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 sheath assembly for a medical instrument such as an endoscope comprises an outer sheath and inner sheath and novel means for providing out-flow of fluids from a surgical site. The outer sheath is disposed about at least a portion of an inner sheath. The assembly has an outflow aperture disposed in an outer wall at the distal end of the assembly. The outflow aperture is the initiation for an outflow conduit that is generally longitudinally disposed in a distal tip portion of the assembly and communicates fluid to a main outflow channel formed between the outer sheath and inner sheath. In a preferred embodiment, the outflow aperture and conduit are disposed wholly or partially in a dielectric tip element. The novel assembly allows improved outflow by disposing the outflow aperture at a more distal end of the instrument than conventional devices such that the outflow aperture is less prone to blockage by surrounding tissue or debris when used in tight anatomical passages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for endoscopes which can supply air and water according to each application by regulating air and water flow rates independently. Although air and water may be supplied with one pump, the present invention controls air and water flow rates separately by using an air supply pump and water supply pump and by controlling a plurality of open-close valves installed, for example, on atmospheric escape pipes. The air channel and water channel are connected, for draining, by a first connecting pipe. If the air supply pump is used also for water supply and the water supply pump is used also for air supply, it is possible to supply air and water at a high flow rate fast enough even for high-speed water injection. If a fixed flow rate is used for a specified time at the start, specific operations can be simplified.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for placing over a flexible endoscope. The sleeve has a port between its distal and proximal openings and the port is connected to a vacuum source. Once the endoscope is retracted proximal to the suction port, the sleeve's proximal opening is sealed off and the entire sleeve is turned into a suction lumen. Devices and methods in accordance with the invention provide improvement in removing materials from body cavities, especially in removing stones from the upper urinary tract.

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: 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: An electronic endoscope in accordance with the present invention consists broadly of an operation unit, an elongated insertion unit, and a universal cord. The operation unit has a treatment appliance insertion port and various operation switches and fills the role of a hand-held unit. The insertion unit extends from the lower end of the operation unit in a direction substantially corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the operation unit. The universal cord extends in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the operation unit at an acute angle, and accommodates at least a signal cable extending from the top of the operation unit.

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: 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 resectoscope for internal surgery generally comprising an operating handle having extendible instruments such as a cutting tool, viewing means such as a telescope and a light conduit and passageways to supply and remove aspirating fluid to lubricate and to wash the surgical site wherein said extendible instruments are contained within a tube divided in cross section by longitudinal wall into first and second sectors, said first sector being smaller than the second sector and containing the viewing means and providing a passageway for the supply of as pirating fluid, said second sector containing the cutting tool and providing a large passageway for the removal of aspirating fluid and surgical morsels for collection and optionally having a valving mechanism activated by retraction or extension of the cutting tool.

Abstract: An adapter for a disposable water bottle for an endoscope having a cap with threads suitable for attachment to threads on a neck of the water bottle, an outer tube affixed to an opening in the cap, an inner tube extending through the outer tube so as to form an air passing annulus on the interior of the outer tube, and a fitting affixed to an end of the inner and outer tubes opposite the cap. The fitting is adapted for attachment to the air and water connections of the endoscope. A first gasket member is affixed to an interior surface of the cap and a second gasket member is affixed to the first gasket member such that the first gasket member is sandwiched between the second gasket member and the interior surface. An annular member is secured within a hole formed in the fitting and has a slot receiving a protrusion formed in the hole of the fitting.

Abstract: A self-propelled endoscopic micro-robot, comprising a head for obtaining the errorless information of an interior of a tubular organ; an impact force generating unit connected the head generating an impact force according to a pneumatic pressure externally supplied and sucked by a air pressure supplier and making the self-propelled endoscopic micro-robot move in the tubular organ; and a plurality of supporting arms connected the head with end of the impact force for covering the impact force generating unit, making a housing of the self-propelled endoscopic micro-robot, and adjusting frictional force between the interior of the tubular organ and the housing as desired.

Abstract: A method for rinsing a field of inspection or operation during an endoscopic procedure includes filling a proximal portion of a conduit with a fluid quantity defining a slug of liquid and accelerating the slug of liquid using gas which is fed into the conduit upstream of the fluid quantity, so as to have the slug of liquid discharged from the conduit at a high speed.

Abstract: A nozzle spraying a cleaning liquid to an observation window. A jet spray aperture for spraying fluid is provided to the distal end portion of an insertion portion. A first fluid supplying passage connected to a nozzle and a control-valve. A second fluid supplying passage connected to the jet spray aperture. A casing divides the first fluid supplying passage into a nozzle side passage and a valve side passage, connects to the second fluid supplying passage, and includes a pump connector detachably connected to the fluid pumping means and a supplying passage. A switching passage, formed in the pump connector, switches between positions wherein the nozzle side passage is connected to or cut off from the valve side passage, depending on the state of the supplying passage. A check valve is provided to the supplying passage for preventing flow from the switching passage side to the suppyling passage side.

