Other

International Bioview, Inc.

Wendell V Ebling

J Charles Elmore

Carl A Swindle

Ronald B Beckman

Donald P Callan

Theodore Leonard Hendrickson

Craig Gordon Edwards

James Charles Elmore

An improved endoscopic system for visualizing subgingival dental procedures. The device comprises a dilator projection incorporated into or onto the body of a dental instrument utilized to remove plaque and calculus from subgingival tooth surfaces. The projection preferably comprises a thin, flat shield portion having an arcuate shank portion extending therefrom. In use, the shield portion of the dilator projection is operative to dilate or spread the gingiva away from the adjacent tooth surfaces upon which the dental instrument is utilized to remove plaque and calculus. Formed within the shank portion of the dilator projection is at least one lumen for receiving an endoscopic viewing apparatus, that receives and transmits an optical image from the interior of the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket to an image displaying device positioned outside the patient's body. Additional lumens may be formed within the shank portion of the dilator projection for the infusion of fluid or suction/aspiration.

Endoscopic method and device for subgingival dental procedures

A balloon-retention catheter for insertion into a chamber of a living being. The catheter includes a length of catheter tubing having an inflatable balloon immediately behind the distal end. Within the tubing is a fluid lumen, a balloon inflation lumen, and a third lumen to accommodate an endoscope whose distal end projects beyond the distal end of the catheter tubing. Accommodation of an endoscope permits required longevity of use of the catheter without its removal and reintroduction each time a visual inspection is indicated.

Catheter with viewing system and port connector

An endoscope has a fiber optic image bundle which is insertible into a separate sterile sleeve such that the fiber optic image bundle need not be sterilized prior to use. A window formed proximate the distal end of the sleeve facilitates viewing through the fiber optic image bundle. A contractile member urges the fiber optic image bundle into abutment with the window to facilitate proper optical alignment of the distal end of the fiber optic image bundle with the window.

Endoscope with sterile sleeve

An endoscope has a fiber optic image bundle which is insertible into a separate sterile sleeve such that the fiber optic image bundle need not be sterilized prior to use. A window formed proximate the distal end of the sleeve facilitates viewing through the fiber optic image bundle. A biasing means urges the fiber optic image bundle into abutment with the window to facilitate proper optical alignment thereof.

Growing community of inventors

Lake Forest, CA, United States of America

Wendell V Ebling