Rigid arthroscope system
First Claim
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1. An arthroscope system comprising:
- an arthroscope;
a first sheath characterized by an outer surface, wherein the first sheath has an internal diameter closely matching an external diameter of the arthroscope, said first sheath further comprising a plurality of external ribs extending radially from and running longitudinally along the outer surface of the first sheath, said external ribs integrally formed on the outer surface of the first sheath;
a second sheath having an inner surface and a central lumen, said second sheath characterized by a central portion;
wherein the second sheath is separable from the first sheath and wherein the second sheath has an internal diameter closely matching the external diameter of the first sheath whereby the inner surface of the second sheath, in conjunction with the ribs, define a plurality of fluid channels longitudinally extending within the arthroscope system; and
apertures disposed on the central portion of the second sheath in fluid communication with the fluid channels.
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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.
38 Citations
3 Claims
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1. An arthroscope system comprising:
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an arthroscope; a first sheath characterized by an outer surface, wherein the first sheath has an internal diameter closely matching an external diameter of the arthroscope, said first sheath further comprising a plurality of external ribs extending radially from and running longitudinally along the outer surface of the first sheath, said external ribs integrally formed on the outer surface of the first sheath; a second sheath having an inner surface and a central lumen, said second sheath characterized by a central portion; wherein the second sheath is separable from the first sheath and wherein the second sheath has an internal diameter closely matching the external diameter of the first sheath whereby the inner surface of the second sheath, in conjunction with the ribs, define a plurality of fluid channels longitudinally extending within the arthroscope system; and apertures disposed on the central portion of the second sheath in fluid communication with the fluid channels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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Specification