CA2103264A1

CA2103264A1 - Sheath for protecting endoscope from contamination

Info

Publication number: CA2103264A1
Application number: CA002103264A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jeffrey S. Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: ENDOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES Inc
Priority date: 1991-06-10
Filing date: 1992-06-03
Publication date: 1992-12-11
Also published as: BR9206123A; DE69218942T2; AU2178892A; WO1992022238A1; EP0591310A1; DE69218942D1; AU662006B2; EP0591310A4; JPH07508182A; EP0591310B1; US5201908A; ATE151247T1

Abstract

A protective covering (30) for a medical instrument, such as an endoscope (10), is described. The covering (30) includes an elongated hollow sheath (36) having a wall of flexible material. The sheath is substantially gas and water impervious and includes a channel (37) for the medical instrument. The sheath further includes auxiliary access channels associated with the sheath for providing a variety of functions, such as instrument manipulation, and fluid removal. The distal end (38) of the protective covering (30) is provided with a cap (40) having an optically clear window (48) to allow the lens portion (14) of the medical instrument to operate.

Description

2~032~

~EATH FOR PROTECTING ENDOSCOPE FROM CONTAMINATION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present inven~ion is directed to medical ins~ruments and more particularly to endoscopes. The present invention is specifically directed to a sanitary disposa~le covering or sheath for an endoscope, which s~ea~h shields the endoscope from the patient's body and from qerms and other disease-bearing organisms. The p~esent invention is also directed to a device for enhancing the functions of an endoscope, such functions including the provision of services including su~tisn, bio~sy, air and water. ; :.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
` It is an axiom of medicine that medical instrumen~s invading or associating with a patient's body be extremely clean, if not sterilized. This is ~articularly true with instruments, such as endoscopes, which pass through a body orifice, ~uch as the urethra, anus, etc. U~less these instruments are sterilized be~een use, the opportunities for passing disease- .
bea~ing organisms between patients is enhanced.
Sterilizing medical instruments generally requires,gas-sterilization. The process usually takes twenty-four hours and, as such, is not practical for instruments used several times a day. As a result, many in~truments are soaked in a germicidal solution that is . of questionable efficacy. The soaking takes at least ~en minu~es, which is advantageous o~er the gas sterilization process. However, the germicidal solutions tend to be caustic and will cause the premature destruction of the medical instruments.
. Several alternatives are contemplated to resolve this problem. The use of disposable instruments, such as disposable endoscopes, has been suggested.
However, ~his would result in an absurd cost, which is not justified. An alternative solution is the application of a sanitary disposable sheath for the medical instruments. As an example, rs~rence is ~ade to U.S, Patent No. ~,721,097 to D'Amelio, which discloses a 21~32~ ~
W~92/22238 P~T~US92/~4616 disposable endoscope sheath. The sheath is provided with channels extending the length of the sheath, which have the purpose of injecting air or gas into a patient's -~
organs to provide better ~isibility or to allow the insertion of various mechanisms or dsvices in the body to perform manipulations.
U.S. Patent No. 4,741,326 to Sidall et al. is direc~ed to a protective disposable sheath for use with a ~edical instrument, such as an endoscope. The sheath lO-~ includes a-~ransparent distal end plate. The end pla~e can ~e made of acrylic, glass or plastic màterial. The s~eath also includes a tube extending along the sheath.
The tube is adapted ~o accommodate a biopsy valve or ot~ar instrument. Additionally, the end plate has a nozzle means for directing air, water or other cleaning media on~o-the outer surface of the lens. However, this device allows the interior of the endoscope to become contaminated, which funda~entally differs from the ~resen$ invention.
U.S. Patent No. 4,809,678 patent to Klein is dir~cted to a disposable sheath for an endoscope. The pr~ximal end of ~he sheath is el~sticized to prevent see~age of liquids or other contaminants to the instrument. The distal end is transparent in order to allow the endoscope to function properly. Other re~erences which disclose disposable sheaths for an endoscope include U.S. Patents Nos. 4,869,238 and 4,852,55l ko Opie et al.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
, It is an object of the invention to develop a disposable covering for an endoscope that will prevent body fluids from contacting the scope while it is in use while preser~ing the Yisual capabilities of the scope and enhancing the scope's function.
It iF also an object of the present invention to protect the patient from a conta~inated scope.

