Abstract: The present invention provides a medical surgical or dental laser light irradiating apparatus which enables operators as well as third persons to precisely view the treatment. The medical laser light irradiating apparatus of the present invention comprises an optical fiber 3 for emitting from its front end the laser light which is incident upon the rear end thereof from said laser light supply means, a handpiece 1 for holding said optical fiber 3, an light incident face 21 which is made integrally with said handpiece 1 so that it faces at least a laser light irradiated area, imaging means 20 for imaging of at least laser light irradiated area based upon the light which is received through the light incident face 21, display means 30 for displaying a result of imaging from said imaging means 20, and jetting means 40, 40A, 41, 42 for jetting an air to an area in front of said light incident face 21.

Abstract: A notched void portion 29 is provided in a rigid casing block 20 of a rigid tip end section 2c of an endoscopic insertion instrument 2. For spurting a cleaning fluid toward an observation window 11, a cleaning supply passage is constituted by a cleaner nozzle 13, a connector pipe 27 and a flexible tube 26. A cleaner nozzle 13 is partly fitted in the notched void portion 29 which is formed in the rigid casing block 20. The connector pipe 27 is formed in a staggered shape having an angularly bent intermediate pipe section 27c between straight and parallel front and rear pipe sections 27a and 27b. The straight front pipe section 27a is at least partly fitted in the rigid casing block 20 and its fore distal end portion is fitted in the cleaner nozzle 13 over a predetermined length.

Abstract: An elongated sheath body for an endoscope has a channel provided in the sheath body to allow the endoscope to be inserted into the sheath body. The endoscope channel has a first opening at a distal end of the sheath body and a second opening at a proximal end of the sheath body. The endoscope-covering sheath is provided with a wiper provided near the first opening and a mechanism which drives the wiper. The wipers can wipe adhering matter which hinders the viewing field of the endoscope.

Abstract: A jet nozzle for spurting a wash fluid toward an observation window of an optical image pickup system fitted in a rigid tip end section of the insertion instrument for cleaning the observation window. The jet nozzle includes an inlet passage portion which is provided at a proximal end of the jet nozzle coaxially in communication with an axial wash fluid passage in the rigid tip end section of the insertion instrument, a jet spout passage portion which is located on a distal end face of the rigid tip end section and terminating with a jet spout opening of a predetermined width. The jet spout passage portion is provided with a straight flow rectifying passage of a predetermined length toward the jet outlet opening.

Abstract: A connecting structure of a flexible tube with a mouthpiece, serving as elements of a treatment tool for an endoscope, includes at least one claw projection provided on an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical connecting portion of the mouthpiece; and at least one claw-projection gap provided at a discontinuous portion of each claw projection. A connecting end of the flexible tube is inserted onto the cylindrical connecting portion so that at least one claw projection digs into an inner peripheral surface of the connecting end of the flexible tube. Each claw projection is provided perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical connecting portion. A surface of each claw projection is inclined inward, toward the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion, in a direction so as to allow the cylindrical connecting portion to be inserted into the connecting end of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A sleeve for holding an endoscope used in surgical procedures comprising a hollow cylinder for receiving the outer tube of an endoscope with a viewing hub at its proximal end and a window at its distal end, a docking member at the proximal end of the cylinder to receive and retain the viewing hub, means for continuously supplying suction to an inlet adjacent the distal end of the cylinder, and means for supplying pressurized fluid when desired to an outlet adjacent the distal end of the cylinder.

Abstract: A notched void portion 29 is provided in a rigid casing block 20 of a rigid tip end section 2c of an endoscopic insertion instrument 2. For spurting a cleaning fluid toward an observation window 11, a cleaning supply passage is constituted by a cleaner nozzle 13, a connector pipe 27 and a flexible tube 26. A cleaner nozzle 13 is partly fitted in the notched void portion 29 which is formed in the rigid casing block 20. The connector pipe 27 is formed in a staggered shape having an angularly bent intermediate pipe section 27c between straight and parallel front and rear pipe sections 27a and 27b. The straight front pipe section 27a is at least partly fitted in the rigid casing block 20 and its fore distal end portion is fitted in the cleaner nozzle 13 over a predetermined length.

Abstract: An endoscope lens cleaning system for use in removing surgical debris from the objective lens of an endoscope has a sheath adapted to receive the endoscope, carrying a control switch and having an open distal end in fluid communication with a proximally mounted luer lock for removably engaging the distal luer connection of a tubing set. The tubing set is connected to and engaged with a peristaltic pump including a microprocessor or controller adapted to respond to actuation of the control switch and execute software including program steps for operation of the pump. The pump controller is programmed to execute a scrub cycle each time the clinician actuates the control switch mounted on the preferably disposable sheath.

