Rigid Arthroscope System
First Claim
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1. An arthroscope system comprising:
- an arthroscope comprising a plurality of external ribs extending radially from and running longitudinally along the outer surface of the arthroscope;
an external sheath having an inner surface and a central lumen;
wherein the external sheath has an internal diameter closely matching the external diameter of the arthroscope whereby the inner surface of the external sheath, in conjunction with the ribs, define a plurality of fluid channels longitudinally extending within the arthroscope system.
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Abstract
A reinforced arthroscope comprising external ribs to provide for a number of separate fluid channels, such as inflow, outflow and interstitial tissue drainage, when the arthroscope is slipped into a disposable external sheath. The arthroscope is constructed to be sufficiently rigid so as to penetrate and move within a joint without damaging the rod optics inside. The externality of the arthroscope channels allow for cleaning and sterilizing the scope between uses.
46 Citations
4 Claims
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1. An arthroscope system comprising:
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an arthroscope comprising a plurality of external ribs extending radially from and running longitudinally along the outer surface of the arthroscope; an external sheath having an inner surface and a central lumen; wherein the external sheath has an internal diameter closely matching the external diameter of the arthroscope whereby the inner surface of the external sheath, in conjunction with the ribs, define a plurality of fluid channels longitudinally extending within the arthroscope system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. An arthroscope for use with a sheath, said arthroscope comprising:
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a tube characterized by a wall, a distal section, a proximal section, an outer surface, an inner surface, an inner diameter and an outer diameter, said tube housing optical components of the arthroscope; a plurality of ribs extending outwardly from the outer surface of the arthroscope and running longitudinally along the arthroscope; wherein said ribs are circumferentially spaced about the arthroscope so as to define lumens between the outer surface of the arthroscope and inner surface of the sheath to be used with the arthroscope.
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Specification