21~2~ ;~
W092/2~238 PCT/US92/~616 It is furt~er an object of the present inv~ntion to lessen the d~wn time for cleaning and s~erilization by providing a disposable sanitary protective covering for a medical instrument. :~
These objects and others are addressed by the - ~resent invention which is a protective covering for a ~:
~edical ins~rument. The covering includes an elongated hollow sheath ha~ing a wall of flexible material. The material is substantially gas and water impervious. The lO , sheath has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the dis~al end comprises an end-fitting cap having a first end, second end and sidewalls. The first end of the end-fi~ing cap includes an optically clear element. The sec~nd end of the cap is in sealing engagement with the distal end of the shea~h. The protective covering al50 in~ludes at least one axially-directed access channel a~socia~ed with the sheath and extending along side ~he sheath. The access channel has a distal and a p~oximal ~nd, wherein the distal end of the access channel may extend beyond the distal end of the sheath.
. The protective covering prevents any con~aminant material from touching any part of the interior or exterior of the endoscope. It is easily pl~ced over the endoscope and provides enhanced biopsy, Z~ suction and lens-cleaning capabilities over just the scope itself. The covering provides externally-moun~ed air-water-suction-biopsy channels that fit over the endoscope but by-pass the internal channels provided by various scopes in the prior art. In this manner, the externa~ channels do not get in the way of the viewing function o~ the endoscope.
The end cap also allows for a watertight seal. Further, the presen~ invention allows the lens of ~he endoscope to be placed adjacent the end plate of the end cap. In this manner, th2 lens o~ the endoscope retains its ~isual acuity, even when plac~d in the protective covering oE the present inve~tion.

:
~;326~ `
W~92/22238 P~T/US~2~616 Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when ta~en in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
- In the drawin~s:
Fig. l is a plan view of a disposable covering for shielding an Pndoscope.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the ~istal portion of one embodiment-of the endoscope covering.~
Fig. 3 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the endoscope eovering of Fig. 2 taken along lines 3-3 of ~ig. 2 and illust~ating one e~bodiment of an attachment collar.
Fig. 4 is a partially exploded perSpective view of the distal portion of anothar embodiment of the endos~ope cap illustrating another collar em~odiment.
Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective cross-secti~nal view of a second alternative embodimant o~ thedistal portion of the endoscope covering illustrating an alternat~ve ~eans for attaching the cap portivn on the distal end of the covering to the covering..
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the al~ernative embodiment ~f the distal portion of the endoscope covering of Fig. S taken along lines 6-6.
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope covering taken along lines 7-7 of Fig. 2.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodlment of the endoscope covering taken along lines 7-7 of Fig. 2.
Fig. g is a partially exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the protective device for an endoscope o~ the present invention.
Fig. 10 is an intact pç!rspectivs view o~ the em~odiment o~ Fig. 9.

