View optimizer and stabilizer for use with surgical scopes

A view optimizer for use with a surgical scope, the view optimizer supplied with gas from an insufflator, the insufflator adapted to insufflate a body cavity to a predetermined pressure, the insufflator adapted to cycle between and insufflating state when the pressure within the body cavity is below the predetermined pressure and a static state when the pressure within the body cavity is equal to or greater than the predetermined pressure, the view optimizer comprising:

• a lens guard;
• a first passageway, at least a portion of the first passageway defined within the lens guard, the first passageway having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end connected to a source of gas, the distal end oriented to deliver gas to an outer surface of an objective lens of the surgical scope when the view optimizer is assembled with the surgical scope;
• and
• an exhaust passageway, at least a portion of the exhaust passageway defined within the lens guard, the exhaust passageway having a distal end including at least one vent that is open to an outer surface of the lens guard, and a proximal end connected to an exhaust valve movable between open and closed positions;
• wherein when the view optimizer is inserted into a body cavity and the valve is in the open position, gas surrounding the distal end of the exhaust passageway is permitted to enter the exhaust passageway through the at least one vent and exit the body cavity through the exhaust passageway, wherein the gas exiting the body cavity through the exhaust passageway prevents the pressure within the body cavity from equaling or exceeding the predetermined pressure and thereby prevents the insufflator from cycling to the static state, and
• a an exhaust actuator
• wherein the lens guard is remote from the exhaust actuator and is in communication therewith only through one or more conduits.

A view optimizer for a surgical scope, the view optimizer being supplied with gas from an insufflator, the insufflator being adapted to insufflate a body cavity to a predetermined pressure, the insufflator being adapted to cycle between and insufflating state when the pressure within the body cavity is below the predetermined pressure and a static state when the pressure within the body cavity is equal to or greater than the predetermined pressure, the view optimizer comprising:

• an exhaust passageway having a distal end including at least one vent that is open to an outer surface of the view optimizer, and a proximal end;
• wherein when the view optimizer is inserted into a body cavity gas surrounding the distal end of the exhaust passageway is permitted to enter the exhaust passageway through the at least one vent and exit the body cavity through the exhaust passageway, wherein the gas exiting the body cavity through the exhaust passageway prevents the pressure within the body cavity from equaling or exceeding the predetermined pressure and thereby prevents the insufflator from cycling to the static state, and
• a an exhaust actuator
• wherein the lens guard is remote from the exhaust actuator and is in communication therewith only through one or more conduits.

A view optimizer for use with a surgical scope, the view optimizer comprising:

• a lens guard;
• at least one fluid delivery passageway defined within the lens guard that is adapted to deliver fluid to an outer surface of an objective lens of the surgical scope when the view optimizer is assembled with the surgical scope;
• at least one actuator connected with the at least one fluid delivery passageway wherein the view optimizer is adapted to deliver a fluid selected from gas or liquid to an outer surface of the objective lens at a first flow rate when the at least one actuator is not activated and a second flow rate when the at least one actuator is activated, the second flow rate being greater than the first flow rate;
• at least one exhaust passageway defined within the lens guard, wherein when the view optimizer is inserted into a body cavity, the at least one exhaust passageway is adapted to permit gas to enter the at least one exhaust passageway and exit the body cavity through the exhaust passageway
• wherein the lens guard is remote from at least one of the actuators and is in communication therewith only through one or more conduits.