Patent ID: 8357148

Claim:
A multi-functional endoscopic system, comprising: an operator console; an imaging endoscope and a removable electrosurgical device usable with the imaging endoscope, wherein the removable electrosurgical device is insertable into and removable from a lumen extending through the imaging endoscope, wherein the imaging endoscope comprises: an endoscope proximal connector for coupling the imaging endoscope to the operator console, wherein the operator console includes an electrosurgical generator integrated therein for the removable electrosurgical device, a processor for controlling operation of the imaging endoscope, and a connection to at least one of a fluid source, a vacuum source, and an air source; and a handheld controller coupled to the operator console via the endoscope proximal connector, wherein the handheld controller is configured to control the operation of the imaging endoscope, the handheld controller having at least one of a button and a switch configured to control the removable electrosurgical device, an electrical connector configured to connect the removable electrosurgical device to the operator console, and a port configured to receive the removable electrosurgical device; and a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the endoscope proximal connector and the second end is connected to the handheld controller, wherein the endoscopic system is configured for a high-frequency electrosurgical current to flow from the electrosurgical generator to the endoscope proximal connector, along the shaft from the first end of the shaft to the second end of the shaft, through the handheld controller, to the electrical connector of the handheld controller, to the removable electrosurgical device, and through the port of the handheld controller, such that the removable electrosurgical device electrically connects to the electrosurgical generator through the handheld controller.