摘要 |
An endoscope assembly, and the surgical instrument associated with it, capable of providing superior visibility of an operative site while at the same time insuring the transmission of tactile information to the surgeon through the handle of the instrument. The endoscope assembly comprises an optical head equipped with a connector or connectors for externally and releasably attaching the head to a surgical instrument at the neck portion adjacent the operating end thereof, an eyepiece or other viewing unit remote from the head, and an elongated flexible cable extending between the two. In the embodiment disclosed, the cable contains a light-transmitting waveguide for illuminating the operative area and a fiberoptic bundle for transmitting a coherent image of the area so illuminated. The cable may also be provided with a passage for delivering irrigating fluid (liquid or gas) to the operative site. |