Endoscope distal tip attachment

Abstract

An endoscope distal tip attachment is provided. The endoscope distal tip attachment may include a barrel and a distal tip extending from the barrel. The barrel may have proximal and distal ends and first and second shoulders. The first shoulder may be located at a first side of the distal end and may be configured to engage with the distal end of an endoscope. The second shoulder may be located at a second side of the distal end opposite the first side of the distal end. The barrel may have a set of ribs extending away from the first shoulder and toward the proximal end of the barrel, where the set of ribs define a lumen. The barrel may include a ring coupled with the set of ribs and extending around the cavity. The distal tip may extend from the second shoulder of the barrel and may be formed as a single piece with the barrel.

Description

[0001] Priority claim

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 368,518 filed on July 15, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This document generally, but not limitingly, relates to surgical devices that can be used in various surgical procedures. More specifically, but not limitingly, this application relates to attachment members for endoscopes. Background Art

[0004] Endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope to examine a patient. In an upper endoscopy, an endoscope can be passed through the patient's mouth and throat and into the esophagus during the procedure. From the esophagus, the endoscope can be passed into the patient's stomach and small intestine. In a lower endoscopy or colonoscopy, an endoscope called a colonoscope is passed through the patient's anus and the doctor examines the patient's large intestine. The endoscope includes a camera to allow viewing of the throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

[0005] Problems can arise where the tip of an endoscope with a camera can come into contact with tissue surrounding the area being viewed. If tissue contacts the camera, the camera's field of view can be obscured, limiting the effectiveness of the endoscopic procedure. Similarly, foreign matter can contact the camera, again obscuring the camera's field of view and limiting the effectiveness of the endoscopic procedure. Summary of the invention

[0006] A method of preventing foreign matter from contacting the end of an endoscope and potentially obstructing the camera's view may include an attachment mounted at the distal end of the endoscope. The attachment may be made of a transparent material. However, using this method, such as securing the attachment to the distal end of an endoscope, may present problems.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an attachment member for an endoscope that can maintain the field of view of the camera while preventing foreign matter from contacting the camera. In addition, the attachment should be able to be fixed to the end of the endoscope with minimal effort.

[0008] This document describes examples that may relate to endoscope distal tip attachments. An endoscope distal tip attachment may include an outer cylindrical member having a proximal end and a distal end. The outer cylindrical member may include a rib extending away from the distal end toward the proximal end, wherein the rib may define a cavity. An inner cylindrical member may be disposed within the cavity such that the inner cylindrical member is located within the outer cylindrical member. The inner cylindrical member may be configured to receive the distal end of an endoscope. In an example, a combination of the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member may provide a structure that can be fitted on the distal end of an endoscope while minimizing damage to the endoscope. The outer cylindrical member may include a ring extending around the cavity and coupled to the rib. The ring may be expandable to allow the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member to be fitted around the endoscope, and the ring may be retractable to provide a snug fit around the endoscope.

[0009] The outer barrel may include a first shoulder at the distal end, and the distal end of the endoscope disposed within the inner barrel may abut the first shoulder. In addition, the outer barrel may include a second shoulder opposite the first shoulder, and the distal tip extends from the second shoulder. In an example, the distal tip may be integral with the outer barrel. To further illustrate, the distal tip and the outer barrel may be formed from a single piece. The distal tip may include a wall extending from the second shoulder of the outer barrel. The wall may define a cavity that exposes the distal end of the endoscope when the endoscope is disposed within the outer barrel and the inner barrel and abuts the first shoulder.

[0010] Advantages can include providing a distal tip that can be located near the distal end of an endoscope to help minimize obstructions that may interfere with the endoscope.

[0011] Another advantage can include the ability to provide a distal tip that is integral to an assembly that can be mounted on an endoscope, wherein the distal tip contacts the distal end of the endoscope only via the assembly and does not require direct contact with the endoscope, such that the distal tip does not require any type of fixation to the endoscope.

