Abstract: A sheath device (1) suitable for endoscopic instruments (2) and comprising an elongated tubular member (4) having a proximal end (6), a distal open end (7), and at least one fluid channel (23). A flushing unit (5) is connected to the proximal end (6) of the tubular member (4) and comprises a proximal open end (8) suitable for receiving a first endoscopic instrument (2), a fluid inlet (16) in contact with said fluid channel (23), and a fluid outlet (17). The tubular member and the flushing unit together define a first interior guiding passage (10) for sheathing at least a part of said first endoscopic instrument (2). The connection between the tubular member (4) and the flushing unit (5) allows for axial rotation of the tubular member (4) in relation to the flushing unit (5).

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for viewing through blood in situ including a flexible catheter for insertion into a blood vessel, an optical assembly positioned at the distal end of the catheter, a working channel, and a control unit for regulating the opacity level of blood in the blood vessel around the distal end of the catheter and controllably injecting quantities of fluid into the blood vessel in the vicinity of the optical assembly. A local controller located at the distal end of the catheter may control functions of the optical assembly while coordinating signals and power with the control unit. Some possible embodiments, may include an inflatable stent balloon.

Abstract: During cryotherapy, using an endoscope that extends within a patient to a cold treatment site, the device of the invention vacuums gas from the site through radial intake ports to a cylindrical space in an evacuation chamber held elastically circumferentially about the distal end of the endoscope tube that carries the cryoprobe to the site.

Abstract: An endoscope of a transnasal type includes an elongated tube for entry in a patient's body. A steering mechanism is provided in the elongated tube and on a proximal side from a distal end thereof, and bendable for changing a direction of the distal end. A forceps channel is formed through the elongated tube, for passing a treatment device to advance through the distal end. A constituent component is inserted in the elongated tube, disposed outside the forceps channel, and having an uneven thickness uneven within the steering mechanism in a direction transverse to an axial direction of the elongated tube, for extending in a tube lumen within the elongated tube. Specifically, the constituent component includes an air/water supply channel, or is an optical fiber bundle.

Abstract: A first balloon is fitted to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon is fitted to an insertion aid member. An end connector of a tube is connected to a balloon control device that supplies and sucks air into and from the first balloon and the second balloon. A duct that communicates with the first balloon, a duct that communicates with the second balloon, and a duct that communicates with a clearance between the insertion portion and the insertion aid member are formed in the end connector.

Abstract: An endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus of the present invention includes an air pump supplying a gas to an endoscope channel included by an endoscope, a faucet supplying a liquid into the endoscope channel, a channel connectable to a mouthpiece of the endoscope channel included by the endoscope and supplying at least one of a gas or a liquid to the endoscope channel, and an injector converting the liquid into a liquid droplet, mixing the liquid droplet into the gas flowing in the channel with the size of the liquid droplet changeable, and thereby supplying gas-liquid two-phase flow in which the liquid droplet is mixed at a set ratio into the gas into the endoscope channel through the channel.

Abstract: A gas supply source for supplying gas and a channel along which the gas is supplied can be easily switched by providing an instrument channel for passing an endoscope treating tool, a gas and water supply channel for supplying carbon dioxide etc. to the inside of a body, a gas supply source for a visceral cavity capable of supplying gas at a predetermined pressure, a gas supply source for a lumen capable of supplying gas at an optional pressure, and a switch device for switching from any of and an instrument channel and a gas and water supply channel to any of the gas supply source for a visceral cavity and the gas supply source for a lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: An endoscopic fluid supply conduit system for use with an endoscope having an insertion tube and a universal cable connected to and from a manipulating head assembly. A fluid conduit is provided internally of the insertion tube to supply a fluid from a fluid feed port on the manipulating head assembly toward a fluid jet injection port feed port which is provided on a rigid tip end section at the fore distal end of the insertion tube. In addition, a second fluid conduit is provided internally of the universal cable and toward the manipulating head assembly. A fluid supply channel selector is provided at the fluid feed port to which a fluid feed adaptor is to be disconnectibly connected.