Abstract: A viewing head cap that is made of an elastic material includes a cylindrical cap body and a spray nozzle formed integrally with the cap body and provides a drain port which is located at a location opposite to the spray nozzle with respect to a viewing window and opens between the cap body and a viewing head and which is communicated with a forceps channel functioning as a suction channel through a drain path.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when a surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to a surgical tool.

Abstract: An endoscope dirt remover according to the present invention comprises a tube through which an insert section of an endoscope is inserted, an elastic member coupled with the tube, and a wiper blade coupled with the elastic member at wiping the dirt of the objective lens, at least part of the wiper blade coming into contact with an objective lens of the endoscope and moving on the objective lens together with deformation of the elastic member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning the objective lens of a laparoscope, endoscope, or coeloscope during surgery and also removing the solution and debris during and after the cleaning. The result is obtained by using a rigid hollow split sheath for the scope. The split sheath has two separate channels. One channel is for irrigation and the cleaning fluid flows through this channel to be directed onto the lens. The other channel is for suction to remove the solution and debris during and after the cleaning. Control buttons located at the operator's end activate the irrigation and suction functions. The control buttons for irrigation and suction are fabricated into an existing valve type device which can regulate either of these functions. In addition, two ports, one for irrigation and one for suction emerge from the operator's end to connect to the appropriate tubing for irrigation and suction.

Abstract: A jet nozzle for spurting a wash fluid toward an observation window of an optical image pickup system fitted in a rigid tip end section of the insertion instrument for cleaning the observation window. The jet nozzle includes an inlet passage portion which is provided at a proximal end of the jet nozzle coaxially in communication with an axial wash fluid passage in the rigid tip end section of the insertion instrument, a jet spout passage portion which is located on a distal end face of the rigid tip end section and terminating with a jet spout opening of a predetermined width. The jet spout passage portion is provided with a straight flow rectifying passage of a predetermined length toward the jet outlet opening.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is provided comprising a shaft having an endoscope optical system arranged therein, which has a distal front face. The instrument also comprises a working element arranged in the shaft. The shaft provides for the supply of an irrigation fluid. Flow-influencing means are provided, such that the irrigation fluid reaches in front of the front face of the endoscope optical system and can eliminate contaminations, which obstruct the view through the endoscope optics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device having an orifice covered by an optical device (3), which is to be prevented from being dirtied. For that reason the device comprises a housing (1), in which a ring-shaped socket (2) supporting the optical device is rotatably journalled by means of a bearing arranged around the periphery of a socket (2). Moreover, the socket (2) is provided with a rim turbine blades (8) against which one or more jets of pressure air from nozzles (10, 11) in the housing (1) are directed.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when a surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to a surgical tool.

Abstract: An improved disposable sheath for a medical endoscope of the type that includes an elongated bundle of optical fibers for viewing an internal surgical site, the endoscope including a distal tip adapted to transmit images from the surgical site through the fibers. The improved sheath having an elongated housing with proximal and distal ends in which the distal end has top and bottom portions. A first opening extends through the housing for receiving the endoscope and a second opening extends though the housing for transmitting fluid through the housing. The proximal end of the housing is adapted to secure the housing relative to the endoscope and to connect the second opening to a source of fluid. The first opening is unobstructed at the distal end of the housing to allow the distal tip of the endoscope to project past the top portion of the distal end. The bottom portion of the housing distal end extends beyond the distal tip of the endoscope.

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

Abstract: A trocar assembly consisting of a trocar in a central opening in a cannula. The cannula is provided with at least one separate passage running parallel to the central passage. The separate passage is connected to a source of cleansing fluid and a pump for pumping fluid through the separate passage. The separate passage terminates in an orifice near the distal end of the central opening of the cannula. In operation, when the cannula is used to provide access for a laparoscope or other viewing instrument, the end of the viewing instrument may become clouded with moisture and other debris. In this case, the end of the viewing instrument may be withdrawn into the distal end of the cannula adjacent the fluid orifice. The pump is actuated and cleansing fluid is forced over the end of the instrument cleaning away the obstructing matter without removing the instrument from the cannula. Drying air can also be supplied to the instrument, either through the same or a different separate passage.

