Provided are an endoscope capable of preventing a cleaning liquid from remaining on a surface of an observation optical system with a simpler configuration, and a method for manufacturing the endoscope. In the endoscope that includes a convex observation optical system provided at a distal end of an insertion portion and in which a cleaning liquid is ejected from an air and water supply nozzle, a distal end surface surrounding the observation optical system and having an uneven shape is provided.

Systems and methods are configured for combined fluorescence imaging and white light imaging of tissue such as during surgical endoscopic procedures. A chip-on-tip type endoscope can be equipped with both white light and blue light LEDs. A single camera or dual cameras are configured with backside illuminated CMOS image sensor(s) to receive and process the white light and fluorescence images. The light sources, image sensors and image processing circuitry are configured to synchronously emit light and record pixels for visible white light and fluorescence frames alternately. Global or quasi-global shuttering can be used on the image sensor(s). A modified color filter array and other filters can be provided to enhance fluorescence imaging capabilities. Insufflating gas clears debris from the camera field of view and aids in moving he cannula distally through a body passageway.

A dental mirror cleaner that utilizes a spray of high pressure water and air at an angle across the reflective face of a dental mirror while in a patient's mouth to clean debris, blood and condensation from the mirror. It redirects the flow of the water and or air away from the centerline or linear axis of the mirror handle and sprays it offset from this centerline in a hemispherical pattern at an approximate 35 to 45 degree angle across the mirrored face.

A dental mirror cleaner that utilizes a spray of high pressure water and air at an angle across the reflective face of a dental mirror while in a patient’s mouth to clean debris, blood and condensation from the mirror. It redirects the flow of the water and or air away from the centerline or linear axis of the mirror handle and sprays it offset from this centerline in a hemispherical pattern at an approximate 35 to 45 degree angle across the mirrored face.

An optical device handle with an integral cleaning system includes a handle body with a mounting adapter and an actuator. The handle body has a longitudinally formed fluid conduit including an inlet and an outlet. An optical device is mounted to the handle. The actuator activates a flow of working fluid through the fluid conduit towards the optical device. The device clears debris, condensate, and other matter in situ from a dental mirror with a pressurized or free-flowing fluid to maintain the effectiveness of the reflective surface. The fluid is controlled by the user to clear the mirror without relying on a separate piece of equipment or a second operator. The invention is broadly applicable to dental, medical, and other applications.

A detachable endoscope includes: an operation part for operating the front end of an insertion part having a lighting photographing part to be bent and a detachable unit for detachably coupling the operation part and the insertion part, wherein the detachable unit includes: a first detachable module connected to first, second, third, and fourth operation wires arranged parallel to each other so that the respective one ends are connected to the front end inside the insertion part and provided on the rear end of the insertion part, a second detachable module connected to first, second, third, and fourth connection wires of a direction conversion part for converting a rotational motion into a linear motion in the operation part and provided on the front end of the operation part, and a bending control part for adjusting an angle at which the front end of the insertion part is bent and displaced vertically or horizontally.

The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

A method for cleaning the lens of a visualization device integrated into a ventilation tube positioned inside a patient, wherein the tube comprises a ventilation lumen and the lens is positioned proximal to the distal end of the ventilation lumen, the method comprising providing a suction catheter comprising a brush at its distal end; positioning the catheter inside the ventilation lumen such that the brush protrudes from the distal end of the ventilation lumen; and manipulating the catheter at its proximal end to cause the brush to make contact with the lens in order to clean the lens.

An endoscope sheath is provided comprising a sheath tube extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath tube is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope; a hub connected to the proximal end of the sheath tube; and a hub adapter engaging the hub and configured to engage the endoscope, wherein the sheath tube can rotate about the longitudinal axis without rotation of the hub adapter, and wherein the sheath tube is restricted from moving axially along the longitudinal axis relative to the hub adapter.