Patent ID: 6761684
Filing Date: 2004-07-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An endoscope tip protection system comprising:an optically transparent, hollow and disposable tubular sheath comprising an outer surface, an open proximal end, a closed, optically transparent distal end and a hollow internal bore extending therebetween, said bore adapted to receive a distal portion of an endoscope; an endoscope comprising a proximal, viewing end and a distal end, said distal end comprising an objective lens system and adapted to be received within said internal bore; attachment means for selectively and non-hermetically attaching and detaching said distal end of said endoscope within said internal bore of said tubular sheath, said tubular sheath outer surface having a cross-section which is substantially the same as the cross-section of the outer surface of said endoscope at a point proximal to said tubular sheath, said attachment means effected by cooperative action between said tubular sheath and said endoscope at a point intermediate said distal and proximal ends of said endoscope; and a fiberoptic illumination cannula having an internal bore, an open proximal end and an open distal end, said illumination cannula adapted to selectively receive therein said distal end of said endoscope and said tubular sheath.