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: An air delivery unit, in which a closed-space is formed, comprises a discharge-mode switch, a pressure switch and a discharge switch. The discharge-mode switch, the pressure switch, and the discharge switch are arranged on an operation panel. The discharge-mode switch is provided for setting a discharge-mode. The pressure switch is provided for setting the pressure in the closed space. The discharge switch is provided for carrying out a discharge of the air in the closed-space. Accordingly, the discharge-mode switch, the pressure switch and the discharge switch are aligned in operation order.

Abstract: An endoscope in which the advantage of a pinch valve is used, and the flow rate of fluid can be regulated variably. In an electromagnetic valve unit for carrying out the opening/closing control of pipes in the endoscope, a pinch valve is disposed in a water feed pipe, and a diaphragm valve is disposed in an air feed pipe. Also, for ease of draining work, an air feed pipe is connected to the water feed pipe, an auxiliary valve consisting of a diaphragm valve is disposed, and a check valve is installed. Further, for example, three control pipes with different diameters and three electromagnetic valves for opening/closing these control pipes are provided in each pipe. By carrying out the opening/closing control of these electromagnetic valves by using an operation switch, the flow rate in each pipe in the endoscope is regulated variably.

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 sigmoidoscope comprising at least one disposable part (1), in combination with means (10) for insufflation of a body cavity with a medium via the sigmoidoscope; said medium being susceptible to contamination by a contaminant (as herein defined) during use of the sigmoidoscope, said insufflation means (10) and said sigmoidoscope (eg part 1) being connected, or adapted for connections one to the other; the sigmoidoscope and/or the insufflation means being provided with disposable contamination prevention means (18), or being so formed and arranged, that no non-disposable part of the sigmoidoscope (eg 15) and no non-disposable part of the insufflation means is exposed to any contaminated medium during use of the sigmoidoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope has a removable suction tube to facilitate cleaning and reduce the risk of patient infection. The endoscope includes an elongated flexible probe with a slot extending along its length and an opening on the distal end of the probe. The housing at the proximal end of the probe is used to control the direction and operation of the probe, and for viewing images from the distal end of the probe. The suction tube can be removably inserted into the slot on the probe. Optionally, the distal tip of the probe can be equipped with a connector within the slot that removably secures the distal opening of the suction tube in communication with a suction opening on the distal tip of the probe. A suction tube connector at the proximal end of the suction tube allows the suction tube to be removably secured to the housing and also provides a connector for removable attachment to an external suction line.

Abstract: An air feeding device for endoscope system includes an air compressor that compresses air and feeds the air in a sealed space, and a pressure sensor that detects air pressure in the sealed space. Further, a pressure setting device and a pressure controller are provided. The pressure setting device is used for setting a pressure value to be achieved in the sealed space, and the pressure controller turns ON and OFF the compressor in accordance with the air pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the pressure value set by the pressure setting device. The air feeding device has a main valve. An inlet of the main valve is connected to the sealed space, and an outlet of the main valve is connected to an outlet of the air feeding device. By opening the main valve, the air enclosed in the sealed space is discharged from the outlet to strike an object at a certain pressure.

Abstract: An endoscope air sending device (15) has a compressor (13), an air tank (34), an air filter (35), a pressure control valve (38), a pressure sensor (14), and a discharge valve (12) are provided. The compressor and the air tank are communicated with each other through an air tube (AT5), and the air tank and the air filter are communicated with each other through an air tube (AT4). The air filter and the discharge valve are communicated with each other through an air tube (AT3), and the pressure control valve, the air sensor and the discharge valve are also communicated with one another through the air tube (AT3). By communicating those components with one another in the above-described manner, a closed space is formed.

Abstract: An air feeding device for an endoscope system in which air is compressed in a sealed space and discharged from an outlet of a tube connected to the sealed space which is provided with a pressure sensor that detects a pressure of the air in the sealed space, and a pressure adjusting system that adjusts the pressure of air in the sealed space and a pressure setting device through which an operator is capable of setting a discharge pressure. A memory storing a relationship between a discharge pressure and a pressure in the sealed space is further provided. A pressure controller is also provided, which controls the pressure adjusting system in accordance with the air pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the pressure value set by the pressure setting device.

Abstract: An adapter for a disposable water bottle for an endoscope having a cap with threads suitable for attachment to threads on a neck of the water bottle, an outer tube affixed to an opening in the cap, and an inner tube extending through the outer tube. The inner tube forms an air passing annulus on an interior of the outer tube. The inner tube extends outwardly of an end of the outer tube and through the opening in the cap. A fitting is non-removably affixed to an end of the inner and outer tubes opposite the cap. The fitting is adapted for attachment to air and water connections of the endoscope. The outer tube, the inner tube and the cap are formed of a polymeric material.