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

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a handle assembly and an outer tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the latter being fixed to the handle assembly. The outer tube is provided with a groove in an outermost surface of the outer tube and extending lengthwise of the outer tube. The apparatus further includes an irrigation tube for disposal in the groove for conducting fluid in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the treatment of the symptoms of obstructive prostatism. The apparatus comprises an expandable dilation catheter and preferably an axially elongate sheath, adapted for transurethral insertion via the external opening of the urethra. The sheath is ellipsoid in cross-section, and provides an initial path through which the catheter and a standard cystoscope lens is guided. The dilation catheter or the sheath are provided with a non-radiological locating means for positioning the dilation portion of the catheter with respect to an anatomical landmark. Once the catheter has been properly positioned with respect to both the bladder neck and the sphincter, the dilation balloon may be inflated to force open the affected prostatic urethra and eliminate the obstruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonically cleaning the interior of a flexible, elongate, tubular medical instrument, such as an endoscope, laparoscope, or the like involves the generation of both longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic waves in a fluid medium within the interior channel or lumen of the instrument. The ultrasonic waves are generated within the instrument by a flexible wire resonator coupled to and responsive to an ultrasonic transducer and generator.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing suction and/or irrigation in rigid endoscopes used for, e.g., bronchoscopy, esphagoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy are described. The described methods and apparatus permit a user of the endoscope to maintain visual contact with a target area being viewed though the endoscope during suction/irrigation procedures. In accordance with the present invention, the antifog port of a known rigid endoscope assembly is coupled to a suction/irrigation apparatus as opposed to being plugged or coupled to an antifog fluid source. The antifog port is thereby converted into a suction/irrigation port. By providing suction/irrigation via the antifog port, the need to remove the telescope to perform suction and/or the need to use an instrument incorporating a suction channel is eliminated. The suction/irrigation apparatus of the present invention includes an extension tube, a syringe, a valve, e.g., a two way stop cock, and a connecting tube.

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: An endoscope apparatus having main body and an outer unit. The main body has an insertion section. The outer unit comprises an inner tube removably mounted on the insertion section and an inner tube removably mounted on the inner tube. A first passage is provided between the inner tube and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion section, and a second passage is provided between the inner tube and the outer tube. Liquid is supplied to and drawn from the distal end of the insertion section through one of the passages. Gas is applied onto the distal end of the insertion section through the other of the passages.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument with an inner sheath carrying instrument optics and an outer sheath enclosing the inner sheath so as to form a gap between the sheaths, the outer sheath having apertures radially through its distal end zone to provide fluid communication between the gap and the surroundings of the outer sheath. The inner sheath acts as a supply duct and the gap between the inner and outer sheaths acts as an evacuation duct for the rinsing fluid. A hole connects the interior of the inner sheath to the gap at the distal end of the inner sheath, the clear cross-section of the hole being substantially less than the sum of the cross-sections of the apertures at the distal zone of the outer sheath.

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: An apparatus for optically observing a body cavity in which the view field is made more clear by eliminating mucus in the body cavity. The apparatus includes a tubular fluid passage forming member which surrounds an insert part and which is inserted into the body cavity. A space between the fluid passage forming member and the outer face of the insert part is divided into a fluid supply space and discharge space. The fluid supply space is externally supplied with fluid such as clean water and the mucus in the body cavity is discharged to the outside of the body via the fluid discharge space. The fluid passage forming member is made of economical material such as plastics so that it may be disposable, reducing the risk of infecting a patient with a virus.

Abstract: A cleaning tube apparatus for an endoscope, comprises the endoscope having an observation optical system for observing a subject part at a forward-end portion, a cleaning tube detachable with respect to said endoscope, said cleaning tube being provided with a plurality of fluid jetting openings in a peripheral direction at one end of said cleaning tube, said fluid jetting openings being provided for leading cleaning fluid at least to said observation optical system, and a fluid supply unit connected to said cleaning tube, for supplying the cleaning fluid to said cleaning tube.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an endoscope having an insertion section; and a sheath attached thereto so as to cover at least the insertion section of the endoscope, wherein the endoscope apparatus is equipped with: a forward end gap portion formed between the inner surface of an edge portion formed in the forward end portion of the sheath and the outer surface of the forward end portion of the insertion section of the endoscope; and a fluid passage which communicates with the forward end gap portion and which is formed between the inner surface of the sheath and the outer surface of the insertion section of the endoscope, and wherein a liquid feeding passage or a suction passage for passing a cleaning fluid or a sucked object is provided in the fluid passage, and a nozzle section for spraying the cleaning fluid onto an observation window portion in the forward end portion of the insertion section of the endoscope is provided in the forward end gap portion.

