Importance

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Abstract

The disposable endoscope sheath includes a low-profile sleeve member that cooperates with the endoscope shaft to establish a relatively narrow irrigation space between the sleeve member and the endoscope shaft. The sleeve member is intentionally shorter than the endoscope shaft to accommodate a variety of different endoscope lengths that are longer than the sleeve. In various embodiments of the invention the sleeve member can be positioned to establish a predetermined distal gap between the terminal end of the sleeve member and the viewing end of the endoscope shaft, to establish a flush alignment between the respective ends, or to have the endoscope shaft project slightly beyond the terminal end of the sleeve member. Irrigation fluid can thus flow across the viewing end of the endoscope flushing away surgical debris from the viewing end. The sleeve member can be a rigid or flexible structure. The size of the irrigation space is sized to permit retention of irrigation solution in the irrigation space when irrigation fluid is no longer being directed into the irrigation space.

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First Claim