Patent ID: 7244228

Claim:
A sigmoidoscope comprising: a disposable speculum comprising: an elongate substantially rigid tube having an observation end and an insertion end and a side wall extending along the substantially rigid tube from the observation end to the insertion end and defining a lumen; coupling means adjacent the observation end adapted to allow a reusable a light source to be connected to the observation end and to project light through the speculum into the rectum and sigmoid colon of a patient; a fluid-tight observation window extending across the observation end and adapted in combination with the interior of the speculum to define a fluid-tight insufflation chamber to isolate the light source from the lumen; and manually operable insufflation means adapted to insufflate the rectum and sigmoid of the patient through the speculum with an insufflation medium susceptible to contamination from within the rectum and sigmoid colon, the insufflation medium being conveyed directly from the insufflation means to the insufflation chamber, through an inlet port, by a gas conveying insufflation tube without contacting the light source; wherein the insertion end is adapted for insertion into the rectum and sigmoid colon of the patient; and the inlet port is disposed between the light source and the insertion end.