Abstract: A surgical illumination probe includes an optical fiber with a proximal end and a distal end, a connector disposed at the proximal end of the optical fiber (the connector being adapted for connection to a source of illumination and for holding the proximal end of the optical fiber in position to accept light from the illumination source), and a handpiece disposed generally at the distal end of the optical fiber. The handpiece has a handpiece body and a needle extending distally from the handpiece body, with the optical fiber extending generally through the handpiece and extending slightly past the distal end of the needle. The handpiece is of a size suitable for one-handed operation by a human user, and the needle is of a size suitable for insertion into a human eye.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic subfascial discission of perforans veins (ESDP) consists of a surgical endoscope (1) and a tube (9). The surgical endoscope (1) contains an optical image recording and transmission system, a fiber-optic lighting system and a working channel (4). A lateral handle (14) forms in an obtuse angle with the surgical endoscope and has at least one reproduction and lighting system (8, 6) guided to coupling spots (5, 7) provided at the proximal end of tube instrument. The distal end of the tube (9) extends beyond the distal end of be surgical endoscope (1) and is designed as a thicker, atraumatic lip (10) that contains a suction channel (12) diametrically arranged to a front lens system (16) and connected through a space (11) between the shaft (2) and the tube (9) to a connection fitting (13) for a suction hose (15).

Abstract: A method for forming an arthroscope having an inclined angle of view includes providing an inner lens tube member, an outer tube member, and an annular shim member. The annular shim member is positioned about an outer peripheral portion of the inner lens tube member and includes an upper portion defining an outer positioning surface and side edges angularly offset relative to an optical axis. The inner lens tube member and annular shim member are positioned within the outer tube member while a plurality of optical fibers are positioned therebetween. The optical fibers are oriented about the outer positioning surface and side edges such that the optical fibers are angularly offset relative to the optical axis. Alternatively, a shim member may be provided that is arcuate and defines a cross-sectional dimension approximating a maximum inner dimension of the outer tube member, wherein the shim member engages the outer tube member to stabilize the inner lens tube member therein.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic sheath for protecting and/or changing an angle of view of an endoscope. The sheath has a distal portion configured to engage a distalmost portion of an endoscope imaging optics. The distal portion houses structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope. In a preferred embodiment, this structure includes a prism. The distal portion may additionally house structure for changing the angle of illumination of an illumination portion of an endoscope. This structure may be a prism or a curved light guide or at least one angled optical fiber. Both the structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope and the optical member for changing the angle of illumination of an endoscope may be positioned within the distal portion to align with the respective imaging or illumination elements of the endoscope.

Abstract: A disposable rigid arthroscope having an inclined angle of view includes a frame member, an outer tube member extending distally from the frame member, an inner lens tube member eccentrically disposed within the outer tube member, an optical system disposed within the inner lens tube member and having a mechanism for altering the field of view of the optical system with respect to the optical axis and an illumination system including a plurality of optical fibers. The optical fibers of the illumination system are oriented by a shim member to emit light in the general direction of the inclined field of view to sufficiently illuminate the surgical field. The shim member includes opposed side edges that are angularly oriented relative to the optical axis and a proximal end portion extending along an inner periphery of the outer tube member to define a major cross-sectional dimension approximating a maximum inner dimension of the outer tube member.