Endoscope distal tip attachment

Abstract

An endoscopic distal tip attachment that can include a lens barrel and a distal tip extending from the lens barrel is provided. The lens barrel can have a proximal end and a distal end with a first shoulder and a second shoulder. The first shoulder is on a first side of the distal end and can be configured to engage the distal end of the endoscope. The second shoulder can be present on a second side of the distal end opposite the first side of the distal end. The lens barrel can have a set of ribs extending from the first shoulder toward the proximal end of the lens barrel, and the set of ribs defines a cavity. The lens barrel can include a ring that couples with the set of ribs and extends around the cavity. The distal tip extends from the second shoulder and can be formed as a single piece with the lens barrel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 368,518, filed on July 15, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This document generally relates to, but is not limited to, surgical devices that can be used for various surgical procedures. More particularly, this application relates to, but is not limited to, attachment members for endoscopes.

Background Art

[0003] Endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope to examine a patient. In upper endoscopy, the endoscope can pass through the patient's mouth and throat and enter the esophagus during the procedure. From there, the endoscope can enter the patient's stomach and small intestine. In lower endoscopy or colonoscopy, an endoscope called a colonoscope passes through the patient's anus and the doctor examines the patient's large intestine. The endoscope includes a camera that allows the doctor to observe the throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

[0004] Problems can arise when the tip of an endoscope with a camera can contact the tissue surrounding the area to be observed. When the tissue contacts the camera, the camera's field of view becomes unclear, thereby limiting the effectiveness of the endoscopic procedure. Similarly, there is also a risk that foreign objects may contact the camera, which also obscures the camera's field of view and limits the effectiveness of the endoscopic procedure.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Techniques for preventing foreign objects from contacting the end of the endoscope and potentially obscuring the camera's field of view can include a fixture that fits onto the distal end of the endoscope. The fixture can be made of a transparent material. Nevertheless, problems associated with this technique can arise, such as fixing the fixture to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a mounting member for an endoscope that prevents foreign objects from coming into contact with the camera while maintaining the field of view of the camera. Further, the fixture should be securable to the end of the endoscope with minimal effort.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] This document describes an example of a distal tip fixture for an endoscope. The distal tip fixture of the endoscope can include an outer lens barrel having a proximal end and a distal end. The outer lens barrel can include ribs extending from the distal end towards the proximal end, and the ribs can define a cavity. The inner lens barrel can be disposed within the cavity such that it is within the outer lens barrel. The inner lens barrel can be configured to receive the distal end of the endoscope. In the example, the combination of the outer lens barrel and the inner lens barrel can provide a structure that can be fitted onto the distal end of the endoscope while minimizing damage to the endoscope. The outer lens barrel can include a ring that extends around the cavity and is coupled to the ribs. The ring is expandable so that the outer lens barrel and the inner lens barrel can be fitted around the endoscope, and is contractible to provide a snug fit around the endoscope.

[0008] The outer lens barrel can include a first shoulder located at the distal end, and the distal end of the endoscope disposed within the inner lens barrel can abut against the first shoulder. Further, the outer lens barrel can include a second shoulder on the opposite side of the first shoulder where the distal tip extends. In the example, the distal tip can be integral with the outer lens barrel. Further elaborating, the distal tip and the outer lens barrel can be formed from a single piece. The distal tip can include a wall extending from the second shoulder of the outer lens barrel. The wall can define a cavity that exposes the distal end of the endoscope when the endoscope is disposed within the outer lens barrel and the inner lens barrel and abuts against the first shoulder.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] Advantages can include providing a distal tip that may be present near the distal end of the endoscope to help minimize obstacles that could interfere with the endoscope.

[0010] Another advantage can include providing a distal end integral with the assembly that can fit onto the endoscope, where the distal tip only contacts the distal end of the endoscope via the assembly and does not need to directly contact the endoscope, and thus the distal tip does not require any type of fixation to the endoscope.