2 ~ O ~
W092/22238 PCT/US92/~616 Fig. ll is a perspective view of anothPrembodiment of the prot~ctive sheath of the endoscope covering of the present invention.
Fig. ~2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. ~1 tak~n along line 12-12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a disposable protective coYering or sheath for shielding an endoscope from the patient's body and the body from the endoscope.
0 The covering includes a transparent end so that the optics of the endo~cope will not be impairéd. Further~
~e covering includes at least on~ access channel fo~
~lui~s or instruments to be introduced to the ~ody~ The covering may be attached to the endoscope in a simple lS sealin~ engagement. As an example, an elastic band will provid~ the sealing engagement.
The present invention-applies to a variety of endoscopes for examining the body. Such examples include cytvscopes, upper endoscopes for the examination of the ~0 ~sophagus, stomach and duodenum, colonoscopes for ~xamininq the colon, angioscopes for examining blood vessels, bronchoscopes for ~xamining the bronchi, laparoscopes for examining the peritoneal cavity, and arthroscopes for examining joint spaces.
Reerring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates an endoscope, which includes a conventional, flexible, basic endoscope, generally desîgnated 10, and commonly used in the medical field. The endoscope includes an operating end 12 which permits, by manipu~ation of the physician, a variety of sperations to be pe~formed. ~he endoscspe also includes a distal end 14, illustrated in phantom. The operating end 12 and the distal end 14 are joined by an elongated flexible portion 16. Generally, the opçrating end 12 includes an eye piece assembly lB, onç or more control knobs 20, an inlet op~ning 22 through which ~n instrument such as a forceps i5 inser~ed, and air and/or water feed control devices W092/22238 PCT/~S92/~616 24, a suction control (no~ illustrated) and a light inlet means 26. The construction of the endoscope l0 is well-known to the ar~ and does no~ form a part of this invention. ~eference is made to U.S. Patent No.
4,809,678 to Klein, U,S. Patent No. 4,825,850 to Opie. et al., and U.S. ~atent No. 4,S~2,55} also to Opie. et al.
for a variety of descriptions of endoscopes.
According to the present invention, a flexi~le, pro~ective covèring 30 is provided to protect t~e endoscope l0 from contamination. The entire flexible .. i i .
portion of the endoscope l0 will be covered. Th~
........
cov~ring 3G includes a proximal end 32 which can be sealingly engaged to the flexible portion 16 of the endoscope l0 by means of a constriction band 34 or the lS like.
The protective covering 30 includes an elongated hollow sheath portion 36 ~aving a wall of ~enerally flexible and resilient mater~al. Included wi~hin the wall of the she~th is an endoscope channel 37, 2~ illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, for receiYing the elongated, flexible portion 16 of the ~ndoscope l0.
Prefera~ly, the material comprising the sh~ath 36 is an elastomeric material, which is su~stantially gas and water impervious to prevent the 25 invasion of contaminants to and from the en~oscope l0.
Suitable elastomeric materials include polymeric resinous ~aterials such as natural and synthetic rubbers, thermal plastic polymeric materials such as poly~thylene, polypropylene, polyurethane and combinations of natural or synthetic rubbers with thermal plastic polymeric materi~ls such as rub~er-modified polyethylene, rubber-modified polystyrene and the li~e.
Loca~ed on the opposite end o~ the proximal end 32 of the sheath 36 is the distal end 38. The dista}
end 3~ includes a cap 40 having a first end 42, a second end 44, and a generally cylindrical wall 46. The first end ~2 includes a window 48 of optically clear glass or 2~3.~6~
W092/~2238 PCTlUS~2/~616 plastic to serYe as a window for the endoscope optics located at the distal end 14 of the endoscope~ In this manner, the protective coveri'ng will serve as a protection against contamination while still allowing the endoscope end to perform the required task of ~iewing.
The window 48 may be made of a number of materials known to ~he art. Preferred exampl~s o~ materials include styrene, plexiglass and polyvinyl chlnride. It is also within the scope of the pr~sent invention to provide a window 4~ with ma~nifying capabilities.
-~ It is within the scope of the`~present inven~ion to provide the window 48 at the first end ~2 or along the side wall 46 as required by the purpose of the endos¢~pe. As such, some endoscopes are constructed such that t~e optical element is a side-viewing op~ical ele~ent.
The cap portion is provided with a utility openi~g 50 which extends from the first end 42 of the cap. ~his ope~ing 50 will be described in more detail 2Q hereinafte~.
The second end 44 of the cap 40 is preferably sealingly engaged with the distal portion 38 of the sheath 36 by a snap-fit collar 52 as illustrated in Figs.
2 ~nd 3. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the second end 44 of the cap 40 includes a collar reception area 54 of reduced diameter to accept the distal end 38 of the sheath 36.
The collar then slides over the area 54 with the distal end 3~ of the sheath therebetween to adhere the sheath 36 to the cap 40 in sealing engagement.
Alternatively, the cap 40 may be sealingly engaged with the distal portion 38 by means known to the art, such as glue or other sealants.
The cap 40 is preferably constructed of a flexible semi-rigid plastic or rubber material, to form some structural integrity over the end of the endoscope lO. Materials such as described with respect to the sheath 36 may be used to form the cap 40.