Abstract: An endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus of the present invention includes a first channel member in which a projection portion abuts on a fitting surface in a channel mouthpiece, and a first channel internally provided communicates with a suction channel inside the channel mouthpiece, a second channel member which is fitted and fixed to an outer periphery of the first channel member, and is internally provided with a second channel which communicates with the first channel, a pressing member which is provided in the second channel, and presses the first channel member to the channel mouthpiece side in the second channel, and a liquid introduction port which is formed in the second channel member and introduces a liquid to the second channel.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated and automated irrigation and aspiration system for use in an endoscopic imaging system. The system provides for the automated cleaning of poorly prepared patients during a colonoscopy procedure as well as automated cleaning of an imaging system of an endoscope. The invention analyzes images obtained from an image sensor to detect the presence of an obstructed field of view, whereupon a wash routine is initiated to remove the obstruction. The wash routine may be adjusted in accordance with environmental conditions within the patient that are sensed by one or more sensors within the endoscope. In another embodiment, insufflation is automatically controlled to inflate a patient's colon as a function of one or more sensor readings obtained from one or more environmental sensor(s) on the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas water bottle adaptor that is suitable for attachment to a water bottle and to a bottle cap. The adaptor can include a gas inlet on one side thereof suitable for attachment to the gas connection of an endoscope. A sealing member can be affixed to the adaptor to prevent leakage of any fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) that is inside of the water bottle. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source to a water bottle.

Abstract: An air-supplying/water-supplying nozzle for delivering fluid to a second imaging unit for observing a body to be examined which is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion to be inserted into a body to be examined in a projecting manner is provided on a non-projecting face of the insertion portion, the non-projecting portion being disposed at a position lower than a flat face of a middle step portion on which the second imaging unit is disposed. Thereby, such a possibility can be reduced that an opening portion of the air-supplying/water-supplying nozzle is caught by an object to be examined and observation or diagnosis work conducted using an observation optical system of an object-contacting type can be conducted.

Abstract: An automatic retractable syringe includes a tubular body on which a syringe opening is provided; a piston body in whose pressing portion a vent hole VA is formed and in whose shaft portion a vent passage passing from the vent hole VA through inside to the front end portion is formed; and a spring which returns the pressed piston body to its original position. When the pressing portion is pressed by a thumb or other finger plugging the vent hole VA to move the piston body forward, air is supplied from the syringe opening. Subsequently, when the thumb or other finger is released, air flows into the tubular body through the vent hole VA and the vent passage, and the piston body automatically returns to its original position by the spring. Therefore, air can be consecutively supplied by repeatedly pressing the pressing portion.

Abstract: A device (1) which includes an elongate body (2) with a movable mass (3) arranged for sliding movement within the body (2), the element (4) being arranged to decelerate toward an end of the body (2) in order to impart forward movement thereto, via momentum transfer, and being arranged to accelerate away from said end in order to further drive the body (2) forward, again using momentum transfer.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated and automated irrigation and aspiration system for use in an endoscopic imaging system. The system provides for the automated cleaning of poorly prepared patients during a colonoscopy procedure as well as automated cleaning of an imaging system of an endoscope. The invention analyzes images obtained from an image sensor to detect the presence of an obstructed field of view, whereupon a wash routine is initiated to remove the obstruction. The wash routine may be adjusted in accordance with environmental conditions within the patient that are sensed by one or more sensors within the endoscope. In another embodiment, insufflation is automatically controlled to inflate a patient's colon as a function of one or more sensor readings obtained from one or more environmental sensor(s) on the endoscope.

Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.

Abstract: An endoscope according to the present invention includes an insertion portion that is inserted into a duct, an observation window provided at a distal end in the insertion direction of the insertion portion for observing the inside of the duct, a balloon provided so as to extend in a radial shape in a diametrical direction of the insertion portion with respect to the insertion portion and which contacts an inner wall of the duct to fix the insertion portion to the inner wall, and a plurality of suction holes that are provided at a position that is further on the distal end side in the insertion direction than the balloon while being closer to a proximal end side in the insertion direction than the observation window in the insertion portion and that suck in dirt removed from the inner wall by contact between the balloon and the inner wall.