[0011] Another advantage relates to being able to insert the distal tip onto the end of the endoscope while assisting in avoiding or minimizing damage to the endoscope.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 6

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Figure 8A

Figure 8B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Examples of the present disclosure relate to a distal tip attachment assembly of an endoscope. The distal tip attachment assembly of the endoscope can include a lens barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, and a first shoulder is located at the proximal end of the lens barrel. In addition, the lens barrel can include a second shoulder at the distal end on the opposite side of the first shoulder, and the distal tip extends from the second shoulder. The distal tip can be integral with the lens barrel such that the lens barrel and the distal tip are a single unit.

[0014] In a further example, the distal tip attachment of the endoscope can include an outer lens barrel having a proximal end and a distal end. The outer lens barrel can include ribs extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and the ribs can define a cavity. The inner lens barrel can be disposed within the cavity such that the inner lens barrel is within the outer lens barrel. The inner lens barrel can be configured to receive the distal end of the endoscope. In an example, the combination of the outer lens barrel and the inner lens barrel can provide a structure that can fit onto the distal end of the endoscope while minimizing damage to the endoscope. The outer lens barrel can include a ring that extends around the cavity and couples to the ribs. The ring is expandable to fit the outer lens barrel and the inner lens barrel around the endoscope and contractible to provide a snug fit around the endoscope.

[0015] The outer lens barrel can include a first shoulder located at the distal end, and the distal end of the endoscope disposed within the inner lens barrel can abut against the first shoulder. Further, the outer lens barrel can include a second shoulder opposite the first shoulder from which the distal tip extends. In an example, the distal tip can be integral with the outer lens barrel. Further elaborating, the distal tip and the outer lens barrel can be formed from a single piece. The distal tip can include a wall extending from the second shoulder of the outer lens barrel. The wall can define a cavity that exposes the distal end of the endoscope when the endoscope is disposed within the outer lens barrel and the inner lens barrel and abuts against the first shoulder.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an endoscope assembly 100 having an endoscope 101 that includes an endoscope distal tip fixture 102. The endoscope distal tip fixture 102 can be disposed at the distal end 104 of the endoscope. The endoscope distal tip fixture 102 can include a distal tip 106, which can be configured to minimize foreign matter 108 so as not to obscure the camera 110 of the endoscope assembly 100, as described in detail below. The foreign matter 108 is shown as having the potential to contact and obscure the endoscope camera 110, but the distal tip 106 can serve to help reduce or minimize contact of tissue within the surgical site with the endoscope camera 110.

[0017] The distal tip 106 can extend from the endoscope distal tip fixture 102 as shown in detail with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. The endoscope distal tip fixture 102, which can be an assembly, can include an outer lens barrel 200 and an inner lens barrel 202 disposed within the outer lens barrel 200. Additionally, the distal tip 106 can extend from the distal end 204 of the outer lens barrel 200. The inner lens barrel 202 can be configured to fit around the distal end 104 of the endoscope in such a way as to help reduce or minimize damage to the distal end 104 of the endoscope.

[0018] To minimize damage to the distal end 104 of the endoscope, when an operator places the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope on the distal end 104 of the endoscope, the inner barrel 202 can be formed from a material that can deform around the distal end 104 of the endoscope. More specifically, the inner barrel 202 can be formed from a material having a durometer shore 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 distal end 104 of the endoscope.

[0019] The inner barrel 202 can include ribs 206 that can be configured to engage the distal end 104 of the endoscope when the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope is placed on the distal end 104 of the endoscope. For example, since the inner barrel 202 is formed from a material that allows deformation of the inner barrel 202, the ribs 206 of the inner barrel can deform to accommodate the distal end 104 of the endoscope. The inner barrel 202 can include engagement surfaces 208 separated by a gap 210. The engagement surfaces 208 can contact the distal end 104 of the endoscope while the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope is placed on the distal end 104 of the endoscope. Thanks to the gap 210, the engagement surfaces 208 can move along the X and Y directions, and the inner barrel 202 can be more snugly fitted around the distal end 104 of the endoscope.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows an example of how the outer lens barrel 200 can accommodate the inner lens barrel 202. The outer lens barrel 200 can include a rib 300 extending from the distal end 204 of the outer lens barrel towards the proximal end 302 of the outer lens barrel. The rib 300 of the outer lens barrel can form a cavity 400 (FIG. 4) in which the distal end 104 of the endoscope can be disposed. Similar to the inner lens barrel 202, the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel can be formed from a material that can be bent by the operator when the distal end fitting 102 of the endoscope is placed on the distal end 104 of the endoscope, so as to reduce or minimize damage to the distal end 104 of the endoscope. Here, the outer lens barrel 200 along the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel can be formed from a material having a durometer shore hardness in the range of about 70 to 90. The types of materials that can be used can include polymers and rubbers. Thus, the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel can provide a snug fit around the distal end 104 of the endoscope. The outer lens barrel 200 and the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel can be formed from a material having a higher durometer shore hardness compared to the material used for the inner lens barrel 202. For example, the outer lens barrel 200 and the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel can be made from a material harder than the material for the inner lens barrel 202 if the inner lens barrel 202 is formed with a durometer shore hardness less than that of the outer lens barrel 200.

