LAPAROSCOPE HAVING MEANS FOR REMOVING IMAGE IMPEDING MATERIAL FROM A DISTAL LENS

摘要

Disclosed herein an instrument comprising a rigid elongated sheath tube having a selected length and a distal end, the distal end including means for passing an image, the image passing means having an exterior surface located at the distal end; and means located within the rigid elongated sheath tube for defining at the distal end means for directing a fluid flow across the exterior surface of the image passing means to remove therefrom image impeding agents. A laparoscope for performing laparoscopic procedures is disclosed and taught by the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the laparoscope includes a rigid elongated sheath having a selected length and a distal section. The distal section includes means for defining a distal tip which includes a fluid tight transparent member capable of passing an optical image. The transparent member has an exterior surface located at the distal tip. The laparoscope further includes means located within the rigid elongated sheath tube for defining at the distal tip and nozzle for directing fluid flow, under pressure, across the exterior surface of the transparent member to remove therefrom, optical impeding agents.