Abstract: A fluid irrigation system comprises a small, flexible endoscope and a flexible sheath which is positioned coaxially over the endoscope. A working channel of the endoscope provides a path for introducing an irrigant fluid into a target body lumen or cavity. The irrigant and other fluids may then be removed from the target body lumen or cavity through an axial passage of the sheath. The volume or pressure of the irrigant fluid introduced into the body lumen or cavity is controlled by adjusting the outflow of fluid drained through the sheath.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning sheath includes a tube body and a distal end configuration portion. The tube body includes an endoscope disposition hole in which an insertion portion of an endoscope provided with at least an observation window is inserted and disposed, at least one liquid supply hole configuring a liquid supply channel, and at least one gas supply hole configuring a gas supply channel. The distal end configuration portion is fixed to a distal end portion of the tube body. On an inner surface of a distal end surface portion of the distal end configuration portion is provided a fluid mixing portion and a concave portion configuring an ejection opening that ejects a fluid mixture at an observation window of the endoscope. The fluid mixing portion causes liquid supplied through the liquid supply hole and gas supplied through the gas supply hole to merge to mix the liquid and gas.

Abstract: An endoscope system 1 according to the present invention is configured to include an endoscope 2 and an instrument 3. A first pipeline system 20 and a second pipeline system 30 are formed in the endoscope 2. A tissue grasped by the instrument 3 is retracted into a forceps channel 15, autopsy cups 79 are opened, and water-supply and suctioning are conducted to the grasped tissue by using the first pipeline system 20 and the second pipeline system 30, and then, the grasped tissue is collected from a tissue-suctioning pipeline 46 to a tissue-grasping device 17.

Abstract: A method for autoclave sterilization of an endoscope 2 of the present invention includes the step of making a space, which is defined by the outer side of a channel and an outer covering member of the endoscope 2, communicate with the outside of the endoscope, while at least one end of the channel communicates with the outside of the endoscope 2 and the channel is inserted through the inside 47 of the endoscope. The space 47 and the outside of the endoscope are once brought into the negative pressure. Thereafter, steam is introduced in the space 47 and the outside of the endoscope, and the endoscope 2 is sterilized.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed, for performing therapeutic or diagnostic procedures at a remote site. According to one embodiment, the system includes an introducer designed for transcervical insertion into the uterus. The introducer is constructed to include a fluid lumen, an instrument lumen, and a visualization lumen. The system may include a fluid source, which is coupled to the fluid lumen and is used to deliver a fluid to the uterus either for washing the uterus or for fluid distension of the uterus. The system additionally includes a tissue modifying device, such as a morcellator, and a distension device for distending the uterus and/or for maintaining the uterus in a distended state. The tissue modifying device and the distension device are alternately deliverable to the uterus through the instrument lumen. The system may further include a hysteroscope deliverable to the uterus through the visualization lumen.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed, for performing therapeutic or diagnostic procedures at a remote site. According to one embodiment, the methods include the use of a system including an introducer designed for transcervical insertion into the uterus. The introducer is constructed to include a fluid lumen, an instrument lumen, and a visualization lumen. The system may include a fluid source, which is coupled to the fluid lumen and is used to deliver a fluid to the uterus either for washing the uterus or for fluid distension of the uterus. The system additionally includes a tissue modifying device, such as a morcellator, and a distension device for distending the uterus and/or for maintaining the uterus in a distended state. The tissue modifying device and the distension device are alternately deliverable to the uterus through the instrument lumen. The system may further include a hysteroscope deliverable to the uterus through the visualization lumen.

