Telescopes & Optics

What This Collection Covers

• Laparoscopes — 5mm and 10mm at 0º, 30º and 45º, including Storz Hopkins and Hopkins II, bariatric-length scopes, an offset 10mm operating laparoscope and 3.5mm mini laparoscopes
• Arthroscopes — 2.5mm, 2.7mm and 4mm at 0º, 30º and 70º, autoclavable and Storz- or Olympus-mount, a Smith & Nephew HD video arthroscope and a Stryker small-joint set
• Nephroscopes — Storz nephroscope and percutaneous operating nephroscope, with straight knives
• Optical instruments — biopsy forceps (standard, extra-large, through-cutting, unipolar), grasping and stone-grasping forceps, scissors, and an optical evacuation device
• Sheaths and bridges — high-flow arthroscope sheaths, telescope bridges with one instrument channel, a telescope sheath with rotating stopcock, a ureteroscope adapter

Why the Viewing Angle Matters

A 0º telescope looks straight down its own axis. It is the easiest to orient and is common for diagnostic and straightforward laparoscopy. A 30º telescope looks off-axis; rotating it sweeps the view around the tip, which lets the surgeon see around organs and the walls of a joint without moving the scope. 45º and 70º scopes push that further for difficult angles.

In arthroscopy, 30º is the workhorse. In laparoscopy, 0º and 30º are both standard, and bariatric cases often need a longer 30º or 45º scope.

How to Choose

Diameter. 10mm laparoscopes give the brightest, widest image; 5mm and smaller suit smaller ports and pediatric work. 4mm is the arthroscopy standard; 2.5–2.7mm for small joints.

Mount. The eyepiece and light-post fit must match your camera and light cable. Each listing states the brand or mount.

Sterilization. Autoclavable scopes are marked as such. Otherwise follow the manufacturer's instructions for that model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 0º and 30º laparoscope?
A 0º scope looks straight ahead. A 30º scope looks at an angle, so rotating it changes what you see without moving the scope.

What is an optical biopsy forceps?
A forceps that runs alongside or through a telescope so a biopsy can be taken under direct vision.

Do you sell scopes individually?
Yes. Scopes, sheaths, bridges and optical instruments are all listed separately.

Related categories: laparoscopic instruments, arthroscopy sheaths, cystoscopes, sinuscopes, trocars and cannulas and biopsy forceps.