Importance

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Abstract

In accordance with this invention, an endoscope is provided which has an imaging tissue or stone removal basket for removal of unwanted tissue or stone from an operative site, such as a body passageway or cavity. The endoscope includes an elongated tube, having a distal end and a proximal end. An elongated basket having a circular distal end with a central opening therein and a proximal end which is attached to the periphery of the distal end of the tube is provided. The basket is formed as a plurality of spaced flexible members which normally bow outwardly between the distal end and the proximal end of the basket. An optic fiber bundle is slidably received within the tube and is of smaller diameter than the tube. Structure is provided for selectively adjusting the optic fiber bundle along the tube so that the distal end of the bundle is selectively located from a position within the circular distal end of the basket to a position at the distal end of the tube. Structure is also provided for introducing fluid under pressure through the tube from the proximal@end thereof to the distal end. The fluid flows around the optic fiber bundle to the distal end of the tube for improving visibility of the operative site. Also, the fluid under pressure can be used for dislodging unwanted tissue or stone.

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First Claim