Abstract: A fluid pump system and a method for pumping fluid into and out of an endoscopic surgical instrument are provided. Generally, the fluid pump system includes a housing, disposable inflow and outflow cartridges, and at least one fluid pump for pumping fluid into or out of fluid channels in an endoscopic surgical instrument. The fluid pump system is securably mountable directly on an endoscopic surgical instrument and a surface. Methods for pumping fluid into and out of an endoscopic surgical instrument include regulating fluid flow from a fluid cartridge to an endoscopic surgical instrument and fluid flow into a fluid cartridge from an endoscopic surgical instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system for examining a patient's body cavity includes an endoscope having a distal end, a proximal end and a number of lumens therein. One or more distal gas ports are disposed at or adjacent the distal end of the endoscope and one or more proximal gas ports are disposed proximal to the distal gas ports. Insufflation gas is delivered to the distal gas ports and withdrawn from the proximal gas ports or vice versa such that a gas bubble is formed in the body cavity and travels with the distal tip of the endoscope.

Abstract: Mounted internally of a casing of a manipulating head assembly of an endoscope is a branching passage member to connect a base end of a biopsy channel with a biopsy channel entrance way and a suction passage. The branching passage member is retained in position by threaded engagement with a biopsy channel entrance pipe which is fitted in the biopsy channel entrance way. Further, the branching passage member is provided with restrictive members thereby to restrict movements of the branching member except a movement toward the biopsy channel entrance pipe when the branching member is pulled into the biopsy channel entrance way for engagement with the entrance pipe.

Abstract: In an endoscope that includes an observing section observing a body to be examined in a contacting state with or in a proximal state to a flat face of a projecting step section at a distal end of an insertion section to be inserted into the body to be examined, a guide groove for guiding fluid caused to flow from a pipe conduit opening section for fluid supply which supplies fluid to the flat face of the projecting step section in a direction of a first lens of an observation optical system which is an observation window of the observing section is provided.

Abstract: The instrument has an original cleaning system, which includes a gas nozzle supplying a gas jet onto the optical surface under high pressure. This pressure is sufficient to enable the gas jet to be a single cleaning means for cleaning the optical surface in all clinical instances. A safety means prevents the patient's internal organs from barotrauma by the gas jet and includes a gas jet catcher and a suction pump of ejection type. The latter is arranged in the instrument's handle and can be used also for the removal of abundant secretions or body's small particles from the patient's cavity. Besides, the gas jet and the suction pump along with a control means form the system for pressure control within the patient's cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope comprising: an insertion unit which is to be inserted into a body; and a pipeline provided inside the insertion unit for supplying a fluid to a balloon mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit, wherein the pipeline has a plurality of openings in an axial direction of the insertion unit on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit. Therefore, the endoscope of the present invention can easily fix a balloon and keep airtightness after the fixation, and can raise a degree of freedom of a mounting location of the balloon.

Abstract: In order to check endoscope channels, a predetermined quantity of liquid is led, at a predetermined pressure, through the channel that is to be checked, and the period of time for this is measured and evaluated. The predetermined quantity of liquid is determined via the volume of a liquid container whose outlet is capable of being connected to the channel that is to be checked. A compressed air source subjects the liquid in the container to a predetermined pressure. A sensor registers whether the liquid level in the container has dropped below a predefined value. A control unit measures the period of time within which the predetermined volume of liquid has flowed through the channel that is to be checked.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning an observation window (25) installed to an insertion section (2) of a rigid endoscope (1) is equipped with a nozzle (21) to spray selectively cleaning liquid and a pressurized CO2 gas against the observation window (25), internal conduits (23, 24) through which the cleaning liquid and the CO2 gas are supplied to the nozzle (21) and external conduits (90,30; 40) detachably connected to the internal conduits (23, 24), respectively, so as to distribute the cleaning liquid and the CO2 gas into the internal conduits (23, 24), respectively, from a liquid container (60) and a gas container (89) respectively. The gas supply external conduit (40) has a flow path diameter smaller than the liquid supply external conduit (30).

Abstract: A sigmoidoscope comprises at least one disposable part, in combination with a device for insufflation of a body cavity with a medium via the sigmoidoscope, the medium being susceptible to contamination by a contaminant during use of the sigmoidoscope. The insufflation device and the sigmoidoscope are connected, or adapted for connection, to one another. The sigmoidoscope and/or the insufflation device are provided with a disposable contamination prevention device, or being so formed and arranged, that no non-disposable part of the sigmoidoscope and no non-disposable part of the insufflation device is exposed to any contaminated medium during use of the sigmoidoscope.