[0021] When the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel bends outward, the outer lens barrel 200 can include a ring 304 disposed around the cavity 400 and within the rib 300, such as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The ring 304 can be disposed in the recess 402 of the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel. The ring 304 can act to move the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel to the position shown with reference to FIG. 3 after the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel has bent while disposing the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope on the distal end 104 of the endoscope. For example, the ring 304 can be formed from an elastomer such as polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene, and silicone, or any other type of material, that can pull the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel to the configuration shown in FIG. 3 after bending outward while disposing the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope on the distal end 104 of the endoscope. Thus, the ring 304 can be formed from a material that can expand and contract.

[0022] In some examples, the distal end 204 of the outer lens barrel can include a shoulder 306 on a first side 500 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of the distal end 204 of the outer lens barrel. The shoulder 306 can be disposed near the periphery of the distal tip 106. For example, the shoulder 306 can be configured such that the distal end 104 of the endoscope abuts the shoulder 306 when the distal end 104 of the endoscope is disposed within the cavity 400, as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the shoulder 306 can act as a stop for the endoscope 100, together with the distal end 104 of the endoscope, within the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope, thereby engaging the endoscope 100 and the distal end 104 of the endoscope. Further, the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel can extend from the shoulder 306 toward the proximal end 302 of the outer lens barrel.

[0023] As described above, the ring 304 can assist in pulling the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel into the configuration shown with reference to FIG. 3 after bending outward during the placement of the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope onto the distal end 104 of the endoscope. The outer lens barrel 200 can also include a member 308 that can engage the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel, as shown in FIG. 3. Similar to the ring 304, the member 308 can act to move the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel to the position shown in FIG. 3 after the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel has bent during the placement of the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope onto the distal end 104 of the endoscope. The member 308 can be formed from an elastomer such as polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene, and silicone, or any other type of material, that can pull the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel into the configuration shown in FIG. 3 after bending outward during the placement of the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope onto the distal end 104 of the endoscope. Thus, the member 308 can be formed from an expandable and contractable material.

[0024] As described above, the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope can include a distal tip 106. The distal tip 106 can be configured to help reduce or minimize foreign objects 108 so as not to obscure the camera 110 of the endoscope assembly 100. In particular, FIGS. 4 and 5 show 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. Additionally, the outer lens barrel 200 can include a shoulder 408 disposed on a second side 500 (FIG. 5) of the distal end 204 of the outer lens barrel. The shoulder 408 can be opposite the shoulder 306, and thus, the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel extends along direction A from the shoulder 306, and the distal tip 106 extends along direction B from the shoulder 408, opposite the direction A and the rib 300 of the outer lens barrel.

[0025] The distal tip 106 extends 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 suppress or prevent the foreign object 108 so as not to obscure the distal end 104 of the endoscope and the camera 110. Additionally, the distance L of the distal tip 106 can be set to protect the distal end 104 of the endoscope and the camera 110 from any tissue present in the site being examined by the endoscope assembly 100. In particular, the distance L can be set according to the procedure in which the endoscope assembly 100 is being used, such as observation and / or treatment.

