Methods and devices for maintaining visibility during surgical procedures

A surgical device, comprising:

• a scoping device having a viewing element at a distal end;
• and
• at least two optically clear protective elements coupled to the distal end of the scoping device and configured to provide a barrier to protect the viewing element from fluid in an external environment, the optically clear protective elements being sequentially movable.

A surgical device, comprising:

• a scoping device having a viewing element at a distal end, the scoping device being configured to be disposed in a body through a working channel of an introducer device;
• and
• a protective element coupled to the scoping device and movable between a first configuration in which the protective element provides a fluid seal around the viewing element while the distal end of the scoping device is disposed through a working channel of an introducer device, and a second configuration in which the viewing element is exposed to a fluid environment surrounding the distal end of the scoping device.

A surgical device, comprising:

• a scoping device having a viewing element at a distal end, the scoping device being configured to be disposed in a body through a working channel of an introducer device;
• and
• a diverting mechanism located on the distal end of the scoping device and effective to open a seal in an introducer device to prevent the viewing element from contacting the seal.

A surgical method, comprising:

• passing a surgical instrument through an introducer device having a working channel extending into a body cavity, wherein a distal end of the surgical instrument includes a protective element that prevents fluid from contacting the distal end of the surgical instrument while the surgical instrument is being passed through the introducer device.

A surgical device, comprising:

• a trocar having a working channel configured to extend into a body cavity and to allow passage of a surgical instrument therethrough;
• and
• a seal assembly disposed in the trocar having a seal with an opening configured to form a seal around a surgical instrument passed through the trocar, and a protective element including at least one camming rib formed thereon and configured to contact the surgical instrument prior to the surgical instrument contacting the seal.