Abstract: A direct view rigid video-endoscope (11) supported by an articulated and compensated arm (2), equipped with a grip (3) crossed by an air flow (92) originating from a generator (93) upstream of the device. The air flow (92) comes out of small holes (8) made in the distal end (28) of the grip (3), at the base of an optical tube (10).

Abstract: An endoscope system has an electronic endoscope, a signal processing section and a data transmitting and receiving section. The electronic endoscope has an image pickup element at a distal end portion of an insert section thereof to be inserted in a body. The other end portion of the endoscope is located outside the body. The signal processing section processes an image signal obtained by the image pickup element. The data transmitting and receiving section transmits and receives data to and from a network environment by radio.

Abstract: An endoscopic liquid feed device to be fitted on a mouth piece of a liquid feed port which is provided on a casing of a manipulating head assembly of an endoscope in communication with an internal liquid feed passage leading to a liquid injection port at a distal end of an insertion tube of the endoscope for injecting a liquid into a body cavity. A liquid feed adaptor is detachably fitted on the mouth piece of the liquid feed port. The liquid feed adaptor is largely constituted by a Luer-Lok member having a check valve member fitted on a fore end portion thereof, a stopper ring fitted on the outer periphery of the Luer-Lok member, and a nut member rotatably fitted on the Luer-Lok member for axial displacements between the stopper ring and a flange portion provided at the outer proximal end of the Luer-Lok member. The nut member is threaded on an external screw provided on the outer periphery of the mouth piece.

Abstract: A multi lumen endotracheal tube having a balloon cuff to seal a patient's trachea during intubation. The ET tube having a main lumen for the exchange of respiratory and medicinal gases consequent to a medical procedure, a secondary lumen for inflation of the balloon cuff, and a tertiary lumen for transmission of sound waves via air medium contained therein, permitting ausculatory monitoring of a patient's breath sounds during intubation and subsequent monitoring of cardiac and respiratory activity after sealing of the ET tube. The ET tube is particularly a adapted for utilization by an anesthetist by including temperature sensor to permit remote monitoring of body core temperature and body cavity ausculation of cardiac and respiratory activity.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system has a video-scope, a video-processor, and a liquid supply apparatus. The video-scope has a liquid transmitting tube for spouting liquid from a tip of the video-scope, and is detachably and electrically connected to the video-processor. The liquid supply apparatus is electrically connectable to the video-processor, and has a container for storing liquid and a liquid supplier that supplies the liquid in the container to the liquid transmitting tube. A liquid jet performance member for spouting the liquid is provided on the video-scope. A liquid jet performance detector detects operational status of the liquid jet performance member, and a liquid jet performance transmitter feeds a control signal regarding the operational status of the liquid jet performance member to the liquid supply apparatus. The liquid supplier supplies the liquid in the container to the liquid transmitting tube in accordance with the control signal.

Abstract: A channel tube coupling structure for an anti-pollution type endoscope which can easily and smoothly couple a multi-lumen type channel tube extending from a base end of an outer sheath with tubes on a side of the endoscope and separate the multi-lumen type channel tube therefrom. At a side surface in a vicinity of the base end of the channel tube, side holes communicate with a plurality of tubes that are formed so as to be shifted from one another in an axial direction. A coupling hole, where the base end portion of the channel tube is loosely inserted thereinto and freely removed therefrom, provides a space in a radial direction between the channel tube and the coupling hole. Annular sealing members are provided which seal portions between the respective side holes, in a state where the base end portion of the channel tube is inserted into the coupling hole.

Abstract: At the tip of an insert portion of an endoscope, LEDs are provided. An air and liquid supply unit is mounted on a handle portion of the endoscope. The air and liquid supply unit is provided with a tank, a pump, and a battery. Liquid, which is supplied to the tip, is stored in the tank. The battery supplies driving current to the pump and the LEDs. The pump takes in the surrounding air. In accordance with the manipulation of the buttons provided on a grip portion of the endoscope, the pump sends either the liquid or the air to the tip.