[0026] As described above, the shoulder 306 can act as a stop against the distal end 104 of the endoscope. Thus, the camera 110 of the endoscope 101 can be separated by a distance L from the distal end 502 of the distal tip 106. Thanks to the cavity 406 of the distal tip, the distal end 104 of the endoscope together with the camera 110 can be exposed to the environment in which the endoscope 101 is being used internally. Further, the cavity 406 of the distal tip can protect the distal end 104 of the endoscope and the camera 110 from the foreign object 108 and can help suppress or prevent the foreign object 108 so as not to obscure the distal end 104 of the endoscope and the camera 110. Similarly, the cavity 406 of the distal tip can protect the distal end 104 of the endoscope and the camera 110 from any tissue present in the site being examined by the endoscope assembly 100.

[0027] The distal tip 106 can also include one or more cleaning fluid passages 310 formed in the distal tip wall 404, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. Although two cleaning fluid passages 310 are shown, the distal tip 106 can include any number of cleaning fluid passages 310. The cleaning fluid passages 310 can allow the cleaning fluid to flow out from the surgical site being examined using the endoscope 101. Similarly, the cleaning fluid passages 310 can help allow the cleaning fluid to flow into the surgical site being examined using the endoscope 101.

[0028] As discussed previously, the distal tip 106 can be integrated with the outer lens barrel 200. To achieve an integrated configuration, the distal tip 106 can be formed as a single part with the outer lens barrel 200. In particular, since the distal tip 106 is integrated with the outer lens barrel 200, the distal tip 106 and the outer lens barrel 200 form a single part. Doing so avoids the problem of fixing the distal tip to the outer lens barrel because the distal tip 106 and the outer lens barrel 200 are a single integral part. The distal tip 106 and the outer lens barrel can be formed by a single injection molding process, casting, or any other process, in which case the distal tip 106 and the outer lens barrel 200 can be formed as a single integral unit. Further, the distal tip 106 can be formed from the same material as the outer lens barrel 200.

[0029] More specifically, similar to the outer lens barrel 200, the distal tip 106 can be formed from a material having a durometer shore hardness in the range of about 70 to 90. The types of materials that can be used can include polymers and rubbers. For example, the distal tip 106 can be formed from a material having a higher durometer shore hardness compared to the material used for the inner lens barrel 202. Thus, the distal tip 106 can be made from a material that is harder than the material for the inner lens barrel 202 when the inner lens barrel 202 is formed with a durometer shore hardness less than that of the distal tip 106. Further, the distal tip 106 can be formed from a transparent material.

[0030] As described above, the endoscope assembly can include an inner barrel 202. Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the inner barrel 202 is shown. As described above, the inner barrel 202 can include inner barrel ribs 206, along with engagement surfaces 208 separated by a gap 210. The inner barrel 202 can be formed from a material that is softer than the outer barrel 200, and thus, the inner barrel 202 can expand and contract along the direction arrow Z relative to the outer barrel 200 when the inner barrel 202 receives the distal end 104 of the endoscope. The inner barrel 202 can be formed from a material that is softer than the material used to form the outer barrel 200, and thus, the inner barrel 202 can be more flexible than the outer barrel 200. The inner barrel 202 can be formed from a material having a durometer shore hardness in the range of about 70 to 90. The types of materials that can be used can include polymers and rubbers. As previously shown, the outer barrel 200 can also be formed from a material having a durometer shore hardness in the range of about 70 to 90. Here, the outer barrel 200 can be formed from a material having a durometer shore hardness in the range of about 70 to 90 that is higher than the material used to form the inner barrel 202, where the inner barrel can also be formed from a material having a hardness in the range of about 70 to 90, but in a range lower than that used for the outer barrel 200.

[0031] The inner barrel 202 can expand and contract along the direction arrow Z to provide a snug fit around the distal end 104 of the endoscope. The inner barrel 202 can include a ring 600 that can be formed such that the inner barrel 202, and particularly the ribs 206 of the inner barrel, can expand while inserting the distal end 104 of the endoscope into the inner barrel 202. The ring 600 of the inner barrel also contracts when receiving the distal end 104 of the endoscope, and the inner barrel 202 can have a snug fit around the distal end 104 of the endoscope.

