the control mechanism after the handle and the consumable medical instrument have been attached together; in accordance with the invention, the control handle (2) and the consumable medical instrument (3) respectively have a first portion and a second portion of a closure device, which portions co-operate with each other in the attached position to close off at least one fluid flow circuit in controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for dissipating loops in an elongated medical device having one end secured to an anchor point, such as a housing. The system includes a selectively rotatable shaft coupler that connects a shaft to the anchor point that allows a limited amount of shaft rotation during use, but which sets a restriction on the maximum amount of shaft rotation. In another embodiment, the invention provides a shaft coupling system for connecting a proximal end of an endoscope shaft to an object without the use of adhesives or fasteners. In another embodiment, the invention provides a rotatable shaft coupling system for rotatably coupling a first and second shaft segment.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) is provided having a handle (2) and a probe part (3) that can be connected thereto, with an illumination system comprising at least one light emitting diode (6) and a video system having an image receiver being arranged in the handle (2). A carrier element (12) made of a heat-conducting material is provided for at least one light emitting diode (6) inside the handle (2), to which the light emitting diode (6) is directly connected. The carrier element thermally contacts the housing parts and/or installation parts of the handle (2) and the probe part (3) for heat conductivity and/or dissipation.

Abstract: A connectorized ultrasound probe includes a distal section that is configured for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal section configured to interface the distal section with an ultrasound system. The distal section is easily attachable and detachable from the proximal section using at least one set of connectors. When connected, a user-operated actuator located on the proximal section controls the bending of the distal section, and the ultrasound system sends driving signals to and receives return signals from the ultrasound transducer via the proximal section. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for long term monitoring, because the disconnectability of the proximal section makes it possible to leave the distal section in place in the patient for longer periods of time without undue discomfort. In some preferred embodiments, the mechanical interface is made before the electrical interface when the distal section is connected to the proximal section.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided that can reduce examination costs by realizing commonality of an operating unit by making an inserting unit and the operating unit attachable/detachable with respect to each other to enable the exchange of inserting units. The endoscope of this invention includes an operating unit, an inserting unit that can be detachably connected to the operating unit, and transmission and reception coils provided in the operating unit and the inserting unit, respectively, for sending and receiving signals in a non-contact manner between the operating unit and the inserting unit when the inserting unit is connected to the operating unit.

Abstract: A medical manipulator and a cleaning method therefor are provided. The medical manipulator includes an operation command unit equipped with a motor, and a working unit, which is detachable with respect to the operation command unit. A connector of the working unit is connected to the operation command unit, and includes pulleys that engage with the motor, the connector serving to rotatably retain the pulleys therein. The connector has an elongate shape extending in the longitudinal direction of a connecting shaft, and a first cleaning hole is arranged in an end portion of the connector that is opposite to a side on which the connecting shaft is connected. A second cleaning hole opens into an interior cavity, in the vicinity of an end portion on the side where the connecting shaft is connected. The end portions are shaped substantially hemispherically.

Abstract: An optical probe, for example, a medical endoscope, having a removable lens cell. In an embodiment, the optical probe has an elongated tube with a proximal portion terminating at a proximal end and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion terminating at a distal end. The elongated tube defines an axial lumen wherein a lens cell holder is disposed proximal the distal portion. The lens cell holder has an axial holder bore for at least partially containing the lens cell within and removably coupled with the holder bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for endoscopic interventions having a hollow shaft and a handle that supports the shaft, and in which the handle contains at least one channel that continues in the hollow shaft. To produce a medical instrument that can be flexibly inserted and in addition can be well cleaned it is proposed with the invention that the handle can be removably secured on the shaft by means of a coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A power driven bending endoscope with detachable insertion portion 2 is formed of an insertion body 3 having a flexible bending portion 3B, and a motor unit 4 having an electric motor 23 for driving to bend the bending portion 3B and a potentiometer 26 for detecting a bending state of the bending portion 3B, which are detachably coupled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable endoscope and kit for performing multiple medical procedures. The portable endoscope comprises a detachable operator control section assembly and one of multiple detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assemblies with a flexible distal end. The proximal end of a detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly is detachably connected to the detachable operator control section assembly. The detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly accommodates principal cable wires, proxy cable wires, an optical imaging system, and an illumination system. An internal cable wire control system integrated with the detachable operator control section assembly utilizes an adaptable drive transmission system for controlling the orientation and angular position of the flexible distal end using the principal cable wires or the proxy cable wires. The proxy cable wires may be engaged in an event of failure of the principal cable wires.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an adaptor detachably mounted on a distal end of an insertion section; a mounting base provided in said adaptor; illumination section attached to the front of said mounting base; front electrode terminals provided at the front end of the mounting base and connected to the illumination section; rear electrode terminals provided at the back of the mounting base, connected to the front electrode terminals, and abutting electrode terminals provided at the distal end of the insertion section when the adaptor is mounted on the distal end of the insertion section; and insulating plates where the front and rear electrode terminals are provided in a manner such that they are exposed from the surface and coupling lines to couple the front and rear electrode terminals are embedded.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope includes an outer housing subassembly that supports an optics subassembly. The outer housing subassembly includes concentric tubes with optical fiber for providing object illumination. The optics subassembly includes a tubular sheath sealed at both ends for carrying lenses and other optical elements. First and second positioners associated with the optics subassembly and the outer housing subassembly, respectively, limit the transfer of axial forces from the proximal end of the endoscope to the tubular sheath.

Abstract: Devices and methods for passing optical radiation into and out of a body lumen which can include a rotatable ferrule for use in an optical guidewire and methods for using a rotation ferrule. The rotatable ferrule may be either rotatably captured by and free to rotate within a guidewire, or may rotate upon release from a releasable, mechanically stable friction-fit engagement with a guidewire. Sterile interfaces for readily connecting and disconnecting an optical guidewire with and from other optical instrumentation while maintaining the sterility of the guidewire are provided as well as methods for using a sterile interface device. Interface devices can provide either direct or indirect optical and mechanical connection between an optical guidewire and peripheral instrumentation.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope includes an outer housing subassembly that supports an optics subassembly. The outer housing subassembly includes concentric tubes with optical fiber for providing object illumination. The optics subassembly includes a tubular sheath sealed at both ends for carrying lenses and other optical elements. A slow-curing adhesive material fills an annular gap between the optics and outer housing subassemblies. The adhesive material has a tear strength that seals and positions the optics subassembly for normal use and that enables the optics subassembly to be withdrawn from the outer housing subassembly for repair.

Abstract: An anoscope includes a first hollow body open at opposite ends and a second hollow body open at opposite ends shapingly coupled with the first hollow body and arranged to coaxially rotate inside the first hollow body, the second hollow body being provided with a window arranged to make a portion of rectal mucous accessible. The window has an operating window and has dimensions and a shape such as to enable a surgical device to intervene on the portion. An angular positioning element is arranged to regulate the angular position of the second hollow body in the first hollow body in preset reciprocal angular positions, which reciprocal angular positions correspond to a same number of positions that can be taken up by the window.

Abstract: The illumination system is a cannula comprising a transparent or semitransparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating a surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for optics and or surgical tools. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at any appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location. Thus, the sheath provides structure-guided illumination resulting in the illumination of the surgical site.