[0012] Another advantage may relate to the ability to insert the distal tip over the end of an endoscope while helping to avoid or minimize damage to the endoscope. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 An endoscope assembly having an endoscope distal tip attachment according to at least one example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 2A and Figure 2B In more detail, at least one example of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 Endoscope distal tip attachment in.

[0015] Figure 3The present disclosure illustrates at least one example of Figure 1 The outer cylindrical piece of the distal tip attachment of the endoscope.

[0016] Figure 4 FIG. 1 illustrates at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The outer barrel ribs of the outer barrel are shown forming a lumen, wherein the distal end of the endoscope is disposed within the lumen.

[0017] Figure 5 The present disclosure illustrates at least one example of Figure 1 The outer cylindrical piece of the distal tip attachment of the endoscope.

[0018] Figure 6 The present disclosure illustrates at least one example of Figure 1 An inner cylindrical piece of an endoscope distal tip attachment.

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating at least one example of a method for Figure 2A and Figure 2B Flow chart of a method for reprocessing an endoscope distal attachment.

[0020] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B According to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 2A and Figure 2B Alternative example of a distal tip attachment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Examples of the present disclosure relate to an endoscope distal tip attachment assembly. The endoscope distal tip attachment assembly may include a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a first shoulder is located at the proximal end of the barrel. Additionally, the barrel may include a second shoulder at the distal end opposite the first shoulder, wherein the distal end extends from the second shoulder. The distal tip may be integral with the barrel such that the barrel and the distal tip are a single unit.

[0022] In another example, an endoscope distal tip attachment may include an outer cylindrical member having a proximal end and a distal end. The outer cylindrical member may include a rib extending away from the distal end toward the proximal end, wherein the rib may define a cavity. An inner cylindrical member may be disposed within the cavity such that the inner cylindrical member is located within the outer cylindrical member. The inner cylindrical member may be configured to receive the distal end of an endoscope. In an example, a combination of the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member may provide a structure that can be fitted on the distal end of an endoscope while minimizing damage to the endoscope. The outer cylindrical member may include a ring extending around the cavity and coupled to the rib. The ring may be expandable to allow the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member to be fitted around the endoscope, and the ring may be retractable to provide a snug fit around the endoscope.

[0023] The outer barrel may include a first shoulder at the distal end, and the distal end of the endoscope disposed within the inner barrel may abut the first shoulder. In addition, the outer barrel may include a second shoulder opposite the first shoulder, and the distal tip extends from the second shoulder. In an example, the distal tip may be integral with the outer barrel. To further illustrate, the distal tip and the outer barrel may be formed from a single piece. The distal tip may include a wall extending from the second shoulder of the outer barrel. The wall may define a cavity that exposes the distal end of the endoscope when the endoscope is disposed within the outer barrel and the inner barrel and abuts the first shoulder.

[0024] Figure 1 An endoscope assembly 100 is shown having an endoscope 101 including an endoscope distal tip attachment 102. The endoscope distal tip attachment 102 may be disposed at a distal end 104 of the endoscope. The endoscope distal tip attachment 102 may include a distal tip 106, which, as will be described in more detail below, may be configured to minimize obstruction of a camera 110 of the endoscope assembly 100 by a foreign object 108. Although the foreign object 108 is shown as potentially contacting and obstructing the endoscope camera 110, the distal tip 106 may be used to help reduce or minimize contact of the endoscope camera 110 by tissue within a surgical site.

[0025] The distal tip 106 may extend from the endoscope distal tip attachment 102, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The endoscope distal tip attachment 102, which may be an assembly, may include an outer barrel 200 and an inner barrel 202 disposed within the outer barrel 200. Additionally, the distal tip 106 may extend from a distal end 204 of the outer barrel 200. The inner barrel 202 may be configured to fit around the endoscope distal end 104, such as in a manner that may help reduce or minimize damage to the endoscope distal end 104.