210~26-~
W092/~2~38 PCT/US~2/~616 As mentioned previously, the sheath 36 is prefera~ly attached to the cap 40 by means of a collar 52. The placement is facilitated by providing the collar reception area 54 of a diameter ~lightly smaller than the diameter of the wall 46. The collar reception area 54 - provides a "male" mating portion to the ~'female" collar 52, which is intended to slide over the reception area 54. Prior to fitting the collar 52 on the reception area 54, t~e distal end 38 of the sheath 36 is placed in sur~oundi~g engagement over the collar reception area 54.
At t~is point, the collar 52 is placed on the cap in order ~o sealingly engage the sheath 36 to the cap 40.
The collar 52 may also be separated into an u~per collar port~on 52A and a lower collar portion 52B, as illustrated in Fig. 4, which halves join in a snap-fit enga~ement according to means well known to the art to seal the sheath 36 to the cap 40.
Referring now ~o Fig. 6, there is illustrated anot~e~ embodiment of the collar reception area 54. The collar reception area 54 sf the cap 40 may be provided with a circumferential ridge 5S. The collar 60 is liXewise provided with an analogous depression area 58.
The sheath 36 is then placed on the cap 40 in the manner ~escri~ed previously. The collar is then snap fit over the ridge 56 to provide sealing engagement.
The protective covering 30 of the present invention also includes at least one and preferably more axially directed access channels 60 extending in axial fashion along the sheath 36 and ending at the opening 50.
As illus,trated in Fig. 1, the covering 30 of the present invention may include one access channel 60. The covering 30 may, however, have more than one access channel 60 associated with the protective covering 30, as illus~rat¢d in Fig. 2.
3S ~he access channels 60 have a proximal end 62, associa~ed with the proxiMal end 32 of the covering 30 and a distal end 6i, associated with the distal end 38 2i~326 ~
W092~22238 PCT/US92/04616 of ~he protective ~overinq 30. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the access channels 60 may be formed directly within the sheath 36 and end cap 40. ALternatiyely~ the access c~annel~ 60 may be separate tubular channels extending axially ~etw~en the main endoscope ~hannel 37 and the wall of the sheath 30 as illustr~ted in Fig. 8.
The proximal end ~2 of the access channel 60 may ~e attached or otherwise associated with the endoscope l0 for ease of use by the surgeon. -Otherwise, it can be loose, i.e., not attached to thè endoscope as illustrated in Fiq. l. Qne purpose of the àccess channel 60 is to allow pass~e of a biopsy tool or instrument 66 ~hrough the channel t~ ~ha distal end 64. In this manner the ~ool can be manipulated by a surgeon to perform a surgical task such as a biopsy.
Figs. 2-3 illustrate a pre~erred embodiment of the cap 40 of the present invention, including at leas~ three access channels 60Ar 60B, 60C and the en~oscope channel 37 to receive the flexible portion 16.
~0 ~ac~ access chann~l 60 achieves a required purpose. It is an important feature of the present invention that the access channels 60 extend alongside the endoscope's ~lexible portion 16 rather than through the endoscope as in many prior art instruments. In this manner, the access channels 60 do not get in the way of the optical elemants of the endoscope l0.
As illustrated in Fig. 2, there are three access channels 60A, 60B, 60C, each of which provide a required service. In this embodiment, access channel 60A
is a-~t~ched to a suction or pump element (not shown) in the endoscope body portion for providing and withdrawing fluids t~ and from the patient's body.
Access channel 60B provides a means for c~eaning the optically clear window 48. As illustrated in Pig~ 3, access channel 60B includes an end cap ~8 to prevsnt the exit of fluids from the ~ront portion of the opening 50. Rather, access channel 60B is provided with 2 1 ~

