Patent ID: 7811228

Claim:
A disposable sheath for an endoscope having an endoscope housing and an endoscope shaft that extends from the endoscope housing, wherein the endoscope shaft has a viewing end and wherein the disposable sheath comprises: a disposable extendable sleeve sized to accommodate the endoscope shaft, the disposable extendable sleeve having a proximal sleeve section, a distal sleeve section and a collar portion, the proximal sleeve section and distal sleeve section comprising separate and individual sections joined in telescoping arrangement to provide the disposable extendable sleeve a variable length, wherein the collar portion is attached to the proximal sleeve section; a distal portion of the disposable extendable sleeve having an inwardly directed terminal flange that is configured to engage the viewing end of the endoscope shaft and prevent extending of the viewing end of the endoscope shaft distal a terminal end of the disposable extendable sleeve such that insertion of the endoscope shaft into the disposable extendable sleeve causes the distal sleeve section to telescope distally away from the proximal sleeve section and thereby adjusts the length of the disposable extendable sleeve as the disposable extendable sleeve receives the endoscope shaft, the distal portion of the disposable extendable sleeve further configured to direct irrigation fluid onto the viewing end of the endoscope to flush surgical debris from the viewing end of the endoscope; and a distal end of the collar portion having a recess that is adapted to receive a portion of the endoscope housing.