[0026] To help minimize damage to the endoscope distal end 104, the inner barrel 202 can be formed of a material that allows the inner barrel 202 to deform around the endoscope distal end 104 when the practitioner places the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 on the endoscope distal end 104. To further illustrate, the inner barrel 202 can be formed of a material having a Shore durometer hardness in the range of about 70 to 90. The types of materials that can be used can include polymers and rubbers. Thus, the inner barrel 202 can expand and contract to provide a snug fit around the endoscope distal end 104.

[0027] The inner barrel 202 may include ribs 206 that may be configured to engage the endoscope distal end 104 when the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 is seated on the endoscope distal end 104. For example, because the inner barrel 202 is formed of a material that allows the inner barrel 202 to deform, the inner barrel ribs 206 may deform to accommodate the endoscope distal end 104. The inner barrel 202 may include engagement surfaces 208 separated by gaps 210. The engagement surfaces 208 may contact the endoscope distal end 104 during the placement of the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 on the endoscope distal end 104. With the gaps 210, the engagement surfaces 208 may move along directions X and Y to further allow a snug fit of the inner barrel 202 around the endoscope distal end 104.

[0028] Figure 3 202, the outer barrel 200 may include a rib 300 extending away from the outer barrel distal end 204 toward the outer barrel proximal end 302. The outer barrel rib 300 may form a cavity 400 ( Figure 4), the endoscope distal end 104 can be disposed in the cavity 400. Similar to the inner barrel 202, in order to help reduce or minimize damage to the endoscope distal end 104, the outer barrel rib 300 can be formed of a material that allows the outer barrel rib 300 to flex when the practitioner places the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 on the endoscope distal end 104. Here, the outer barrel 200 and the outer barrel rib 300 can be formed of a material having a durometer Shore hardness in the range of about 70 to 90. The types of materials that can be used may include polymers and rubbers. Therefore, the outer barrel rib 300 can provide a snug fit around the endoscope distal end 104. The outer barrel 200 and the outer barrel rib 300 can be formed of a material having a higher durometer Shore hardness than the material used for the inner barrel 202. For example, when the inner barrel 202 is formed to have a Shore durometer hardness less than that of the outer barrel 200 , the outer barrel 200 and the outer barrel ribs 300 may be made of a harder material than that used for the inner barrel 202 .

[0029] When the outer barrel rib 300 is deflected outwardly, the outer barrel 200 may include a ring 304 disposed around the cavity 400 and disposed within the rib 300, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The ring 304 can be disposed in the recess 402 of the outer barrel rib 300. During placement of the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 on the endoscope distal end 104, the ring 304 can be used to move the outer barrel rib 300 to the reference position after the outer barrel rib 300 has been deflected. Figure 3 For example, the ring 304 can be made of an elastomer such as polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene and silicone or ...urethane, polybutadiene, neoprene and silicone or can be made of an elastomer such as polyurethane, polyurethane, polyurethane, polyurethane or silicone. Figure 3 Thus, the ring 304 can be formed of a material that is capable of expansion and contraction.

[0030] In some examples, the outer barrel distal end 204 may include a first side portion 500 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) at the shoulder 306. The shoulder 306 can be disposed around the periphery of the distal tip 106. For example, the shoulder 306 can be configured such that when the endoscope distal end 104 is disposed within the cavity 400, the endoscope distal end 104 abuts against the shoulder 306, as shown in FIG. Figure 4Thus, the shoulder 306 can act as a stop for the endoscope 100 together with the endoscope distal end 104 within the endoscope distal tip attachment 102, thereby engaging the endoscope 100 and the endoscope distal end 104. In addition, the outer barrel ribs 300 can extend from the shoulder 306 toward the outer barrel proximal end 302.

