Endoscope sheath and related method

A method for performing an endoscopic surgical operation, comprising the steps of:

• providing an endoscope having an insertion member with means for transmitting visual information from a distal end of said insertion member to a proximal end thereof;
• providing a tubular sheath defining a main chamber, said sheath having a transparent element attached to a distal end of said sheath in a fluid tight seal;
• disposing said sheath about said insertion member to enclose at least a distal end portion of said sheath in a fluid tight seal inside said chamber, said step of disposing including the step of closing a zip-lock seal on said sheath;
• inserting said insertion member with said sheath into a patient;
• using visual information obtained from said insertion member via said transparent element to locate a site within the patient;
• upon the locating of said site, withdrawing said insertion member from the patient;
• and
• removing said sheath from said insertion member.

A device utilizable with an endoscope, comprising:

• a substantially thin-walled elongate tubular sheath made of a flexible material and defining a main channel;
• securing means for attaching said tubular sheath to a distal end of an insertion member of the endoscope, said securing means including at least one pair of cooperating zip-lock elements extending longitudinally along said sheath;
• and
• means on said sheath separate from said securing means for defining a biopsy channel in or on said sheath said biopsy channel being different from said main channel.