[0032] In an example, the distal tip fixture 102 of the endoscope can be formed using a two-shot molding process. Here, the distal tip 106 together with the outer barrel 200 can be formed using a first molding process. Once the first molding process is completed, the formed distal tip 106 and outer barrel 200 can be transferred to another mold where next, the inner barrel 202 formed from a softer material is molded onto the inner surface of the outer barrel 200.

[0033] In an example, the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope can be disposed of after a single use. Alternatively, the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope can be used repeatedly multiple times. In an example where the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope can be used repeatedly multiple times, the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope can follow method 700, as shown in FIG. 7. First, the operator can collect the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope in operation 702 after it has been used for treatment and deliver the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope to a processing facility. In operation 704, the operator can clean and disinfect the used distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope. Next, the operator can perform an acceptance check of the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope, and in operation 706, the operator can determine whether the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope is acceptable after cleaning and disinfection. Thereafter, the operator can disassemble the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope (operation 708), and in operation 710, various parts of the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope can be replaced with new parts as necessary. In operation 712, after the parts are replaced, the operator can assemble the new distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope. In some examples, operation 712 can include adding an identifier to the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope indicating that the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope has been changed from its original state. The identifier can include a label or other marking that indicates that the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope has been reprocessed, newly modified, or regenerated. After reassembling the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope, in operation 714, the operator can inspect the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope, and then, in operation 716, the operator can disinfect and store the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope. Further, in operation 718, the operator can ship the distal tip attachment 102 of the endoscope.

[0034] Figures 8A and 8B show alternative examples of the distal tip assembly fixture 800. The distal tip fixture 800 can include an outer lens barrel 200 and an inner lens barrel 202. Additionally, the distal tip assembly fixture 800 can include a flexible arm 802 extending therefrom. Although seven arms 802 are shown, the distal tip assembly fixture 800 can have any number of flexible arms 802. Further, the arms can be formed from the materials used to form the outer lens barrel 200 or the inner lens barrel 202 as described above. The flexible arm 802 can function to improve the field of view of the device implementing the distal tip assembly fixture 800. The flexible arm 802 can flatten the anatomical structures within the target site that are visible by the device implementing the distal tip assembly fixture 800, thereby improving the field of view of the target site.

[0035] The distal tip fixture of the endoscope can be disposed near the distal end of the endoscope and helps to minimize obstacles that may interfere with the endoscope. Further, the distal tip fixture of the endoscope can include a distal tip integral with an assembly that can fit onto the endoscope. In an example, the distal tip only contacts the distal tip of the endoscope via the assembly and need not contact the endoscope directly; thus, the distal tip does not require any type of fixation to the endoscope. Further, as discussed previously, the ability to insert the distal tip onto the end of the endoscope avoids or minimizes damage to the endoscope.

[0036] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings that form a part of that detailed description. The drawings illustrate, for the purpose of explanation, specific examples in which the invention may be practiced. These examples are also referred to herein as "examples". Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventor also contemplates examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Further, the inventor also contemplates examples in which any combination or substitution (or one or more aspects thereof) of these elements shown or described with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein, is used.

[0037] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more, independent of any other example, or the use of "at least one" or "one or more". In this document, the term "or" refers to non-exclusive, and unless otherwise indicated, "A or B" includes "A but not B", "B but not A", and "A and B". In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the terms "comprising" and "wherein", respectively. Further, in the following claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, i.e., a system, device, article, composition, representation, or process that includes elements in addition to those recited after such terms in a claim is still considered to be within the scope of that claim. Further, in the following claims, terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0038] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the foregoing examples (or one or more aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Other examples can also be used by those skilled in the art, etc., with reference to the above description. Abstractions are provided to the reader to enable a quick appreciation of the nature of the technical disclosure, but are presented with the understanding that they are not used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Further, in the above detailed description, various features can be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be construed as intending that the disclosed features, which are not claimed, are essential to any of the claims. Rather, the subject matter of the invention lies in less than all of the features specifically disclosed in any of the examples. Accordingly, the following claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the detailed description as examples, or each claim is incorporated as an example that stands on its own as a separate example, and it is further contemplated that such examples can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Description of the Reference Numerals