Abstract: Inside an endoscope air sending device (15), an air compressor (13), an air tank (34), an air filter (35), a pressure control valve (38), a pressure sensor (14), and a discharge valve (12) are provided so that those elements form a closed space therein. An air sending fan (47) is provided on the wall of a housing (10), and a circuit board (K) is provided above the air sending fan (47) and those elements forming the closed space. A discharge outlet (60) is provided on the housing (10) in such a manner that the discharge outlet (60) is located above the circuit board (K).

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: 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 present invention provides a control switch device in which in an endoscope using an electrical control switch to carry out duct control, the conventional operation sense is left, and the flow rate in a duct can be regulated securely. An air/water feed switch portion disposed in an endoscope control section is configured so that a push button, first piston body, and second piston body are moved vertically by using a spring member in an upper and lower support cylinders. The second piston body is operated with an operation stroke which is longer than the stroke of the first piston body, and both of these piston bodies turn on/off an air feed switch and a water feed switch. Also, a suction switch using a pressure-sensitive sensor is used, and this suction switch is turned on/off by the piston body. At this time, in the suction switch, the operation pressure of the push button is detected, and suction of flow rate according to the operation pressure is effected.

Abstract: A passage structure of an endoscope which facilitates the passage washing operation by enabling all the passages to be washed with a washing brush passed through from the operating portion. A passage unit is removably attached to the operating portion, and the passages are exposed to a return portion provided at the rear end portion of the operating portion. The passage unit is provided with an auxiliary tube for, for example, flushing the lens surface, and an injection hole member having an injection hole and a replaceable check valve is removably connected thereto, thereby enabling washing of the tubes from the operating portion of the endoscope. A tight spring is fitted over a soft tube which is disposed in a straight line in the operating portion, and a tape is wound around the soft tube placed along a hard tube such as a suction tube.

Abstract: An endoscope having an insertion section to be inserted into a tubular cavity, an observation lens provided in a distal end of the insertion section, and a rounded distal portion protruding from the distal end of the insertion section in the insertion direction. The observation lens is positioned with its center displaced from the forewardmost tip of the rounded distal portion.

Abstract: A manual and automatic fluid control system and method for use in open and laparoscopic laser surgery and electrosurgery is disclosed. The system includes a manual mode along with several automatic modes which can effectuate both suction and irrigation, either individually or simultaneously. In the various automatic modes, the suction and/or irrigation is automatically activated during activation of a medical apparatus for laser surgery or electrosurgery without requiring separate activation from the surgeon or operating room staff. Several safety features for monitoring the fluid control system are also incorporated within the system such as fluid sensors for detecting the absence of irrigation fluid, pressure sensors and vacuum systems for monitoring fluid pressure, fluid sensors for monitoring fluid volume, and warning signals for detecting empty containers.

Abstract: An endoscope unit includes an endoscope having an insertion portion and a fluid supply instrument mounted on the insertion portion. The fluid supply instrument comprises a thin resilient tube. This resilient tube is intimately attached to an outer periphery of the insertion portion of the endoscope and radially expansible. A supply member is connected to a basal end of the resilient tube. When fluid from this supply member is supplied to the basal end of the resilient tube, the resilient tube is radially expanded and a fluid passage is formed between the resilient tube and the insertion portion of the endoscope. The fluid is discharged from a distal end of the resilient tube.

Abstract: A liquid feed device for feeding a liquid to an endoscopic or ultrasound insertion instrument or the like from a liquid feeder tank containing a supply of a feed liquid. A liquid feed pipe and an atmospheric pipe which are led into the feeder tank are provided with flexible pipe portions formed of a flexible material of greater specific gravity than the feed liquid in the tank and suspended flexibly within the feeder tank to hang down always in a vertical position by gravity and in such a way as to hold a liquid intake end of the liquid pipe in a deeper position than a pressure discharge opening of the atmospheric pipe relative to the liquid surface even when the feeder tank is turned from an upright position into a tilted position through a certain angle or vice versa.

Abstract: A pressure equalization device connects to a port on an endoscope and equalizes the pressure within the endoscope to an environment thereabout. An outlet check valve allows flow out of the port and blocks flow into the port. A filter may be provided for preventing known chemical agents from entering the port. If the agent is hydrogen peroxide, the filter preferably comprises a catalyst, such as copper wool, for decomposing the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. An inlet check valve may also be provided to communicate with the endoscope port and allow flow into the port in response to a downstream pressure gradient exceeding a predetermined value.

