Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An arthroscopic assembly in which a video camera is enclosed in a tubular sterile housing formed, for example, of stainless steel, and which may be autoclaved for multiple procedures. The assembly includes a arthroscope detachably plugged into a mounting bracket which, in turn, is plugged into a socket at the front end of the housing, so that the arthroscope may be changed during an operation to incorporate other arthroscopes of different lens angles without fear of contamination of the assembly. An arthroscopic light for the arthroscope is detachably plugged into the mounting bracket so that light therefrom passes through the mounting bracket to the arthroscope. The video camera enclosed in the housing is plugged into an electric socket at the rear end of the housing. The arthroscope itself does not include an eyepiece so it is shorter than the usual prior art arthroscopes, and it is optically coupled directly through the mounting bracket and through the socket at the front end of the camera housing to the video camera in the housing. A stand is provided which contains electric outlets for the arthroscope light and for the video camera. A sterile holder is provided on top of the stand on which the arthroscopic assembly may be placed when not in use. The stand may be positioned adjacent to the surgeon to make the arthroscopic assembly readily available to the surgeon so as to minimize the length of electric cords necessary for the arthroscopic light and for the camera.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim