WO2023012782A1

WO2023012782A1 - A multi camera endoscope side camera lens protector

Info

Publication number: WO2023012782A1
Application number: PCT/IL2022/050809
Authority: WO
Inventors: Golan Salman
Original assignee: 270 Surgical Ltd.
Priority date: 2021-08-03
Filing date: 2022-07-26
Publication date: 2023-02-09

Abstract

Provided herein are devices for protecting and/or preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope during passage thereof in a trocar. More particularly provided herein are devices that can associate with a shaft region of an endoscope and reversibly cover/engage the distal tip thereof, to thereby protect and/or prevent soiling of the side window elements of the distal tip of the endoscope during passage thereof in a trocar. Further provided are methods of using the same in endoscopic procedures involving trocar.

Description

A MULTI CAMERA ENDOSCOPE SIDE CAMERA LENS PROTECTOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to prevention of accumulation of soiling on side window elements (i.e., image/camera window and/or illumination window(s)) of a multi camera endoscope during medical procedures involving trocars.

BACKGROUND

An endoscope is a medical device used to image an anatomical site (e.g., an anatomical/body cavity, a hollow organ). Unlike some other medical imaging devices, the endoscope is inserted into the anatomical site (e.g., through small incisions made on the skin of the patient) via a Trocar. An endoscope can be employed not only to inspect an anatomical site and organs therein (and diagnose a medical condition in the anatomical site) but also as a visual aid in surgical procedures. Medical procedures involving endoscopy include laparoscopy, arthroscopy, cystoscopy, ureterostomy, hysterectomy and other.

During use of the endoscope, i.e., when the endoscope is inserted into a body cavity, soiling of the endoscope windows elements (of cameras and/or of illumination components) with various bodily fluids, tissues and debris may occur, thereby affecting image quality provided to a user. This may result in affecting the operation of the endoscope by the user and consequently hinder the quality and efficiency of the medical procedure. For example, the endoscope may be removed from the subject body, cleaned and re inserted to continue the medical procedure. This is of particular importance where the endoscope is inserted into the body, for example, via a Trocar, whereby side cameras are particularly exposed to soiling when passing through the trocar.

International application publication No. WO 2019/226855 discloses devices, systems and methods for cleaning of elongated instrument surface. US Patent Application No. US 2012/0178995 is directed to method and device for cleaning the field of view of an endoscopic lens.

There is thus a need in the art for devices and methods for the protection and the prevention of accumulation of soiling of window elements of a multi camera endoscope during a medical procedure, in particular of side windows of such endoscopes when passing via a trocar.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure, according to some embodiments thereof, relate to prevention of soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope during use thereof (i.e., insertion and/or removal thereof from a body of a subject). In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure relate to devices and methods for prevention of soiling of endoscope windows elements, in particular, side camera/image window and illumination component window(s) of an endoscope having a plurality of cameras and illumination components at the endoscope distal tip, in particular when inserted or passing through a trocar. The disclosed devices allow obtaining an improved image quality, by preventing or at least partially diminishing such soiling during medical procedures and in particular, during insertion/removal from a subject body via a trocar. The disclosed devices are advantageous as they are cost efficient, customizable, easy to use and does not require a source of energy. The disclosed devices provide means to allow displacing or otherwise preventing accumulation of soiling of various bodily fluids, tissues and or debris from the various side windows elements, while passing through a trocar, thereby facilitating clear field of view to the respective side cameras and clear path for the illumination component(s) and consequently clearer images and videos to be obtained during surgical operation. Furthermore, by utilizing the soiling prevention devices in surgical procedures, the periodic removal/insertion of the endoscope via the trocar allows clear endoscope window elements during the procedure, without the need to clean bodily fluids and other debris that may soil the side window elements of the endoscope distal tip. In some embodiments, the devices disclosed herein are disposable and may protect the side window while the endoscope is being in used, such when inserted via the trocar and/or while being removed (pulled) from the trocar. In some embodiments, the various devices disclosed herein may be or reusable and may advantageously be cleaned for example be sterilizable or autoclave sterilizable. In some embodiments, the devices may be flexible or at least partially rigid. In some embodiments, the devices may be transparent. In some embodiments, the devices may be made of a continuous material configured to at least partially cover and protect the side window elements of the endoscope tip during movement thereof in a trocar. In some embodiments, the device may be made of at least two portions, configured to attach together, as detailed herein, to thereby at least partially cover and protect the side window elements of the endoscope tip during movement thereof in a trocar. According to some embodiments, the protections and/or prevention are passive.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for protecting and/or at least partially prevent soiling of one or more side camera window and/or side illumination component windows of an endoscope, during passing in a lumen (cannula) of a trocar, the device comprising a flexible sleeve having a first proximal end configured to be attached to the distal end of the shaft of the endoscope, and a distal end configured to slide over the shaft towards the distal tip of the endoscope to at least partially cover and protect the side window elements at the distal tip of the endoscope, wherein the sliding of the distal end of the device is facilitated as the endoscope distal tip is being passed through the lumen of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for protecting and/or at least partially preventing soiling of one or more side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope, during passing in a trocar, the device includes: a flexible sleeve having a first proximal end configured to be attached to the distal end of the shaft of the endoscope, and a second, distal end configured to slide over the shaft towards the distal tip of the endoscope to at least partially cover and protect the one or more side window elements at the distal tip of the endoscope, wherein the sliding of the distal end of the device is facilitated as the endoscope distal tip is being passed through a lumen and/or seal of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for protecting and/or at least partially preventing soiling of an endoscope window elements positioned on one or more sides of a distal tip of the endoscope, during passing in a trocar, the device comprising: a flexible sleeve having a first proximal end configured to be attached to the distal end of the shaft of the endoscope, and a second, distal end configured to slide over the shaft towards the distal tip of the endoscope to at least partially cover and protect the one or more side window elements at the distal tip of the endoscope, wherein the sliding of the distal end of the device is facilitated as the endoscope distal tip is being passed through a lumen and/or seal of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, the one or more side window elements include: a first side camera window positioned over a lens assembly of a first side camera, and one or more first side illumination component windows positioned over a first side one or more illumination components.

According to some embodiments, the one or more side window elements include: a second side camera window positioned over a lens assembly of a second side camera, and one or more second side illumination component windows positioned over a second side one or more illumination components.

According to some embodiments, the device may be disposable. According to some embodiments, the device may be foldable or contractable. According to some embodiments, the device may be in the form of a foldable sleeve.

According to some embodiments, the first proximal end may be saleably attached to the shaft of the endoscope prior to insertion thereof via the trocar.

According to some embodiments, the second end of the device may be configured to fold towards the first proximal end when the distal tip is being retracted from the trocar.

According to some embodiments, the device may be at least partially transparent.

According to some embodiments, the device may be at least partially water impermeable.

According to some embodiments, the device may include nylon, thermoplastic polymer, polyurethane, polyamide, plastic, rubber, latex, or any combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments, the first proximal end may be sealable attached to the endoscope shaft by one or more attachment means, selected from: glue, Velcro, pins, or any combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments, the device may be sterile or sterilizable. According to some embodiments, the device may be configured to protect and/or at least partially prevent the soiling of the one or more side window elements with: fluids, bodily fluids and/or debris present in the of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, the one or more illumination components is or includes a discrete light source.

According to some embodiments, the endoscope tip further includes a front facing camera and one or more front one or more illumination components.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for protecting or at least partially preventing soiling of one or more side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope, when inserted or removed from a trocar, the method includes: attaching the first proximal end of the device as disclosed herein to a proximal region of the shaft of the endoscope; and inserting the distal tip of the endoscope to a lumen of the trocar, wherein the insertion facilitates the unfolding or sliding of the device over at least the one or more side window elements of the endoscope, to thereby protect or prevent soiling of one or more side window elements.

According to some embodiments of the method, attaching the first proximal end of the device to the shaft is performed prior to insertion of the shaft and distal tip thereof into the lumen and/or seal of the trocar.

According to some embodiments of the method, attaching the device to the shaft includes gluing, adhering, fixing, mounting and/or securing the device over the shaft, such that the first proximal end does not essentially separate or detach from the shaft as the shaft is moved within the lumen of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for protecting and/or at least partially preventing soiling of an one or more side window elements positioned on one or more sides of a distal tip of an endoscope, during passing thereof in a trocar, the device includes an elongated conduit body configured to accommodate a shaft of the endoscope therewithin; a first, distal end opening and a second, proximal end opening; wherein the external diameter of the device at the distal end is smaller than the external diameter of the device at the proximal end; and wherein when the device is placed on the shaft of the endoscope and inserted into the trocar, the device is configured to slide over the distal tip of the endoscope to thereby protect the endoscope side window elements while the tip is passing within a lumen of the trocar, and wherein the device does not protrude out of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for protecting and/or at least partially preventing soiling of an endoscope window elements positioned on one or more sides of a distal tip of an endoscope, during passing thereof in a trocar, the device includes: an elongated conduit body configured to accommodate a shaft of the endoscope therewithin; a first, distal end opening and a second, proximal end opening; wherein the external diameter of the device at the distal end is smaller than the external diameter of the device at the proximal end; and wherein when the device is placed on the shaft of the endoscope and inserted into the trocar, the device is configured to slide over the distal tip of the endoscope to thereby protect the endoscope side window elements while the tip is passing within a lumen of the trocar, and wherein the device does not protrude out of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, device body is made of at least two portions, configured to form the elongated conduit body.

According to some embodiments, the device body includes one or more securing means for attaching the two body portions to form a continuous body.

According to some embodiments, the device shape is selected from: tubular, cylindrical, conical or tapered.

According to some embodiments, device may be disposable. According to some embodiments, the device may be at least partially rigid. According to some embodiments, the device may be sterile or sterilizable. According to some embodiments, the device may be at least partially made of plastic, rubber, metal, glass, or any combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the device is configured to protect and/or at least partially prevent the soiling of the one or more side window elements with: fluids, bodily fluids and/or debris present in the lumen of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, the window elements include: a first side camera window positioned over a lens assembly of a first side camera, and one or more first side illumination component windows positioned over a first side one or more illumination components. In some embodiments, the window elements include: a second side camera window positioned over a lens assembly of a second side camera, and one or more second side illumination component windows positioned over a second side one or more illumination components.

According to some embodiments, there is provided method for protecting or preventing soiling of one or more side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope, when inserted or removed from a trocar, the method includes: placing the device disclosed herein on the shaft of the endoscope, such that the side window elements of the tip of the endoscope are at least partially covered or protected by the device; passing the distal tip of the endoscope covered by the device, in a lumen of the trocar, such that when passing within the trocar lumen, the device is configured to protect or prevent soiling of one or more side window elements of the distal tip and wherein when the distal tip protrudes out of a distal end of the trocar, the device does not protrude from said distal end of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, placing the device on the shaft is performed prior to insertion of the shaft and distal tip thereof into the lumen of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, placing the device on the shaft comprises attaching at least two body portions of the device around the shaft.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

Aspects of the disclosure may be described in the general context of computerexecutable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Disclosed embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Some embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative description and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.

In the figures:

Fig. 1 - schematically depict a rigid endoscope, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 2 - schematically depicts a medical imaging system including an endoscope having a plurality of cameras which is a specific embodiment of the endoscope of Fig. 1, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 3 - shows a perspective view of a front and side camera windows and illumination component windows disposed at a distal tip of an endoscope, according to Fig. 1; Figs. 4A-4D show views of distal tip region o endoscope and a device for preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of the endoscope, according to Fig. 3;

Figs. 5A-5B show perspective views of a device for protection and/or preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of the endoscope, according to some embodiments;

Figs. 6A-6B show perspective views of a device for protecting and/or preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of the endoscope interacting with an endoscope shaft, according to the rigid endoscope of Fig. 1 and the device shown in Figs. 5A-5B;

Figs. 7A-7C show perspective views of a device for preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope in different positions along the shaft of the endoscope, according to the rigid endoscope of Fig. 1 and the device shown in Figs. 5A- 5B;

Figs. 8A-8B show perspective views of a device for protection and/or preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of the endoscope, according to some embodiments; and

Figs. 9A-9C show perspective views of a device for protecting and/or preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of the endoscope interacting with an endoscope shaft and/or distal tip, according to the rigid endoscope of Fig. 1 and embodiments of the device shown in Figs. 8A-8B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The principles, uses, and implementations of the teachings herein may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and figures. Upon perusal of the description and figures present herein, one skilled in the art will be able to implement the teachings herein without undue effort or experimentation. In the figures, same reference numerals refer to same parts throughout.

According to some embodiments, there are provided herein advantageous devices for protecting, preventing or at least partially diminishing soiling of side camera window and/or illumination unit windows (collectively referred to as window elements), positioned on the side of a distal tip of an endoscope, typically caused by bodily fluids and/or debris, when the device is passing (inserted/removed) thought a trocar cannula. The advantageous devices allow an efficient soiling preventing by physically protecting the side window elements (i.e., camera windows and/or illumination unit windows) from the soiling fluids and/or debris, while passing through the trocar.

As used herein, the term "soiling" relates to smearing, blurring, blotting or otherwise fouling a surface (such as a window element) with fluids, bodily fluids, bodily debris and/or bodily tissues.

As used herein, the terms "bodily fluids", "bodily debris", "bodily tissues", relate to various bodily components (such as, blood, interstitial fluid, cells, various tissues, such as fat tissue, and the like), which are found in an internal body region or in a trocar lumen (cannula) in which the endoscope is passed, and which may cause soiling of the distal tip of the endoscope (in particular of side camera window(s) and/or side illumination component(s) window(s)).

As used herein, the term “window element” collectively refers to a camera window (for example, a side facing camera) and the respective illumination component window(s).

As used herein, the term "trocar" relates to a device as known in the art, which is configured to be placed through a body tissue (for example, thought the abdomen during laparoscopic surgery) and function as portal for placement or insertion of other medical instruments, such as, an endoscope and may also be used for passing of fluids (such as gas or liquids). A trocar structure generally includes an awl (tip), a cannula (lumen, hollow tube), and a housing with a seal (diaphragm).

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which schematically depict a rigid endoscope 100, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 1, endoscope 100 includes an elongated shaft 102, configured to be inserted into an anatomical site (e.g. an anatomical cavity), and a handle 104, configured to be held by a user (e.g. a surgeon or a robotic arm) of endoscope 100 and to facilitate guiding and manipulation of an elongated shaft 102 (particularly a distal section thereof) within the anatomical site. Shaft 102 includes a shaft body 106, e.g., a rigid tubular member. Shaft 102 includes a shaft distal section 112, a shaft central section 114, and a shaft proximal section 116 (i.e., a distal section, a central section, and a proximal section, respectively, of shaft 102). Shaft distal section 112 includes at least two cameras 120 (e.g., a front camera, and at least one side camera, as seen, for example, in Fig. 3) and illumination components 122, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). According to some embodiments, each of the illumination components includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

According to some embodiments, each of illumination components 122 is or includes a discrete light source. According to some embodiments, wherein illumination components 122 include LEDs, the LEDs may include, for example, one or more white light LEDs, infrared LEDs, near infrared LEDs, an ultraviolet LED, and/or a combination thereof. It is noted that in embodiments wherein illumination components include LEDs configured to produce light outside the visible spectrum (e.g., an infrared spectrum, a UV spectrum), cameras 120 may include suitable sensors configured to detect such type of light (e.g., infrared light, ultraviolet). That is, cameras 120 will have capacities of e.g., infrared cameras and so on. According to some embodiments, the illumination components may include the distal tips of respective optical fibers (not shown).

Handle 104 includes a handle distal section 132 and a handle proximal section 134 (i.e., a distal section and a proximal section of handle 104, respectively). Handle distal section 132 may include a coupling interface (not shown) configured to be mechanically coupled and electronically coupled to shaft 102. A utility cable 142 connected to or configured to be connected to handle proximal section 134, and further configured to be connected to main control unit 210 via, for example, a plug 144 or a port (shown in Fig. 2). The handle 104 may include a user control interface 138, typically included within handle distal section 132, configured to allow a user to control endoscope 100 functions. User control interface 138 may be functionally associated with cameras 120 and illumination components 122 via an electronic coupling between shaft 102 and handle 104. According to some embodiments, user control interface 138 may allow, for example, to control zoom, focus, multifocal views, record/stop recording, freeze frame functions, etc., of cameras 120 and/or to adjust the light intensity provided by illumination components 122. Each of cameras 120 may include a sensor, such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and a camera lens (e.g., an extreme wide-angle lens) or a lens assembly. Cameras 120 may be configured to provide a continuous/panoramic/surround field-of-view (FOV), as elaborated on below.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which schematically depicts a medical imaging system 200, according to some embodiments. Medical imaging system 200 includes an endoscope 100 having a plurality of cameras which is a specific embodiment of the endoscope of Fig. 1, a main control unit 210, and a monitor 220.

As shown in Fig. 2, Endoscope 100 and monitor 220 may each be functionally associated with main control unit 210. Main control unit 210 includes processing circuitry (e.g., one or more processors and memory components) configured to process data from at least two cameras 120 (not shown in Fig. 2 but depicted in Fig. 1 at a shaft distal section 112), such as to display the captured images, and video streams on monitor 220. In particular, the processing circuitry may be configured to process the data received from each of the at least two cameras 120, such as to produce therefrom video files/streams providing a panoramic/surround view and/or a three-dimensional (3D) view of the anatomical site. According to some embodiments, the processing circuitry may be configured to process the data received from cameras 120 to produce a combined video stream providing a continuous and consistent (seamless) panoramic view of the anatomical site.

Main control unit 210 may include a user interface 212 (e.g. buttons and/or knobs, a touch panel, a touch screen) configured to allow a user to operate main control unit 210 and/or may allow control thereof using one or more input devices 214, e.g. an external user control interface connectable thereto such as a keyboard, a mouse, a portable computer, and/or even a mobile computational device e.g. a smartphone or a tablet. According to some embodiments, input devices 214 may include a voice controller. According to some embodiments, main control unit 210 may further be configured to partially or even fully operate at least two cameras 120 and illumination components 122 (shown in Fig. 1 at a shaft distal section 112). Some operational aspects may be operated automatically, for example, according to some embodiments, the supply of power to endoscope 100 components, such as at least two cameras 120 and illumination components 122, while other operational aspects or functions may be operated using user interface 212 and/or input devices 214. According to some embodiments, main control unit 210 may include a display 216 (for example, the touch screen and/or another screen) for presenting information regarding the operation of endoscope 100, such as the brightness levels of at least two cameras 120, zoom options, focus, and the like. According to some embodiments, wherein display 216 is a touch screen, display 216 may further allow controlling for example, the zoom, focus, multifocal imaging, selecting images from specific lens assemblies, compiling images from various lens assemblies, creating a multifocal image, record/stop recording functions, freeze frame function, and/or the brightness of at least two cameras 120, and/or to adjust the light intensity of illumination components 122. According to some embodiments, the choice of information presented may be controlled using user interface 212, user control interface 138, and/or input devices 214.

According to some embodiments, endoscope 100 is functionally associated with main control unit 210 via a utility cable 142 (shown in Fig. 1), connected to or configured to be connected to handle proximal section 134, and further configured to be connected to main control unit 210 (via, for example, a plug 144 or a port). Utility cable 142 may include at least one data cable for receiving video signals from at least two cameras 120, and at least one power cable for providing electrical power to at least two cameras 120 and to illumination components 122, as well as to operationally control parameters of at least two cameras 120 and illumination components 122, such as the light intensity. Additionally or alternatively, according to some embodiments, endoscope 100 may include a wireless communication unit (e.g., a Bluetooth antenna or Wi-Fi) configured to communicatively associate endoscope 100 with main control unit 210. According to some embodiments, endoscope 100 is configured to be powered by a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery included therein, i.e., inside handle 104. According to some embodiments, wherein illumination components 122 include distal tips of optical fibers and wherein the light source(s) is positioned in main control unit 210, cable 142 will also include one or more optical fibers configured to guide the light produced by the light source(s) to an optical fiber(s) in handle 104, wherefrom the light will be guided to optical fibers in shaft 102. Monitor 220 is configured to display images and, in particular, to display stream videos captured by at least two cameras 120, and may be connected to main control unit 210 by a cable (e.g., a video cable) or wirelessly. According to some embodiments, monitor 220 may be configured to display thereon information regarding the operation of endoscope 100, as specified above. According to some embodiments, monitor 220, or a part thereof, may function as a touch screen. According to some such embodiments, the touch screen may be used to operate main control unit 210. According to some embodiments, images/videos from different cameras (from at least two cameras 120) may be displayed separately (e.g. side-by-side, picture on picture, in an equal aspect ratio, in an un-equal aspect ratio, in multiple copies of one or more of the video streams, and the like) on monitor 220, and/or may be presented as a single panoramic/surround, optionally multi-focal or 3D image/video. According to some embodiments, user interface 212 and/or input devices 214 and/or user control interface 138 are configured to allow switching between images/videos corresponding to different field of views (of different cameras). For example, according to some embodiments, wherein at least two cameras 120 include a front camera 120a, a first side camera 120b, and a second side cameras 120c: switching between footage(s) captured by front camera 120a to footage(s) captured by first side camera 120b, switching between footage(s) captured by front camera 120a to footage(s) captured by second side cameras 120c, or switching between panoramic/surround video(s) generated from the footage(s) of all of cameras 120a, 120b, and 120c to footage captured by one of cameras 120a, 120b, or 120c. Cameras 120a and 120b, are depicted together in Fig. 3. According to some embodiments, main control unit 210 may be associated with a plurality of monitors, such as monitor 220, thereby allowing displaying different videos and images on each. For example, main control unit 210 may be associated with four monitors, such as to allow displaying videos from each of cameras 120a, 120b, 120c on three of the monitors, respectively, and a panoramic video (corresponding to the combination of the three videos) on the fourth monitor, which may be wider than the other three.

The field-of-view (FOV) provided by endoscope 100 is the combination of the respective FOVs provided by each of the at least two cameras 120. At least two cameras 120 may be configured to provide a continuous and consistent FOV, or at least a continuous and consistent horizontal FOV (HFOV). According to some embodiments, each of the at least two cameras 120 is associated with a respective illumination component from illumination components 122, which is configured to illuminate the FOV of each of the at least two cameras 120. Thus, according to some embodiments, a front camera may be associated with a respective front illumination component, a first side-camera may be associated with a respective first sideillumination component, and a second side-camera may be associated with a respective second side-illumination component.

According to some embodiments, cameras 120 may include only two cameras, both of which are side cameras with fisheye lenses. According to some embodiments, cameras 120 include only two cameras: a front camera and a side camera.

According to some embodiments, the illumination components may include one or more illumination components. In some embodiments, the illumination components may include at least one illumination component(s). According to some embodiments, the illumination components may include two or more illumination components. In some embodiments, the illumination components may include at least two illumination components. According to some embodiments, the illumination components may include three or more illumination components. In some embodiments, each camera is associated with corresponding one or more illumination components. In some embodiments, each camera is associated with corresponding at least one illumination component(s).

According to some embodiments, endoscope 100 may be (i) directly maneuvered by a user through the manipulation of handle 104, as well as (ii) indirectly maneuvered, via robotics, e.g., using a robotic arm or other suitable gripping means configured to allow manipulation of handle 104.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which depicts a perspective close up view of a front and side cameras at a tip of a shaft distal section of an endoscope, according to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, a distal tip 370 of a shaft distal section 112 of a shaft 102 (shown in Fig. 1) of an endoscope 100, includes a front camera window 308, which faces a front view 310 of distal tip 370, and a side camera window 318 which faces a side view 320 of distal tip 370. A front camera may be positioned behind (i.e., proximally to) front camera window 308 (and is, thus, hidden from view in Fig. 3). Adjacent to front camera window 308 located front illumination components windows configured to provide light/illumination to the front camera (not shown) field of view (not shown). The front illumination components windows are shown as illumination windows 312A, 312B and 312C. The illumination source/module of a front illumination unit (component) may be positioned behind the front illumination components windows 312A, 312B and 312C, respectively (and are, thus, not visible in Fig. 3). According to some embodiments, front camera window 308 and front illumination components windows 312 may be referred to collectively as front window elements.

As further shown in Fig. 3, a side camera element (not shown) may be positioned behind (i.e., proximally to) side camera window 318 (and is, thus, hidden from view in Fig. 3). Adjacent to side camera window 318 are side illumination components windows 322A and 322B, configured to provide light to the side camera field of view (not shown). The illumination sources/modules of the side illumination unit/component may be positioned behind the side illumination components windows 322A and 322B, respectively (and are, thus, not visible in Fig. 3). According to some embodiments, side camera window 318 and side illumination components windows 322 may be referred to collectively as side window elements. According to some embodiments, side camera window 318 may be positioned about 85-90 degrees to a longitudinal axis of shaft 102 of endoscope 100.

According to some embodiments, distal tip 370 of shaft distal section 112 of shaft 102 (shown in Fig. 1) of endoscope 100, includes front camera window 308, side camera window 318, and a second camera window (not shown in Fig. 3 yet, shown in Figs. 4A- 4D as second side camera window 338) which faces a second side view 330 of distal tip 370. A second side camera element may be positioned behind (i.e., proximally to) second side camera window (not shown). Adjacent to second side camera window are second side illumination components windows (not shown in Fig. 3 yet, shown in Figs. 4A-4D as second side illumination components windows 332A and 332B), configured to provide light to second side camera field of view (not shown). Illumination sources/modules of second side illumination unit/component may be positioned behind the second side illumination components windows. According to some embodiments, second side camera window and second side illumination components windows may be referred to collectively as second side window elements. Front camera (not shown) is positioned within shaft distal section 112 on a front surface 346 of distal tip 370, with front camera window 308 of front camera (not shown) being exposed on front surface 346. First side camera (not shown) is positioned within distal tip 370 on a first side-surface 348 thereof, with side camera window 318 of side camera (not shown) being exposed on first side surface 348. A second side camera (not shown) is positioned within shaft distal section 112 on a second side surface (not shown) thereof, with second camera window (not shown) of second side camera (not shown) being exposed on second side surface (not shown). First side surface 348 is opposite to second side surface (not shown). According to some embodiments, side camera window 318 and second side camera window (not shown) are not positioned back-to-back. According to some embodiments, the distance between the center-point of first sidecamera window 318 (i.e. the center of a lens of first side-camera) and front surface 346 is between about 5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters and the distance between the center-point of first side-camera window 318 and the center-point of second side-camera window may be up to about 10 millimeters. According to some embodiments, second side camera window may be positioned about 85-90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of shaft 102 of endoscope 100.

According to some embodiments, each of the illumination modules may include a plurality of LEDs, for example, two, three, or four LEDs which may be arranged in an array. According to some embodiments, the LEDs may emit light at the same wavelength. According to some alternative embodiments, different LEDs may emit light at different wavelengths, respectively.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4A-D which show views of a shaft distal section 112 of a shaft 102 of an endoscope and a device for preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip 370 of the endoscope, such as endoscope 100 of Fig. 3. Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of part of endoscope 100, showing shaft distal section 112 of shaft 102 of endoscope 100 and distal tip 370, wherein distal tip 370 includes a front camera window 308 having a front FOV 310 and respective front illumination window elements 312A-C, a second side camera window element 338 having a second side FOV 330 and the respective side illumination window elements 332A-B. Second side camera window 338 and second side illumination components windows 332A-B may be referred to collectively as second side window elements. According to some embodiment, distal tip 370 may further include side window elements (not shown in Figs. 4A-4D yet shown in Fig. 3, as side camera 318 and side illumination components windows 322A-322B) which faces a side FOV 320 of distal tip 370.

Further shown in Fig. 4 A is device 400, shown in open configuration, prior to being placed/attached to endoscope 100. As shown in Fig. 4A, device 400 is in the form of a flexible sleeve, which is capable of/configured to folding/extracting/expending/collapsing, as detailed herein. Device 400 includes a first surface/portion/element 412 having a proximal end opening 402 and a second surface/portion/element 414 having a distal end opening 404. The proximal end opening 402 of first portion 412 is configured to be secured/attached to the shaft 102 of the endoscope 100, typically to a shaft distal section 112 and the second portion 414 of the device 400 is configured to be capable of covering and protecting the distal tip 370 of the endoscope 100, and in particular, the side window elements thereof. Accordingly, the device thereby allows protecting the side window elements from body fluids and debris that may be caused by inserting/removing endoscope 100 to and from a subject body (not shown) via a trocar (not shown) during an endoscopy procedure (i.e. the device can prevent accumulation of soiling, body fluids and debris on side window elements), while advantageously allowing the user of the endoscope a clear view, as further detailed below. Distal end opening 402 of device 400 is further configured to slide/roll/unfold/collapse/open over distal tip 370 in a proximal direction, as distal tip 370 passes via the trocar (not shown). In particular, as distal tip 370 passes through the trocar, distal tip 370 is covered/protected by device 400, and as the distal tip 370 protrudes from a seal component (diaphragm) of the trocar, the device can fold/slide, to uncover the side window elements of distal tip 370, such that the side window elements are no further covered as they reside within the subject body region. In some embodiments, the first surface 412 and second surface 414 of device 400 remains associated with the shaft 102 throughout the procedure. Likewise, when the distal tip 370 is retracted from the trocar (i.e., in a proximal direction), second surface 414 of device 400 is configured to slide over/unfold over the distal tip 370, such that when distal tip 370 is within the trocar (i.e., in a lumen/shaft of the trocar), side windows elements are protected/covered by second surface 414 of the device 400. Reference is now made to Fig. 4B, which shows a perspective view of a shaft distal section 112 of an endoscope 100 with a device 400 covering a distal tip 370 of shaft distal section 112 thereof. As shown in Fig. 4B, device 400 is shown in open/unfolded configuration whereby a second portion/surface/element 414 of device 400 thereof is covering/protecting the distal tip 370 of endoscope 100. A proximal end 402 of device 400 is sealably attached (for example, by mounting, gluing, adhering, securing, fastening (by any suitable means)) to the shaft distal section 112 of the endoscope 100. Positioning and attachment of the device 400 to the endoscope 100 may be performed prior to a medical procedure, i.e., prior to passing of the distal tip 370 of endoscope 100 via a trocar.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4C, which shows a perspective view of a shaft distal section 112 of an endoscope 100 with a device 400 in partially uncovered (partially folded) state (configuration). As shown in Fig. 4C, device 400 is shown in partially closed/folded configuration whereby a second surf ace/portion/element 414 of device 400 having a distal end 404 thereof is partially folded in a proximal direction, and wherein a distal tip 370 of endoscope 100 is only partially covered. As shown in Fig. 4C, a first surf ace/portion/element 412 of device 400 remains attached to the shaft distal section 112 of the endoscope 100. The folding/collapsing/retracting/sliding of second surface 414 is facilitated by the exiting of the endoscope distal tip 370 from a trocar (not shown). As distal tip 370 emerges from a seal component (diaphragm) of the trocar, the device 400 unfolds, and remains wrapped/rolled up/folded or otherwise collected or gathered on shaft distal section 112. Thereby, endoscope 100 side windows elements are not covered with second surface 414 of device 400 when outside of the trocar and within the body region (for example, body cavity).

Reference is made to Fig. 4D, which shows a perspective view of a shaft distal section 112 of endoscope 100 with a device 400 in uncovered (i.e., wrapped/rolled up/folded or otherwise collected or gathered) state (configuration). As shown in Fig. 4D, device 400 is shown in closed/folded configuration whereby a second portion 414 of device 400 is folded in a proximal direction, and wherein a distal tip 370 of endoscope 100 is not covered at all by the device 400. As shown in Fig. 4D, a first surface 412 of device 400 remains attached to the shaft distal section 112 of the endoscope 100. The folding/collapsing/retracting of the device 400 is facilitated by the exiting of distal tip 370 from a trocar. As distal tip 370 completely passes out of a seal component (diaphragm) of the trocar (i.e., emerges out of the trocar further into a body cavity), the device 400 completely unfolds, and remains attached to the shaft distal section 112 via the proximal end opening 404 of the device 400. Thereby, endoscope 100 side windows elements are not covered when outside of the trocar and within the body region (for example, body cavity).

According to some embodiments, device 400 may be said to be folded/collapsed/uncovered/ wrapped when the field of view of each of the side cameras is not interrupted.

According to some embodiments, when the distal tip is pulled back into the trocar (i.e., retracted in a proximal direction), the device is configured to slide, unfold and cover the distal tip (in particular, the side window elements), such that when the distal tip resides within the trocar lumen, the distal tip is covered and protected from spoiling by debris and/or other soiling materials found in the trocar mainly in seal component (diaphragm) of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, the change of configuration/conformation of the device (i.e., from folded, as shown in Fig. 4B, to unfolded state, as shown in Figs 4C- 4D), may be repeated any number of times, in coordination with the passing of the distal tip of the endoscope within the trocar (i.e., distal or proximal movement/retraction of the tip/shaft of the endoscope). In some embodiments, the change of configuration of the device is passive and is dictated by the movement of the distal tip/shaft of the endoscope within the trocar. In some embodiments, the seal of the trocar (i.e., the diaphragm at the proximal end of the lumen of the trocar) may facilitate the configuration/conformational changes of the device.

According to some embodiments, the device may be made of any suitable material, including, for example, but not limited to: a polymeric material, such as thermoplastic, including nylon, polyurethane, polyamide, and/or the like, plastic, rubber, latex, and the like. In some embodiments, the material is water impermeable.

According to some embodiments, there is thus provided a device for protecting and/or at least partially preventing soiling of endoscope window elements positioned on one or more sides of the distal tip of the endoscope, during passing in a trocar, the device includes a flexible sleeve having a first proximal end having a proximal end opening and configured to be attached to the shaft distal section of the endoscope, and a second portion having a distal end configured to slide over the shaft distal section towards the distal tip of the endoscope to at least partially cover and protect the side window elements at the distal tip of the endoscope, wherein the sliding of the second portion of the device is facilitated as the endoscope distal tip is being passed through the seal (diaphragm) of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for protecting or at least partially preventing soiling of one or more side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope, when inserted or removed from a trocar, the method includes attaching a proximal end opening of a device as disclosed herein, to a shaft distal section of the endoscope; and inserting the distal tip of the endoscope to a housing with a seal of the trocar, wherein the insertion facilitates an unfolding or sliding of the device over at least the one or more side window elements of the endoscope, to thereby protect or at least partially prevent soiling of one or more side window elements.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5A-5B, which show perspective views of a device for protection and/or preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 5A, a device 500 has an elongated body 507, walls thereof having an outer diameter and an inner diameter define a lumen (conduit/tube) 510 extending from a proximal end 502 to a distal end 504. The lumen (conduit/tube) 510 is configured to allow passage of a shaft and/or a distal tip of an endoscope, such as, for example shaft distal section 112 and distal tip 370 of endoscope 100 as shown in Fig. 3, as further detailed herein.

In some embodiments, the lumen diameter is essentially similar along its length. In some embodiments, the diameter of the lumen 510 is larger at the proximal end 502 relative to the distal end 504. As shown in Fig. 5A, device 500 may further be tapered or conical, such that outer diameter and inner diameter at its proximal end 502 are larger than the outer diameter and inner diameter of distal end 504. According to some embodiments, elongated body 507 includes a first surface/portion/element 512 having proximal end opening 502 and a distal end opening 503, and a second surface/portion/element 514 having a proximal end opening 505 and distal end opening 504.

Device 500 may be made as one continuous part or may be made of two or more parts/portions, configured to attach/associate therewith. In such embodiments, device 500 may acquire at least two states: an open state, where the portions of the device 500 are not attached thereto, and a closed state, where the portions of the device 500 are attached to form a closed body thus forming lumen 510, as shown in Fig. 5A. In some embodiments, in the closed state, the device 500 is capable of receiving/holding/passing shaft 112 and/or distal tip 370 of endoscope 100 within the lumen 510.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5B, which shows device 500 in an open position. As shown in Fig. 5B, elongated body 507 of device 500 is made of two discrete portions, 506A-506B, which are configured to be attached thereto, to form a continuous body (device 500 at its closed state). The portions 506A-506B of the device 500 are shaped such that upon attachment therebetween, inner lumens 510A and 510B are formed, wherein inner lumen 510A corresponds to first surface 512 and inner lumen 510B corresponds to second surface 514. As inner lumens 510A-510B are attached together to the closed state of device 500 to form lumen 510, as shown in Fig. 5A.

The attachment between portions 506A-506B of the device 500 may be transient or permanent. The attachment between portions 506A-506B of the device 500 may be facilitated by various means, including, but not limited to: pins, hinges, pivot point, grooves, hooks, and the like, or any combination thereof. An exemplary attachment mean is shown in Fig. 5B, in which pins and corresponding openings on the device portions can interact, to from the device closed body. For example, as shown in Fig. 5B, a pin 508B within proximal end opening 502 of first surface 512 of portion 506B is configured to fit into an opening 509A within proximal end opening 502 of first surface/element 512 of portion 506A, and a pin 509A within proximal end opening 502 of first element/surface 512 of a portion 506A is configured to fit into an opening 508A within proximal end opening 502 of first surface/element 512 of portion 506B. In some embodiments, the portions 506A-506B of the device 500 may be attached along one or more regions 506A- 506B at the open state of the device. This is exemplified, in Fig. 5B, wherein an attachment point hinge/pivot 530, connects the two portions 506A-506B of the device 500, at the open state, prior to partial or full attachment of the two portions 506A-506B of the device 500 to form the closed state.

According to some embodiments, device 500 may be at least partially rigid, soft, flexible, semi-flexible, hard, and the like. According to some embodiments, the shape of the device 500 may be tubular, cylindrical, conical, partially-conical, and the like. The device may be made of any suitable biocompatible materials, including, but not limited to: plastic, hardened rubber, metal, glass, and the like, or any combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, an inner diameter of second surface 514 of elongated body 507 of device 500, between proximal end opening 505 and distal end opening 504 may be between about 2.5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. According to some embodiments, an inner diameter of first surface 512 of elongated body 507 of device 500, between proximal end opening 502 and a distal end opening 503, may be between about 2.5 millimeters to about 500 millimeters. According to some embodiments, an outer diameter of the second surface/portion 514 may be between about 2.6 millimeters to about 20.1 millimeters.

According to some embodiments, the transition from open to closed states allows placing the device 500 on the shaft distal section 112, without interrupting or otherwise affecting operation of the endoscope 100.

Reference is now made to Figs. 6A-6B, which show perspective views of a device for protecting and/or preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope interacting with an endoscope shaft, according to according to the rigid endoscope of Fig. 1 and the device of Figs. 5A-5B. As shown in Fig. 6A, a device 500, shown in its open state (as illustrated in Fig. 5B), with a portion 506B engaging (holding) a portion of a shaft body 106 of a shaft 102 of an endoscope 100. Portion 506 A of device 500 is in open position, and is associated with portion 506B at an attachment point 530. Further shown is a distal tip 370, including second side camera window 338 wherein a second side camera element may be positioned behind (i.e., proximally to) second side camera window 338. Adjacent to second side camera window 338 are second side illumination components windows 332A-332B, configured to provide light to a second side camera field of view 330. Shown in Fig. 6B is device 500 in a partially closed state, as shown in Fig. 5B, engaging a shaft body 106 of a shaft 102 of an endoscope 100, wherein the shaft body 106 is engaged/positioned in a lumen 510, formed when device 500 is in close position as detailed with reference to Figs 5A-5B.

Reference is now made to Figs. 7A-C, which show perspective views of a device for preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope in different positions along the shaft of the endoscope, according to the rigid endoscope of Fig. 1 and the device of Figs. 5A-5B. As shown in Fig. 7A, an endoscope 100 including an elongated shaft 102 mounted on a handle 104. Handle 104 is configured to allow maneuver and controlling operation of the endoscope 100, and a utility cable 142 may connect the endoscope 100 to a main control unit (as detailed in Fig. 2 above). In some embodiment endoscope 100 may be connected to main control unit by a wireless connection. A device 500 has been placed on the shaft 102, such that the shaft 102 is positioned within a lumen 510 of the device 500. The device 500 can thus move/slide/transition over the shaft 102 between a shaft proximal section 116 i.e., closer to the handle 104, a shaft central section 114, a shaft distal section and a distal tip 370 of shaft distal section 112.

As shown in Fig. 7A, the device 500 is located at shaft distal section 112 of shaft 102, close to (but not covering) distal tip 370. The enlarged view of Fig. 7A shows side window elements of the distal tip 370 (in particular, side camera window 338 and side illumination components windows 332A-B), and device 500 engaging the shaft 102 at shaft distal section 112, but not engaging/covering the distal tip 370. As such, side field of view 330 of side camera (not shown) and light emitted by side illumination components windows are not disturbed.

As shown in Fig. 7B, the device 500 has been further moved/slide distally along a longitudinal axis of shaft 102 of endoscope 100, such that it covers at least the side window elements of distal tip 370. By covering the side window elements, the side window elements are thus protected from debris and soiling, as the distal tip 370 is being moved/passed via a trocar (not shown). As detailed above for Figs. 5A-B, due to the structure of device 500 having a proximal external diameter (502) wider than the distal outer diameter (504), the device cannot protrude out of the trocar, and only the distal tip of the endoscope can protrude and be positioned in the body cavity region. Thus, while being in the trocar, the side window elements of the distal tip is/are protected and covered by device 500, and when exiting/emerging from the trocar cannula (lumen), the protection is removed, and the side window elements are revealed to the surrounding (unhindered, as further illustrated in Fig. 7C). In some embodiments, the proximal region of the device does not interact with the distal tip and remains associated only with the shaft. As shown in Fig. 7C, after the distal tip has emerged out from the trocar (not shown), the device can slide/move proximally along shaft 102, and can remain at any region thereof, including at the most proximal region, in close vicinity to handle 104 (exemplary operating buttons 560A-C of handle 104 are shown in the enlarged view). In such instance, the side window elements (shown in Fig. 7C are side camera window 338 and side illumination components windows 332A-B) are not covered and as detailed about are able to interact with the surrounding (i.e., provide images/videos, provide illumination, and the like).

Reference is now made to Figs. 8A-8B, which show perspective views of a device for protection and/or preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 8A, a device 600 has an elongated body 607, which may be formed from at least two portions/walls 606A and 606B, that may be identical or similar thereto with respect of size, shape and/or composition. The walls of elongated body 607 have an outer diameter and an inner diameter define a lumen (conduit/tube) 610 extending from a proximal end 602 to a distal end 604. The lumen (conduit/tube) 610 is configured to allow passage of a shaft and/or a distal tip of an endoscope, such as, for example shaft distal section 112 and distal tip 370 of endoscope 100 as disclose in Fig. 3, as further detailed herein. In some embodiments, the lumen diameter and the external diameter of the device are essentially similar along its length.

Device 600 may be made as one continuous part or may be made of two or more parts/portions, configured to attach/associate therewith, as exemplified in Fig. 8A. In such embodiments (as depicted in Figs. 8A-B), device 600 may acquire at least two states: an open state, where the portions 606A-B of the device 600 are fully not attached thereto, and a closed state, where the portions 606A-B of the device 600 are attached along their length, to form a closed body, thus forming inner lumen 610, as shown in Fig. 8A. In some embodiments, in the closed state, the device 600 is capable of receiving/holding/passing shaft 112 and/or distal tip 370 of endoscope 100 within the lumen 610.

Reference is now made to Fig. 8B, which shows device 600 in an open position. As shown in Fig. 8B, elongated body 602 of device 600 is made of two discrete portions, 606A-606B, which are configured to be attached thereto, to form a continuous body (i.e., device 600 at its closed state). The portions 606A-606B of the device 600 are shaped such that upon attachment therebetween, inner lumen 610 is formed, running essentially along the length of the device, from a proximal end 602 to a distal end 604 thereof. The attachment between portions 606A-606B of the device 600 may be transient or permanent. The association between the portions may be such that along at least one region, the portions may be fully attached/associated (for example, along common edge 630, as shown in Fig. 8B). In some embodiments, the attachment between portions 606A- 606B of the device 600 may be facilitated by various means, including, but not limited to: hinges, association regions, hooks, tongues and grooves, pins, apertures, and the like, or any combination thereof. An exemplary attachment is shown in Fig. 8B, in which portions 606A-B are attached along common edge 630 while edges 607A-B are further configured to reversibly attach along their length (for example, by interaction between grooves on one edge and corresponding tongues on the other edge), to acquire the closed state (e.g., when engaging the shaft and/or distal tip of the endoscope)

According to some embodiments, device 600 may be at least partially rigid, soft, flexible, semi-flexible, hard, and the like. According to some embodiments, the shape of the device 600 may be tubular or cylindrical. The device may be made of any suitable biocompatible materials, including, but not limited to: plastic, hardened rubber, metal, glass, and the like, or any combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, an inner diameter of the lumen may be, for example, between about 2.5 millimeters to about 250 millimeters, or any subranges thereof. According to some embodiments, an inner diameter of the lumen may be, for example, between about 2.5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or any subranges thereof.

According to some embodiments, the transition from open to closed states allows placing the device 600 on the shaft distal section 112, without interrupting or otherwise affecting operation of the endoscope 100. Reference is now made to Figs. 9A-9C, which show perspective views of a device for protecting and/or preventing soiling of side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope interacting with an endoscope shaft (Figs. 9A-B) or distal tip of the shaft (Fig. 9C), according to the rigid endoscope of Fig. 1 and embodiments of the device shown in Figs. 8A-8B. As shown in Fig. 9A, device 600 is shown in its open state (as illustrated in Fig. 8B), with a portion 606A engaging (holding) a portion of a distal section (i.e., close to a distal tip 370) of shaft body 106 of a shaft 102 of an endoscope 100. A portion 606B of device 600 is in open position and is associated with portion 606A along attachment edge 630. Further shown is distal tip 370 including side camera window 338 (wherein a second side camera element may be positioned behind (i.e., proximally to) second side camera window 338). Adjacent to side camera window 338 are side illumination components windows 332A-332B, configured to provide light to the side camera field of view 330. Shown in Fig. 9B is device 600 in a closed state, engaging the shaft body 106 of a shaft 102 of an endoscope 100, wherein the shaft body 106 is engaged/positioned in a lumen 610, formed when device 600 is in closed position as detailed with reference to Figs. 8A-B. Device 600 illustrated in Figs. 9A-B is located at distal region/section of the shaft, close to (but not covering) distal tip 370.

As shown in Fig. 9C, the device 600 has been further moved/slide distally along a longitudinal axis of shaft 102 of endoscope 100, such that it covers at least the side window elements of distal tip 370. By covering the side window elements, the side window elements are thus protected from debris and soiling, as the distal tip 370 is being moved/passed via a trocar (not shown). As detailed above, the device does not protrude out of the trocar, and only the distal tip of the endoscope can protrude and be positioned in the body cavity region. Thus, while being in the trocar (i.e. when moved into the trocar), the side window elements of the distal tip is/are protected and covered by device 600, as illustrated in Fig. 9C, and when exiting/emerging from the trocar housing/lumen with a seal (diaphragm), the protection is removed, and the side window elements can be revealed to the surrounding (un-hindered). As the distal tip is pulsed out, device 600 is positioned to protect the side window elements from debris inside the trocar (for example, in the regions of the trocar seal. In some embodiments, the soiling protection device is adjustable, in particular, by designing the outer and/or inner diameter to fit in size to a shaft and/or distal tip of an endoscope and/or to a trocar to be used in the medical procedure.

In some embodiments, the soiling protection device may be disposable, such that it is fitted on the shaft of the endoscope prior to use (i.e, prior to being inserted into the trocar and consequently to the subject's body). In some embodiments, the soiling protection device may be reusable.

In some embodiments, the soiling protection device allows passive protection of the side window elements. In some embodiments, the protection device is configured to provide protection in a passive manner, i.e., without use of electrical power and/or the maneuvering of moving parts, only by sliding/moving on or along the shaft and/or distal tip of the endoscope.

In some embodiments, the protection device may be integrally formed with the shaft/distal tip of the endoscope, i.e., be placed thereon during manufacturing.

In some embodiments, the devices disclosed herein may be constructed from any biocompatible material, including, for example, but not limited to: metal, plastic, rubber, silicone, and the like, or any combinations thereof. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

In some embodiments, the size, shape and/or composition of the devices may vary in accordance with the size of the trocar, the size of the shaft of the endoscope and/or the size of the distal tip of the endoscope.

In some embodiments, the devices disclosed herein may be sterilizable (for example, by autoclave).

According to some embodiments, there is thus provided a device for protecting and/or at least partially preventing soiling of an endoscope window elements positioned on one or more sides of a distal tip of the endoscope, during passing thereof in a trocar, the device includes an elongated body comprising an inner lumen (conduit) configured to accommodate a shaft of the endoscope therewithin; a first, distal end opening and a second, proximal end opening; wherein the external diameter of the device at the distal end is smaller than the external diameter of the device at the proximal end; and wherein when the device is placed on the shaft of the endoscope and inserted into the trocar, the device is configured to slide over the distal tip of the endoscope to thereby cover and protect the side window elements while the tip is passing within a lumen of the trocar, and wherein the device does not protrude out of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for protecting or at least partially preventing soiling of one or more side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope, when inserted or removed from a trocar, the method includes: placing the device as disclosed herein on the shaft of the endoscope, such that the shaft is engaged within the lumen of the device; sliding the device towards the distal end of the shaft; and passing the distal tip of the endoscope covered by the device, in a lumen of the trocar, such that when passing within the trocar lumen, the device is configured to protect or prevent soiling of one or more side window elements of the distal tip and wherein when the distal tip protrudes out of a distal end of the trocar, the device does not protrude from said distal end of the trocar.

