APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING UROLOGICAL PROCEDURES

摘要

A flexible direct vision fiberoptical viewing or cable is provided for placement within a urinary catheter with its tip located at a distal end of the catheter such that the surfaces of the distal end of both the viewing cable and the catheter are aligned so as to fit together to form a composite smoothly curved surface to facilitate negotiating obstructions. The cable is maintained in this position such that the catheter with the surfaces that comprise the tip of the instrument are maintained in alignment. The urethra can be viewed therethrough during all or part of the insertion procedure for observing and identifying obstructions that may be present and thereafter the cable is withdrawn while allowing the catheter to remain in place within the urethra. The invention also includes a catheter that serves as a working sheath and an obturator. The invention facilitates endoscopic examination and can be used for performing surgical procedures through the sheath.