Abstract: The invention provides a percutaneous visualization system for direct, stereoscopic visualization of a body cavity during minimally-invasive surgical procedures. The visualization system includes a cannula having a distal end, a proximal end, and a passage extending therebetween. The passage is configured to allow stereoscopic vision therethrough, and is preferably tapered from the proximal end to the distal end. A sleeve is positionable in the passage of the cannula, the sleeve having an optical passage also configured to allow stereoscopic vision, preferably by tapering. A lens may be disposed in the optical passage of the sleeve for wide-angle viewing. Magnification means may be positioned in optical alignment with the optical passage to provide a magnified image of a surgical site.

Abstract: A multi-use disposable endoscope capable of being sterilized and reused for a number of surgical procedures and then discarded is disclosed. The endoscope is adapted to withstand a number of sterilization cycles without experiencing degradation of the functional systems of the scope, and yet retains the cost effective qualities of a disposable endoscope. The endoscope preferably is formed in accordance with methods utilized for manufacturing a disposable endoscope, e.g., incorporating inexpensive plastic components for the housing sections of the scope as well as for the various systems of the scope. Particular attention is directed to adequately sealing potential leakage areas of the endoscope, such as the distal end of the endoscope and the juncture of the endoscopic portion and the eyepiece section.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an endoscope having an especially simple optical system within an endoscope tube 22. The imaging system of the endoscope tube includes a front group 25 having a negative refractive power and an inner group 28 having a positive refractive power. The front group 25 and the inner group 28 conjointly define a telescope system which permits the object plane 24 to be imaged in the intermediate image plane 32 without intermediate imaging at a distance of 200 mm to 600 mm from the distal end of the endoscope tube 22. Otherwise, only glass rods having planar-parallel end faces are mounted within the endoscope tube. A field optic is preferably a part of the viewing component. An adequate transmission and correction with respect to chromatic and monochromatic imaging errors is possible notwithstanding the simple optical configuration. The front group and inner group can also be configured as aspherical individual lenses.

Abstract: An endoscope has an elongated sheath that follows a curved path. The sheath houses a plurality of relay lens sets designed to have a maximum usable field of view that is greater than the size of an image to be produced. Discrete lens elements within the image transfer guide allow the image to offset to the edges of the maximum usable field of view thereby to allow the axes through the individual sets to progressively shift in angle to form the curved path.

Abstract: A surgical instrument incorporating visualizing optics is disclosed. The instrument comprises a handle supporting a rigid hollow shaft, an expanded tip is located on the distal end of the shaft providing a surface that will not tear or easily penetrate tissue. A fiber-optic assembly, containing at least one illumination transmitting fiber, a plurality of image-carrying fibers and an objective lens mounted near the distal end of the image fibers runs the length of the shaft. The objective lens is positioned relative to an opening in the tip allowing viewing. Light for illuminating the surgical site passes through one or more illumination fibers and through the opening in the tip of the probe. Light reflected from the tissue at the tip of the probe is focused onto the distal face of the image bundle by an objective lens and is then transmitted to the proximal end of the image bundle.

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

Abstract: A multi-use disposable endoscope capable of being sterilized and reused for a number of surgical procedures and then discarded is disclosed. The endoscope is adapted to withstand a number of sterilization cycles without experiencing degradation of the functional systems of the scope, and yet retains the cost effective qualities of a disposable endoscope. The endoscope preferably is formed in accordance with methods utilized for manufacturing a disposable endoscope, e.g., incorporating inexpensive plastic components for the housing sections of the scope as well as for the various systems of the scope. Particular attention is directed to adequately sealing potential leakage areas of the endoscope, such as the distal end of the endoscope and the juncture of the endoscopic portion and the eyepiece section.

Abstract: A hard-type endoscope apparatus equipped with an inserting portion, a plurality of lenses inserted in the insertion portion, and a lens-barrel holding the lenses, includes a spacer pipe provided in the lens-barrel along the optical path of the lenses. The lens barrel is made of synthetic resin materials containing an additive. The additive forms matting irregularities on an inner surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument incorporating visualizing optics is disclosed. The instrument comprises a handle supporting a rigid, curved, hollow shaft, a spherical tip is located on the distal end of the shaft providing a surface that will not tear or easily penetrate tissue. A fiber-optic assembly, containing at least one illumination transmitting fiber, a plurality of image-carrying fibers and an objective lens mounted near the distal end of the image fibers runs the entire length of the shaft. The objective lens is mounted relative to an opening in the tip allowing either axial viewing or side viewing. Light for illuminating the surgical site passes through one or more illumination fibers and through the opening in the spherical tip of the probe. Light reflected from the tissue at the tip of the probe is focused onto the distal face of the image assembly by an objective lens and is then transmitted to the proximal end of the image assembly.

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

Abstract: The 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.