---10-- ~
a spray port 7 0 for issuing a spray of cleaning fluid, illustrated in phantom at 72, to the window 48. The cleaning fluid is pressurize~ by means of a pump system tnot illustrated) in association with the endosrope 10.
S Access channel 60C is provided for mani~ulating instruments, illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 7-B at 66. The instruments are manipulated by the sur~on ~ia access means at the proximal end 62 of access ~hannel 60C. The instru~en~ may be in the form of a for~eps, which is inserted into the body for medical treatment ~ The forcep~ is manipulated by the surgeon, who can see the end of the forceps via the window 48.
As il~ustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the utility opening 50 is design~d ~o extend beyond the first end 42 of the cap 40 a short distance. This ex~ension provides a num~er of advanta~es. First, the extension provides a location for provîding the spray port 70 to provide spraying access to the exterior of the window 480 Second, the extension opening 50 provides a manipulating ~;
eature for the instrument 66. In this manner, the surgeon, viewing the extension opening 50, can determine exactly when the instrument 66 exits t~e end of the accsss channel 60C. This may provide advantages in enhancing the manipulation of the instrument.
Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the distal end 38 of the protective covering 30. Rather than having an extended utility opening 50 as illustrated in Fig. 2, the opening 50 at the first end 42 is characterized by an angled ~lanar zone 76. In this embodiment, the access ~hannels 60 end at a position behind rather than in front of the window 48.
It is also within the scope of the present in~ention to place the utility opening on the same plane as ths window 48, as illustrated in Fig. 4. Thus, the utility opsning 50 can be flush wit`h the surface of the window ~B.

2 ~ s q A method of using th~ covering 3~ will now be described. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the cover 30 is applied to the flexible portion 16 of the endoscope 10 by slippiny the endoscope channel 37 of the sheath 3~ over the flexible portion 16. It is also anti~ipated that the cover may be provided in a rolled-up manner t~ be applied to the flexible portion 16 by unrolling the sheath. After th~ cover 30 has been placed on the ~lexible portion 1~ of endoscope 10, the endoscope 10~ is t~en used in a normal medical procedure known to those ..skilled in th~ art. `
. After the.medical procedure has been comple~ed, the sheath can be removed by peeling it away from the endoscope flexible portion 16. The entire covering 30 can then be disposed. It is also within the scope of the present invention to providP reusable coverings 30 which can be re-sterilized for subsequent use.
Reference is now made ~o Figs. 9 and 10 for an alternative embodiment of ~he pro~ective covering for the endoscope. Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate a standard endoscopé 100, known to the ar~ and described herein.
Unlike ~he endoscope 10 described and illustrated in Fig.
1, ~he endoscope 100 does not require air and water feed ~5 control devices integrated with the scope. These features are p~o~ided by a removable attachment, generally designated at 102. The attach~ent 102 includes a manifold cover 104 designed to be secured, frictionally or otherwise, to the outer surface of the endoscope body.
The man~fold cover 104 includes securing side pieces 106, 108 and an upper surface 110 with an opening 112. The opening 112 is designed to receive a manifold 114 which includes a valve system 116.
~he valve system 116 is a series of valves, which ~re manipulated by a surgeon to perform a series of tas~s, As illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, there are thrae valves 11~, 120, 122. It is wi*hin the scope of the 2 6 ~
W~92/22238 PC~/US92/~616 invention to provide more or fewer valves depending on the endoscope used and the requirements of the operation.
Th~ action and operation of the valve system 116 are well known to the art and, with the exception of the manner of placement on the endoscope 100, do not form part of this - invention. Reference is made to U.S. Patents No.
4,825,850, 4,852,551 and 4,869,238 to Opie et al., which are incorporated herein for a description of valve systems in endoscopes.
As herein illustra ed, val~es 118 and 120 are designed to provide air and water, respectively,~to the patient from an air source 124 and a water source 126 through air communicating channel 128 and water communica~ing channel 130. Yalve 122 is a suction ~alve attached to a vacuum system 13~ by means of suction channel 134.
Each of the communicating channels 128, 130, 134 are provided with connectors 136, ~38, 140 to detacha~ly connect the channels to the acoess channels 60. Th~ a~cess channels 60 are provided wi~h receptors 142, 144, 146 to receive the connectors 136, 13~, 140 in a snug, sealed fit. In this manner the sheath 36 with attached access channels 60 is detachably c~nnected to the attachment 102. After use, the sheath 36 can be disposed, and the attachment 102 can be reused.
It is within the scope of the present inv ntion -to provide one of the receptors, here: 146, with a biopsy instxument access port 150. Therefore, access channel 60C serves the dual purpos~ of providing a vacuum lf,required or providing a channel for a biopsy instrument.
The manifold 114 may be provided with winged tabs 152, 154 to assis~ the surgeon in manipulating the valves 118, 120, lZ2 in use. In operation, the surgeon ~ay place the little finger and thumb of one hand under the tabs 152, 154 to assist in ~anipulating the endoscope 100. Th~ remaining fingers will then be available to 2 ~ 0 3 2 .~ ~
` -~092/22238 PCT/US92/W6t~