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 fiberscope comprises an elongated flexible tubular member having an axially extending channel, an operator unit 2 for performing an endoscopic observation or treatment through the channel, a mounting recess 21 formed in the operator unit, an adapter 8 which can be mounted in the mounting recess, and a spray module 7 having a spray nozzle 33 which can be connected to the adapter 8. As the spray module 7 is pressed to the adapter 8, the valve mechanism of the spray module 7 is opened so that a compressed gas is ejected from the tip of the tubular member through the bore 42 of the adapter 8 and the gas passageway 23 in the operator unit 2, and, thus, deposits on the open end of its internal channel are removed with jets of a gas.

Abstract: A portable cystoscope or endoscope provides a handle and an elongated tube that extends distally from the handle. A viewing port having an eye piece or camera is located on the handle, typically adjacent a proximal end. A viewing conduit is in optical communication with the viewing port and extends through the handle and tube, to the distal end of the tube. A light source, which can include a battery, is mounted entirely on and is carried by the handle. A light conduit extends from the light source through the tube so that it projects illuminating light from the distal end of the tube. A gas source is located on the handle, typically within a compartment in the handle, and in communication with a gas conduit that extends from the gas source to an outlet at the distal end of the tube. The gas source can comprise a CO.sub.2 cartridge and it enables insufflation of the area within the body to be viewed for enhanced viewing.

Abstract: A surgical laparoscopic apparatus comprises a protector tube (11) and a hgrip (12) mounted onto the rear end thereof. At least one rod-shaped instrument (13) is arranged in an axially removable way in an axial guide channel (14) provided in the protector tube (11) and the handgrip (12). A dual purpose flushing/suction channel (15) extends parallel thereto in the protector tube (11) and partially also in the handgrip (12) and passes through the handgrip (12) to external flush and suction connectors (16, 17). A twin-position three-way valve (19) is arranged in the handgrip adjacent to the guide channel (14) and, in the one position, connects the flushing/suction channel (15) to the flush and suction connectors (16, 17) and, in the other position, connects the guide channel (14) to the flush connector or suction connector (16, 17).

Abstract: A bending drive member to bend a bending member is arranged to extend in the direction of length of an elongate tube having flexibility, and attached to near the distal end of the tube with the distal end of the bending drive member being restricted in its position. The bending member drive member comprises a shape memory member formed by bundling together a plurality of wire-like shape memory materials each having a length, that spans from the position of one end to the other end, reversibly changed upon heating/cooling. The length of the shape memory member is changed dependent on a drive signal from a unit with a capability of heating. A non-compressive coil sheath through which the bending drive member extends is fixed at a distal end thereof to the elongate tube while the proximal end of the coil sheath is a free end with respect to the elongate tube.

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: An endoscope apparatus comprising an electrical connector which is electrically connected to an electrical device such as a CCD in an organism inserting device such as an endoscope which has an inserting section inserted into a organism. The electrical connector is connected to an electrical connector receptacle such as a control unit after the organism inserting device has been disinfected and sterilized by disinfection liquid. Processing is first performed in which the liquid remaining in the vicinity of an electrical contact of the electrical connector is removed by a liquid removing mechanism and, thereafter, electrical operation occurs. Thus, generation of a short-circuiting accident is prevented.

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: A coupling cartridge and end cap for protecting an endoscope from contamination during use. The coupling cartridge provides fluid communication between a pair of external fluid conduits and respective channels formed in an endoscope insertion tube, and between a biopsy channel port projecting from the cartridge and an additional insertion tube channel. In one embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by an external fluid control unit that is electrically controlled by respective switches mounted on the control handle of the endoscope. In another embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by a valve mechanism in the coupling cartridge that is controlled by either an actuator on the cartridge or an actuator on the control handle that is mechanically coupled to the valve mechanism. The coupling cartridge may be removed from endoscope after an endoscopic procedure for disposal or rigorous cleaning.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscope for use in the removal of tumours from hollow body organs such as the bladder. The endoscope consists of sheath (49) through which extends a telescope (46) and a suction diathermy tube (2, 31, 60) the non-operation end (3, 33) of which communicates with a suction device. Provision (51, 52) is made for an irrigation fluid to be passed through the endoscope. The diathermy tube (2, 31 60) may be a flexible plastics tube (2, 61) and the diathermy electrode tip (7, 8) may be formed from electrically conducting resistance wire connected (5, 39, 63) to a diathermy machine. The electrode tip is found adjacent an aperture (4, 9, 41) at the operative of the tube whereby tissue can be immediately removed by suction after severance by the electrode tip. The degree of suction applied to the tube (2, 31 61) being controlled by a finger hole (38a55, 66) located at or near the end (3, 33) of the tube (2, 31, 61).

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.