[0031] As described above, during placement of the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 on the endoscope distal end 104, the ring 304 can help pull the outer barrel ribs 300 to the reference position after the outer barrel ribs 300 are deflected outwardly. Figure 3 In the configuration shown. Figure 3 As shown in , the outer barrel 200 may also include a member 308 that may be coupled to the outer barrel rib 300. Similar to the ring 304, during placement of the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 on the endoscope distal end 104, the member 308 may be used to move the outer barrel rib 300 to the outer barrel rib after the outer barrel rib 300 has been deflected. Figure 3 The member 308 may be made of an elastomer such as polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene and silicone or may be made of an elastomer such as polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene and silicone or may be made of an elastomer such as polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene and silicone to allow the member 308 to pull the outer barrel ribs 300 to the outer barrel ribs 300 after they are deflected outwardly during placement of the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 on the endoscope distal end 104. Figure 3 Thus, member 308 may be formed of a material that is capable of expansion and contraction.

[0032] As described above, the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 may include a distal tip 106. The distal tip 106 may be configured to help reduce or minimize obstruction of the camera 110 of the endoscope assembly 100 by foreign matter 108. In particular, Figure 4 and Figure 5 4 shows how the distal tip 106 can include a wall 404 that can define a cavity 406. The distal tip wall 404 can have a circular configuration that defines the distal tip cavity 406. In addition, the outer barrel 200 can include a second side portion 500 ( Figure 5 ) at a shoulder 408. Shoulder 408 may be opposite to shoulder 306 such that outer barrel rib 300 extends from shoulder 306 in direction A, and distal tip 106 extends from shoulder 408 in direction B opposite to direction A and outer barrel rib 300.

[0033] The distal tip 106 can extend between a distance L from the shoulder 408. For example, the distance can be between about 8.7 mm and 11.0 mm. The distance L of the distal tip 106 can be set to inhibit or prevent foreign matter 108 from obstructing the endoscope distal end 104 and the camera 110. In addition, the distance L of the distal tip 106 can be set to protect the endoscope distal end 104 and the camera 110 from any tissue present at the site inspected by the endoscope assembly 100. In particular, the distance L can be set according to the procedure in which the endoscope assembly 100 is used, such as according to observation and / or treatment.

[0034] As described above, the shoulder 306 can serve as a stop for the endoscope distal end 104. Thus, the camera 110 of the endoscope 101 can be spaced a distance L from the distal end 502 of the distal tip 106. With the distal tip lumen 400, the endoscope distal end 104 and the camera 110 can be exposed to the environment in which the endoscope 101 is used. In addition, the distal tip lumen 406 can protect the endoscope distal end 104 and the camera 110 from foreign matter 108 and can help inhibit or prevent foreign matter 108 from obstructing the endoscope distal end 104 and the camera 110. Similarly, the distal tip lumen 406 can protect the endoscope distal end 104 and the camera 110 from any tissue present at the site inspected by the endoscope assembly 100.

[0035] The distal tip 106 may also include one or more irrigant channels 310 formed in the distal tip wall 404, such as Figures 3 to 5 Although two irrigant channels 310 are shown, the distal tip 106 may include any number of irrigant channels 310. The irrigant channels 310 may allow irrigant to flow out of a surgical site inspected with the endoscope 101. Similarly, the irrigant channels 310 may help allow irrigant to flow into a surgical site inspected with the endoscope 101.

[0036] As discussed above, the distal tip 106 can be integral with the outer barrel 200. To help achieve an integral configuration, the distal tip 106 can be formed as a single piece with the outer barrel 200. In particular, since the distal tip 106 is integral with the outer barrel 200, the distal tip 106 and the outer barrel 200 are a single piece. This can help avoid problems with securing the distal tip to the outer barrel because the distal tip 106 and the outer barrel 200 are a single, integral piece. The distal tip 106 and the outer barrel can be formed by a single injection molding process, casting, or any other process in which the distal tip 106 and the outer barrel 200 can be formed as a single, integral unit. In addition, the distal tip 106 can be formed of the same material as the outer barrel 200.

[0037] More specifically, similar to the outer barrel 200, the distal tip 106 can be formed of a material having a durometer Shore hardness in the range of about 70 to 90. The types of materials that can be used may include polymers and rubbers. For example, the distal tip 106 can be formed of a material having a higher durometer Shore hardness than the material used for the inner barrel 202. Therefore, when the inner barrel 202 is formed to have a durometer Shore hardness less than the durometer Shore hardness of the distal tip 106, the distal tip 106 can be made of a harder material than the material used for the inner barrel 202. In addition, the distal tip 106 can be formed of a transparent material.

[0038] As described above, the endoscope assembly may include an inner barrel 202. Referring now to Figure 6 , showing a perspective view of the inner barrel 202. As described above, the inner barrel 202 may include an inner barrel rib 206 and a joining surface 208 separated by a gap 210. The inner barrel 202 may be formed of a softer material than the outer barrel 200, so that when the inner barrel 202 receives the endoscope distal end 104, the inner barrel 202 may expand and contract relative to the outer barrel 200 along the direction arrow Z. The inner barrel 202 may be formed of a softer material than the material used to form the outer barrel 200, so that the inner barrel 202 may bend more than the outer barrel 200. The inner barrel 202 may be formed of a material having a durometer Shore hardness in the range of about 70 to 90. The types of materials that may be used may include polymers and rubbers. As indicated above, the outer barrel 200 may also be formed of a material having a durometer Shore hardness in the range of about 70 to 90. Here, the outer cylindrical member 200 can be formed from a material having a durometer Shore hardness in the range of approximately 70 to 90, which is higher than the Shore hardness of the material used to form the inner cylindrical member 202, wherein the inner cylindrical member is also formed from a material having a hardness in the range of approximately 70 to 90, but the hardness is lower in range than the hardness used for the outer cylindrical member 200.

[0039] The inner barrel 202 can expand and contract along the direction arrow Z to provide a snug fit around the endoscope distal end 104. The inner barrel 202 can include a ring 600 that can be formed to allow expansion of the inner barrel 202 and, in particular, the inner barrel ribs 206 during insertion of the endoscope distal end 104 into the inner barrel 202. The inner barrel ring 600 can also contract when receiving the endoscope distal end 104 so that the inner barrel 202 can have a snug fit around the endoscope distal end 104.

[0040] In an example, the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 can be formed using a two-shot molding process. Here, the distal tip 106 and the outer barrel 200 can be formed using a first molding process. After the first molding process is completed, the formed distal tip 106 and the outer barrel 200 can be transferred to another mold, in which the inner barrel 202, again formed of a softer material, is overmolded onto the inner surface of the outer barrel 200.

[0041] In an example, the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 can be discarded after a single use. Alternatively, the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 can be reused multiple times. In an example where the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 can be reused multiple times, the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 can undergo method 700, such as Figure 7 . Initially, during operation 702, the operator may collect the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 after the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 has been used for treatment and deliver the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 to a facility for treatment. In operation 704, the operator may clean and disinfect the used endoscope distal tip attachment 102. Next, in operation 706, the operator may perform an acceptance check of the endoscope distal tip attachment 102, wherein the operator may determine whether the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 is acceptable after cleaning and disinfection. Subsequently, the operator may disassemble the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 (operation 708) and, if necessary, replace the various components of the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 with new components during operation 710. After the component replacement, the operator may assemble the new endoscope distal tip attachment 102 during operation 712. In some examples, operation 712 may include adding an identifier to the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 indicating that the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 has been modified from its original state. The identifier may include a label or other marking that identifies the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 as being reprocessed, refurbished, or remanufactured. After reassembling the endoscope distal tip attachment 102, the operator may inspect the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 during operation 714, and then sterilize and store the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 during operation 716. Additionally, the operator may transport the endoscope distal tip attachment 102 during operation 718.