manipulate the ~alves 118, 120, 122 in muc.h the same manner that one would play a horned instrument such as a - trumpet.
Reference is now made to Figs. 11 and 1~ for yet another em~odiment of the protective cover 30 of the - pr~sent invention. This embodiment differs from the emhodi~ents featured in Figs. 7 and 8 in that the access channels 60 are exterior to the outer wall of the sheath 36. Th~ channels 60 may, but do not necessarily have to ~e, attached to the outer wall of the sheath 36. It is - envisioned in this invention that th~ access channels 60 would enter ths cap 40 at the location of th` collar 52 and terminate at the utility opening 50.
It is under~tood that the invention is not confined to ha particular construction and arrangement herein illustrated and describ~d, but embraces such modified fsrms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.

_

Claims

-14- What is claimed is:

1. A protective covering for an endoscope which includes an elongated portion, comprising:
(a) an elongated hollow sheath having a wall of flexible material, the material being substantially gas and water impervious, the sheath including a main channel for the elongated portion of the endoscope, the sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end comprises an end-fitting cap having a first end, second end, and side walls, the first end including an optically clear element, the first end further having a utility opening, and wherein the second end of the cap is in sealing engagement with the distal end of the sheath; and (b) at least one axially-directed access channel associated with the sheath and cap and extending alongside and exterior to the main channel, the access channel having a distal and a proximal end.

2. The covering of claim 1 wherein the cap is sealingly engaged to the distal end of the sheath by a snap-fit collar.

3. The covering of claim 2 wherein the second end of the cap includes a collar reception area of reduced diameter to accept the distal end of the sheath.

4. The covering of claim 3 wherein the collar reception area is provided with a circumferential ridge and the collar is provided with an analogous depression area.

5. The covering of claim 2 wherein the collar comprises a separated upper collar portion and a lower collar portion, which portions engage.

6. The covering of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the access channel extends beyond the first end of the cap.

7. The covering of claim 1 wherein the at least one axially directed access channel extends in axial fashion along the sheath.

8. The covering of claim 1 comprising one access channel.

9. The covering of claim 1 comprising at least two access channels.

10. The covering of claim 1 wherein the at least one access channel is formed directly within the sheath and end cap.

11. The covering of claim 1 wherein the at least one access channel is a separate tubular channel extending axially between the main channel and the wall of the sheath.

12. The covering of claim 1 wherein the at least one access channel is exterior to the wall of the sheath.

13. The covering of claim 1 wherein the utility opening at the first end is characterized by an angled planar zone.

14. The covering of claim 1 wherein the utility opening is on the same plane as the window.

15. The covering of claim 1 wherein the utility opening comprises an extension on the first end of the cap.

16. The covering of claim 1 further comprising means to sealingly engage the proximal end of the sheath to the elongated portion.

17. The covering of claim 16 wherein the engagement means comprises an elastic constricting band.

18. The covering of claim 1 wherein the access channel comprises a separate hollow tubular piece extending contiguously with the wall of the sheath.

19. The covering of claim 1 wherein the access channel is a hollow channel extending axially through the wall of the sheath.