According to some embodiments, there is provided an endoscope having the side windows elements soiling prevention and/or protection device as disclosed herein on the distal tip thereof.

In the description and claims of the application, the words “include” and “have”, and forms thereof, are not limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, governs. As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean “at least one” or “one or more” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The processes and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general -purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized device to perform the desired method(s). The desired structure(s) for a variety of these systems appear from the description below. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the present disclosure as described herein.

As used herein, the term “about” may be used to specify a value of a quantity or parameter (e.g., the length of an element) to within a continuous range of values in the neighborhood of (and including) a given (stated) value. According to some embodiments, “about” may specify the value of a parameter to be between 99 % and 101 % of the given value. In such embodiments, for example, the statement “the length of the element is equal to about 1 millimeter” is equivalent to the statement “the length of the element is between 0.99 millimeters and 1.01 millimeters”.

As used herein, according to some embodiments, the terms “substantially” and “about” may be interchangeable.

It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. No feature described in the context of an embodiment is to be considered an essential feature of that embodiment, unless explicitly specified as such.

Although the disclosure is described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that numerous alternatives, modifications and variations that are apparent to those skilled in the art may exist. Accordingly, the disclosure embraces all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth herein. Other embodiments may be practiced, and an embodiment may be carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology employed herein are for descriptive purpose and should not be regarded as limiting. Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the disclosure. Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

- 32 -

What is claimed is:

1. A device for protecting and/or at least partially preventing soiling of an endoscope window elements positioned on one or more sides of a distal tip of the endoscope, during passing in a trocar, the device comprising: a flexible sleeve having a first proximal end configured to be attached to the distal end of the shaft of the endoscope, and a second, distal end configured to slide over the shaft towards the distal tip of the endoscope to at least partially cover and protect the one or more side window elements at the distal tip of the endoscope, wherein the sliding of the distal end of the device is facilitated as the endoscope distal tip is being passed through a lumen and/or seal of the trocar.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more side window elements comprise: a first side camera window positioned over a lens assembly of a first side camera, and one or more first side illumination component windows positioned over a first side one or more illumination components.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the one or more side window elements comprise: a second side camera window positioned over a lens assembly of a second side camera, and one or more second side illumination component windows positioned over a second side one or more illumination components.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the device is disposable.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the device is a foldable or contractable.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the device is in the form of a foldable sleeve. - 33 - . The device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first proximal end is sealably attached to the shaft of the endoscope prior to insertion thereof via the trocar.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the second end of the device is configured to fold towards the first proximal end when the distal tip is being retracted from the trocar.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the device is at least partially transparent.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the device is at least partially water impermeable.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the device comprises nylon, thermoplastic polymer, polyurethane, polyamide, plastic, rubber, latex, or any combinations thereof.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the first proximal end is sealably attached to the endoscope shaft by one or more attachment means, selected from: glue, Velcro, pins, or any combinations thereof.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the device is sterile or sterilizable.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the device is configured to protect and/or at least partially prevent the soiling of the one or more side window elements with: fluids, bodily fluids and/or debris present in the of the trocar.

15. The device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the one or more illumination components is or comprises a discrete light source.

16. The device according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the endoscope tip further comprises a front facing camera and one or more front one or more illumination components. A method for protecting or at least partially preventing soiling of one or more side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope, when inserted or removed from a trocar, the method comprising: attaching the first proximal end of the device according to any one of claims 1-16 to a proximal region of the shaft of the endoscope; inserting the distal tip of the endoscope to a lumen of the trocar, wherein the insertion facilitates the unfolding or sliding of the device over at least the one or more side window elements of the endoscope, to thereby protect or prevent soiling of one or more side window elements. The method according to claim 17, wherein attaching the first proximal end of the device to the shaft is performed prior to insertion of the shaft and distal tip thereof into the lumen and/or seal of the trocar. The method according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein attaching the device to the shaft comprises gluing, adhering, fixing, mounting, securing the device over the shaft, such that the first proximal end does not essentially separate or detach from the shaft as the shaft is moved within the lumen of the trocar. A device for protecting and/or at least partially preventing soiling of an endoscope side window elements positioned on one or more sides of a distal tip of an endoscope, during passing thereof in a trocar, the device comprising: an elongated conduit body configured to accommodate a shaft of the endoscope therewithin; a first, distal end opening and a second, proximal end opening; wherein the external diameter of the device at the distal end is smaller than the external diameter of the device at the proximal end; and wherein when the device is placed on the shaft of the endoscope and inserted into the trocar, the device is configured to slide over the distal tip of the endoscope to thereby protect the endoscope side window elements while the tip is passing within a lumen of the trocar, and wherein the device does not protrude out of the trocar. The device according to claim 20, wherein the device body is comprised of at least two portions, configured to form the elongated conduit body. 22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the device body comprises one or more securing means for attaching the two body portions to form a continuous body.

23. The device according to any one of claims 20-22, wherein the device shape is selected from: tubular, cylindrical, conical or tapered.

24. The device according to any one of claims 20-23, wherein the device is disposable.

25. The device according to anyone of claims 20-24, wherein the device is at least partially rigid.

26. The device according to any one of claims 20-25, wherein the device is sterile or sterilizable.

27. The device according to any one of claims 20-26, wherein the device is at least partially made of plastic, rubber, metal, glass, or any combination thereof.

28. The device according to any one of claims 20-27, wherein the device is configured to protect and/or at least partially prevent the soiling of the one or more side window elements with: fluids, bodily fluids and/or debris present in the lumen of the trocar.

29. The device according to any one of claims 20-28, wherein the window elements comprise: a first side camera window positioned over a lens assembly of a first side camera, and one or more first side illumination component windows positioned over a first side one or more illumination components.

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein the window elements comprise: a second side camera window positioned over a lens assembly of a second side camera, and one or more second side illumination component windows positioned over a second side one or more illumination components.

31. The device according to any one of claims 29-30, wherein the one or more illumination components is or comprises a discrete light source. - 36 - The device according to any one of claims 20-31, wherein the endoscope tip further comprises a front facing camera and one or more front one or more illumination components. A method for protecting or preventing soiling of one or more side window elements of a distal tip of an endoscope, when inserted or removed from a trocar, the method comprising: placing the device according to any one of claims 20-32 on the shaft of the endoscope, such that the side window elements of the tip of the endoscope are at least partially covered or protected by the device; passing the distal tip of the endoscope covered by the device, in a lumen of the trocar, such that when passing within the trocar lumen, the device is configured to protect or prevent soiling of one or more side window elements of the distal tip and wherein when the distal tip protrudes out of a distal end of the trocar, the device does not protrude from said distal end of the trocar. The method according to claim 33, wherein placing the device on the shaft is performed prior to insertion of the shaft and distal tip thereof into the lumen of the trocar. The method according to any one of claims 33-34, wherein placing the device on the shaft comprises attaching at least two body portions of the device around the shaft.