[0042] Fig. 8A and Figure 8BAn alternative example of a distal tip assembly attachment 800 is shown. The distal tip attachment 800 may include an outer barrel 200 and an inner barrel 202. Additionally, the distal tip assembly attachment 800 may include flexible arms 802 extending from the distal tip assembly attachment 800. Although seven arms 802 are shown, the distal tip assembly attachment 800 may have any number of flexible arms 802. Additionally, the arms may be formed of the materials used to form the outer barrel 200 or the inner barrel 202 as described above. The flexible arms 802 may be used to improve the view of the device implementing the distal tip assembly attachment 800. The flexible arms 802 may flatten the anatomical structures within the target site viewed by the device implementing the distal tip assembly attachment 800, thereby improving the view of the target site.

[0043] The endoscope distal tip attachment can be located near the distal end of the endoscope and help minimize obstructions that may interfere with the endoscope. In addition, the endoscope distal tip attachment can include a distal tip that is integral with an assembly that can be mounted on an endoscope. In an example, the distal tip contacts the distal end of the endoscope only via the assembly and does not need to be in direct contact with the endoscope, so that the distal tip does not require any type of fixation to the endoscope. In addition, the ability to insert the distal tip on the end of the endoscope as discussed above avoids or minimizes damage to the endoscope.

[0044] The above detailed description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The accompanying drawings show specific examples in which the present invention can be put into practice by way of illustration. These examples are also referred to as "examples" in this article. Such examples may include elements other than those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. In addition, the inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or arrangement of those elements (or one or more aspects of those elements) shown or described with respect to a specific example (or one or more aspects of a specific example) or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects of other examples) shown or described herein.

[0045] In this document, as is common in patent documents, the terms "a" or "an" are used to include one or more than one, regardless of any other instance or usage of "at least one" or "one or more". In this document, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" is used to refer to a non-exclusive or such that "A or B" includes "A but not B", "B but not A", and "A and B. In this document, the terms "including" and "in..." are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein". In addition, in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, systems, devices, articles, compositions, preparations, or processes that include elements other than those listed after such terms in the claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of the claim. In addition, in the appended claims, the terms "first", "second", and "third", etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on the objects of such terms.

[0046] The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects of the above examples) can be used in combination with each other. For example, other examples can be used by those of ordinary skill in the art after consulting the above description. An abstract is provided to allow readers to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted based on the following understanding: the abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above detailed description, various features can be combined together to simplify the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending to make the public features that are not claimed to be necessary for any claim. On the contrary, the subject matter of the present invention may be less than all the features of a specific public example. Therefore, the attached claims are incorporated into the detailed description as examples or embodiments, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate example, and it is conceivable that these examples can be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full scope of equivalents given by these claims.

Claims

1. A component comprising: A barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, the barrel defining a shoulder at a first side of the distal end of the barrel, the shoulder being configured to engage with the distal end of an endoscope, the barrel comprising: a set of ribs extending away from the shoulder of the barrel and toward the proximal end of the barrel, the set of ribs defining a cavity; and a ring extending around the cavity defined by the set of ribs and coupled to the set of ribs; and A distal tip extends from a second side of the distal end of the barrel opposite the first side of the distal end of the barrel and the shoulder of the barrel, the distal tip being formed as an integral piece with the barrel.

2. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising an inner cylindrical member disposed within the cavity, the cylindrical member being formed of a first material having a first durometer Shore hardness, and the inner cylindrical member being formed of a second material different from the first material and having a second durometer Shore hardness less than the first durometer Shore hardness, wherein The inner barrel is configured to receive a distal end of the endoscope.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The distal tip is formed from the first material having the first durometer Shore hardness.

4. The assembly of claim 1, the distal tip comprising a wall extending from a shoulder of the barrel and defining a lumen through which the distal end of the endoscope is exposed.