20. The covering of claim 1 wherein the optically clear element is on the first end of the cap.

21. The covering of claim 1 wherein the optically clear element has magnifying capabilities.

22. The covering of claim 1 wherein the optically clear element is made of material selected from the group consisting of styrene, plexiglass and polyvinyl chloride.

23. The covering of claim 1 further comprising means to clean the optically clear element.

24. The covering of claim 10 wherein the means to clean the exterior side of the optically clear element comprises at least one axially directed access channel and an opening located at the distal end of the access channel, which end extends beyond the distal end of the sheath, the opening being configured to direct a spray of cleansing fluid in the direction of the optically clear element.

25. The covering of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the access channel includes an opening for receiving a surgical tool.

26. A protective covering and valve system for an endoscope which includes an elongated portion, comprising:
(a) an elongated hollow sheath having a wall of flexible material, the material being substantially gas and water impervious, the sheath including a main channel for the elongated portion of the endoscope, the sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end comprises an end-fitting cap having a first end, second end, and side walls, the first end including an optically clear element, the first end further having a utility opening, and wherein the second end of the cap is in sealing engagement with the distal end of the sheath; and (b) at least one axially-directed access channel associated with the sheath and cap and extending alongside and exterior to the main channel, the access channel having a distal and a proximal end; and (c) a valve attachment adapted to be removably attached to the endoscope, the valve attachment comprising a manifold cover to detachably connect a valve system to the at least one access channel; and (d) at least one connector to detachably connect the valve attachment to the at least one access channel.

27. A detachable valve system for a conventional endoscope, wherein the endoscope includes a substantially cylindrical endoscope body and an elongated portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being connected to the endoscope body, the valve system being adapted to be used with a protective covering for the endoscope, wherein the protective covering includes a sheath adapted to encompass the elongated portion of the endoscope, the sheath including a proximal end and a distal optical end, wherein the distal end is adapted to be placed adjacent the distal end of the elongated portion of the endoscope such that the endoscope retains its visual acuity when the covering is in place on the endoscope, the protective covering further including at least one axially-directed instrument manipulation access channel adapted to extend alongside and exterior to the elongated substantially cylindrical portion of the endoscope, the access channel having a distal and a proximal end, the valve system comprising:
(a) a manifold cover adapted to detachably connect a valve to the endoscope body, wherein the valve communicates with the access channel of the protective covering to enable the endoscope user to perform a required task;
(b) connecting means to detachably connect the valve to the at least one access channel; and (c) means to secure the manifold cover to the endoscope body.

28. The valve system of claim 27, wherein the valve comprises means to provide an air source, water source or suction source to the access channel.

29. The valve system of claim 27, wherein the manifold cover comprises a plurality of valves.

30. A combination valve system and protective covering for a conventional endoscope, wherein the endoscope includes a substantially cylindrical endoscope body and an elongated portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being connected to the endoscope body, the combination comprising:
(a) an elongated hollow sheath having a wall of flexible material, the material being substantially gas and water impervious, the sheath including a main channel for the elongated portion of the endoscope, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the sheath comprises an end-fitting cap having a first end, second end, and side walls, the first end including an optically clear element adapted to be placed adjacent the distal end of the endoscope such that the endoscope retains its visual acuity when the covering is in place on the endoscope, and wherein the second end of the cap is in sealing engagement with the distal end of the sheath, and at least one axially-directed instrument manipulation access channel associated with the sheath and cap and adapted to extend alongside and exterior to the elongated substantially cylindrical portion of the endoscope, the access channel having a distal and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the access channel is peripherally located on the first end of the cap and extends beyond the first end of the cap a sufficient distance to enable the user to observe the instrument initially extending from the distal end of the access channel; and (b) a detachable valve system comprising a manifold cover adapted to detachably connect a valve to the endoscope body, wherein the valve communicates with the access channel of the protective covering to enable the endoscope user to perform a required task, connecting means to detachably connect the valve to the access channel, and means to secure the manifold cover to the endoscope body.

31. The protective covering of claim 30 wherein the sheath is disposable.