Abstract: Improved exploratory, pre- and post- surgical techniques are now available due to an improved endoscope which uses a housing with a window member thereon. Due to the window's angle and the air-pocket between the viewing tip of the endoscope and the window, exceptional vision is provided without the need to create artificial chambers within the body. Should the window become occluded with debris, the surgeon can easily clean the window by wiping it against a nearby organ or muscle to dislodge the debris. Since no inflating gas is used, techniques employing the endoscope create minimal trauma and are ideally suited for exploratory surgery, pre-surgical inspection of the operation site, and post-surgical inspection to assure the operation obtained the desired results.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the treatment of the symptoms of obstructive prostatism. The apparatus comprises an expandable dilation catheter and preferably an axially elongate sheath, adapted for transurethral insertion via the external opening of the urethra. The sheath is ellipsoid in cross-section, and provides an initial path through which the catheter and a standard cystoscope lens is guided. The dilation catheter or the sheath are provided with a non-radiological locating means for positioning the dilation portion of the catheter with respect to an anatomical landmark. Once the catheter has been properly positioned with respect to both the bladder neck and the sphincter, the dilation balloon may be inflated to force open the affected prostatic urethra and eliminate the obstruction.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and/or eliminating fogging of endoscope lenses during an endoscopic procedure which include the steps of introducing an endoscope into a body cavity and contacting the endoscope lens with a biocompatible and biodegradable composition containing a polyalkylene oxide while the lens is positioned within the body. Alternatively, the endoscope may be coated with a biocompatible polyHEMA coating which is activated by a biocompatible solution, such as water or saline, which may be introduced during use through a fluid conduit on the endoscope. Devices for preventing and/or eliminating fogging of endoscope lenses during endoscopic procedures and conveying antifogging solutions to the distal end of the endoscope are also provided, and may include a distensible applicator.

Abstract: A retractable wipe is disclosed for cleaning the lens at the forward end of an endoscope while it is inside the body cavity during endoscopic surgery and a method for using the retractable wipe in such a capacity. The retractable wipe allows for the wiping element of a wiping device to be in a protected, retracted position during entry into the surgical area and then provides for the wiping element to be extended for use once inside the surgical area. While the invention is useful in several types of endoscopic surgery. It is especially useful in ophthalmic surgery. The device may be made in various sizes, so that it will fit in the small incisions used in ophthaimic surgery. The invention is also especially useful in laparoscopic surgery. Due to the abundance of fat and other bodily materials in the abdominal area, which tend to foul the endoscope and frequent endoscope cleaning is required to maintain a clear view of the surgical view.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument, particularly a continuous flushing cysto-urethroscope, has an oval cross-sectioned outer shaft and an inner shaft having a contour formed by two semi-circular arcs with different diameters, the arcs having their openings facing each other and connected by two approximately straight sides. The inner shaft is so dimensioned that it contacts the inside of the outer shaft at three points in a linear manner along essentially the entire shaft length, thus forming three free spaces between the inner shaft and the outer shaft for conveying rinsing or flushing fluids. The free spaces may be closed off at their distal ends with flanges projecting from the outer surface of the inner shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope for insertion into a patient's inner body cavity has a shell with lumens for (1) illuminating a lens and (2) passing light from an imaging (or objective) lens, each lens being disposed on the distal face of the shell. The shell also has a lumen, preferably off-round, for receiving a resilient disposable core. The resilient core has passageways for introducing a pressurized fluid (e.g. air or water) to selective ones of the lenses to clean the lenses. The core may also have another passageway for removing material from the patient's inner body cavity for analysis. This passageway may communicate with two (2) conduits for removing specimens from the body cavity (1) as by a vacuum or (2) as by an instrument. The second conduit may be closed except when the instrument is to be inserted into a patient's inner body cavity. The core may be drawn through the shell lumen to position the core in the lumen.

Abstract: A defogger for the objective lens of a laparoscope provides a channel in a longitudinal direction of the laparoscope. Gas from an insufflator is supplied to the channel exteriorly of a body being operated upon. A deflector is provided at or adjacent the opposite end of the gas flow channel to deflect insufflating gas across the objective lens for maintaining said objective lens clean within said body.

Abstract: An endoscope cover-sheathed endoscope is composed of an endoscope having an elongated insertional part that is inserted into a living body, and an endoscope cover including an insertional part cover in which an endoscope insertion channel into which the elongated insertional part is inserted is formed. A tube cap with which the terminal of a tube, which communicates with the endoscope insertion channel and feeds air to the endoscope insertion channel in order to enable insertion or removal of the insertional part into or from the endoscope insertion channel, is coupled is shielded with a cap cover, thus preventing spread of contamination.

Abstract: An endoscope for insertion into a patient's inner body cavity has a shell with lumens for (1) illuminating a lens and (2) passing light from an imaging (or objective) lens, each lens being disposed on the distal face of the shell. The shell also has a lumen, preferably off-round, for receiving a resilient disposable core. The resilient core has passageways for introducing a pressurized fluid (e.g. air or water) to selective ones of the lenses to clean the lenses. The core may also have another passageway for removing material from the patient's inner body cavity for analysis. This passageway may communicate with two (2) conduits for removing specimens from the body cavity (1) as by a vacuum or (2) as by an instrument. The second conduit may be closed except when the instrument is to be inserted into a patient's inner body cavity. The core may be drawn through the shell lumen to position the core in the lumen.