5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The distal tip includes an irrigant channel formed in the wall of the distal tip.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The barrel includes a second shoulder at a second side of the proximal end, the second shoulder opposite the first shoulder, and wherein the distal tip extends from the second shoulder.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The ring is formed in each rib in the set of ribs, and the ribs in the set of ribs are configured to deflect outwardly, wherein the ring is configured to maintain a position of the set of ribs after the ribs in the set of ribs deflect outwardly.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The ring is formed from a polymer that is capable of expanding and contracting.

9. An endoscope distal tip attachment, comprising: A cylindrical member having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical member comprising: a first shoulder located at a first side of the distal end, the first shoulder configured to engage the distal end of an endoscope; a second shoulder located at a second side of the distal end opposite the first side of the distal end; a set of ribs extending away from the first shoulder and toward the proximal end of the barrel, the set of ribs defining a cavity; and a ring extending around the cavity defined by the set of ribs and coupled to the set of ribs; and A distal tip extends from the second shoulder of the barrel, the distal tip being formed as an integral piece with the barrel.

10. The endoscope distal tip attachment of claim 9, further comprising an inner cylindrical member disposed within the cavity, the cylindrical member being formed of a first material having a first durometer Shore hardness, and the inner cylindrical member being formed of a second material different from the first material and having a second durometer Shore hardness less than the first durometer Shore hardness, wherein The inner barrel is configured to receive a distal end of the endoscope.

11. The endoscope distal tip attachment of claim 10, wherein: The distal tip is formed from the first material having the first durometer Shore hardness.

12. The endoscope distal tip attachment of claim 9, wherein: The distal tip includes a wall extending from a shoulder of the barrel and an irrigant passageway within the wall of the distal tip, the wall of the distal tip defining a lumen through which a distal end of the endoscope is exposed.

13. The endoscope distal tip attachment of claim 9, wherein: The ring is formed in each rib in the set of ribs, and the ribs in the set of ribs are configured to extend outwardly, wherein the ring is configured to maintain a position of the set of ribs after the ribs in the set of ribs extend outwardly.

14. The endoscope distal tip attachment of claim 13, wherein: The ring is formed from a polymer that is capable of expanding and contracting.

15. An endoscope distal tip attachment, comprising: A barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, the barrel defining a shoulder at a first side of the distal end of the barrel, the shoulder being configured to engage with the distal end of an endoscope, the barrel comprising: a set of ribs extending away from the shoulder of the barrel and toward the proximal end of the barrel, the set of ribs defining a cavity; and a ring extending around the cavity defined by the set of ribs and coupled to the set of ribs; and a distal tip extending from a second side of the distal end of the barrel opposite the first side of the distal end of the barrel and the shoulder of the barrel, the distal tip being formed as a unitary piece with the barrel, the distal tip including a wall extending from the shoulder of the barrel and defining a lumen through which the distal end of the endoscope is exposed, wherein an irrigant passage is formed in the wall of the distal tip.

16. The endoscope distal tip attachment of claim 15, wherein: The ring is formed in each rib in the set of ribs, and the ribs in the set of ribs are configured to extend outwardly, wherein the ring is configured to maintain a position of the set of ribs after the rings in the set of rings extend outwardly.

17. The endoscope distal tip attachment of claim 16, wherein: The ring is formed from a polymer that is capable of expanding and contracting.

18. The endoscope distal tip attachment of claim 15, wherein: The barrel includes a second shoulder at a second side of the proximal end, the second shoulder opposite the first shoulder and the distal tip extending from the second shoulder.

19. The endoscope distal tip attachment of claim 15, further comprising an inner barrel disposed within the cavity, the barrel being formed of a first material having a first durometer Shore hardness, and the inner barrel being formed of a second material different from the first material and having a second durometer Shore hardness less than the first durometer Shore hardness, wherein The inner barrel is configured to receive a distal end of the endoscope.

20. The endoscope distal tip attachment of claim 19, wherein: The distal tip is formed from the first material having the first durometer Shore hardness.

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