Abstract: A portable endoscope having a probe which is inserted into a human body, comprises a tank, a flexible tube, a pump, and a weight. The flexible tube is provided to supply liquid to the tip of the probe from the tank via a connection and a nozzle. The weight is provided to bend the flexible tube so that one end of the flexible tube, inside the tank, reaches the liquid regardless of the angle of inclination. A liquid and air supply unit for the endoscope is provided with the tank which stores liquid or cleansing water.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an endoscope valve assembly is releasably secured to a hand of a user of an endoscope. The endoscope valve assembly can be releasably secured to any part of the user's hand (e.g., palm, thumb, or finger) and can be secured either to the hand that holds the endoscope or to the user's other hand. Additionally, when the user holds an endoscope in one hand and a second medical instrument in his other hand, the valve assembly for the endoscope can be releasably secured to the second medical instrument. Other embodiments are described, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or in combination with each other.

Abstract: A portable endoscope has a pump, a tank that stores liquid, a first coupling tube that spatially connects the pump with a gas supplying tube, a divergent tube that diverges from the first coupling tube and extends toward an inside of the tank, a balloon that is spatially connected to the divergent tube and is expandable and shrinkable in the tank, a second coupling tube that spatially connects the inside of the tank with a liquid supplying tube, and a gas direction controller that selectively directs the gas discharged from the pump to one of the gas supplying tube and the divergent tube. The liquid is stored outside of the balloon. The tank includes a sealing member that hermetically seals the tank.

Abstract: A sleeve for holding an endoscope used in surgical procedures including a hollow cylinder for receiving the endoscope, a docking member at the proximal end of the cylinder for receiving the viewing hub of the endoscope, a continuous suction supply adjacent the distal end of the cylinder, and a pressurized fluid supply for use when needed to clean the window of the endoscope.

Abstract: A portable endoscope has a liquid supplying tube that transmits liquid to the tip of the endoscope, a container that is spatially connected to the liquid supplying tube and stores the liquid, a gas supplying tube that is connected to an inside space of the container and transmits gas to the tip of the endoscope, a liquid and gas supplier that supplies the liquid in the container to the liquid supplying tube and supplies the gas to the gas supplying tube, and a holder that holds the container such that the container generally keeps a horizontal position.

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: An air feeding device for an endoscope, is provided with a pressure control system that controls a pressure of air within a sealed space so as to fall within a predetermined set range. The air feeding device is further provided with an abnormal condition detecting system that detects an abnormal condition of at least one of the pressure within the sealed space and control of the pressure control system. Further, the air feeding device includes a resolving system that resolves the abnormal condition when the abnormal condition detecting system detects an abnormal condition.

Abstract: A modular endoscope valve assembly is releasably mounted on the handpiece of an endoscope. This valve assembly includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve manually operable selectively to block and to allow the flow of irrigation fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port. The valve assembly is releasably held to the handpiece of the endoscope by a mechanical fastener such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a strap, a snap lock, or otherwise. Once the valve assembly is releasably mounted to the handpiece, the physician using the endoscope can manually control the flow of irrigation fluid, and optionally suction, with the same hand as the one that supports the handpiece, thereby leaving the other hand of the physician free for surgical procedures. The modular valve assembly of this invention can be used with the widest variety of endoscopes, including flexible, rigid and semi rigid ureteroscopes as well as various percutaneous endoscopes.

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: A fluid management assembly for use in an endoscopic procedure is provided. The assembly comprises a first line for fluid to flow therethrough from an endoscope to a Y-connector and a second line for fluid to flow therethrough from a drape to the Y-connector. The Y-connector is also in fluid communication with a third line which connects the Y-connector to a suction source which supplies a suction force and receives the fluid. According to the present invention the Y-connector is located in close proximate relation with respect to the suction source and the first and second lines are preferably co-joined along a portion of their lengths. The first and second lines define scope and drape legs, respectively, which are elongated in comparison to more conventional designs. These features of the present invention serve to optimize distention and eliminate pressure fluctuations in the operative organ during the surgical procedure.