Circon Corporation

Richard A Auhll

Richard J O'Hare

Richard R Muller

A laparoscope for performing laparoscopic surgery is shown. The laparoscope includes a rigid elongated sheath tube having a selected length, a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section has a distal tip which includes a fluid tight transparent member, such as a distal lens, which is capable of passing an optical image. The transparent member has an exterior surface located at the distal tip. The laparoscope includes a fluid flow channel which terminates in a nozzle located at the distal tip for directing a fluid flow across the exterior surface of the transparent member to remove image impeding material therefrom such as per example organic material. The laparoscope further includes a first channel which terminates in an orifice which is capable of directing a flow of irrigation fluid along a selected path which, in the preferred embodiment, is a path substantially in alignment with the direction of view of the laparoscope. The laparoscope may optionally include at least one working channel which can be utilized for performing other procedures such as for passing accessories through the laparoscope, to an operating site within the cavity. A method for performing a laparoscopic procedure in a cavity is also shown. A system for performing a laparoscopic procedure in a cavity is also shown.

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Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America

Richard A Auhll