[0039] 100 Endoscope assembly 101 Endoscope 102 Distal tip fixture of the endoscope 104 Distal end of the endoscope 106 Distal tip 108 Foreign object 110 Camera 200 Outer lens barrel 202 Inner lens barrel 204 Distal end of the outer lens barrel 206 Rib 208 Engaging surface 210 Gap 300 Rib 302 Proximal end of the outer lens barrel 304 Ring 306 Shoulder 308 Member 310 Cleaning liquid passage 400 Cavity 402 Recess 404 Distal tip wall 406 Distal tip cavity 408 Shoulder 500 Side 502 Distal end 600 Ring 700 Method 800 Fixture for attaching the distal tip assembly 802 Flexible arm L distance

Claims

1. A lens barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, the lens barrel defining a shoulder on a first side of the distal end of the lens barrel, the shoulder being configured to engage with the distal end of the endoscope, the lens barrel being a set of ribs extending from the shoulder of the lens barrel toward the proximal end of the lens 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 including a lens barrel; a distal tip extending from the first side of the distal end of the lens barrel and from a second side of the distal end of the lens barrel opposite the shoulder of the lens barrel, the distal tip being formed as an integral part with the lens barrel; An assembly comprising.

2. The assembly further comprises an inner lens barrel disposed within the cavity, the lens barrel being formed from a first material having a first durometer shore hardness, the inner lens barrel being formed from a second material different from the first material and having a second durometer shore hardness less than the first durometer shore hardness, the inner lens barrel being configured to receive the distal end of the endoscope. The assembly according to claim 1.

3. The distal tip is formed from the first material having the first durometer shore hardness. The assembly according to claim 2.

4. The distal tip includes a wall extending from the shoulder of the lens barrel and defining a cavity, the distal end of the endoscope being exposed through the cavity. The assembly according to claim 1.

5. The distal tip includes a cleaning fluid passage formed in the wall of the distal tip. The assembly according to claim 4.

6. The lens barrel includes a second shoulder on a second side of the proximal end, the second shoulder being on the opposite side of the first shoulder, the distal tip extending from the second shoulder. The assembly according to claim 1.

7. The ring is formed on each rib of the set of ribs, the rib of the set of ribs being configured to bend outwardly, the ring being configured to maintain the position of the set of ribs after the rib of the set of ribs bends outwardly. The assembly according to claim 1.

8. The ring is formed from a polymer capable of expansion and contraction. The assembly according to claim 7.

9. A distal tip attachment for an endoscope, a lens barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, the lens barrel being A first shoulder on a first side of the distal end, the first shoulder being configured to engage with the distal end of the endoscope. A second shoulder on a second side of the distal end, opposite to the first side of the distal end. A set of ribs extending from the first shoulder towards the proximal end of the lens barrel, the set of ribs defining a cavity. A ring extending around the cavity defined by the set of ribs and joining the set of ribs. A lens barrel including the above. A distal tip extending from the second lens barrel shoulder and formed as an integral part with the lens barrel. A distal tip attachment for an endoscope comprising the above.

10. The distal tip attachment further includes an inner lens barrel disposed within the cavity. The lens barrel is formed from a first material having a first durometer shore hardness, and the inner lens barrel is formed from a second material having a second durometer shore hardness less than the first durometer shore hardness and different from the first material. The inner lens barrel is configured to receive the distal end of the endoscope. The distal tip attachment for an endoscope according to claim 9.

11. The distal tip is formed from the first material having the first durometer shore hardness. The distal tip attachment for an endoscope according to claim 10.

12. The distal tip includes a wall extending from the shoulder of the lens barrel and a cleaning liquid passage within the wall of the distal tip. The wall of the distal tip defines a cavity, and the distal end of the endoscope is exposed through the cavity. The distal tip attachment for an endoscope according to claim 9.

13. The ring is formed on each rib of the set of ribs. The rib of the set of ribs is configured to extend outwardly, and the ring is configured to maintain the position of the set of ribs after the rib of the set of ribs extends outwardly. The distal tip attachment for an endoscope according to claim 9.

14. The ring is formed from a polymer capable of expansion and contraction. The distal tip attachment for an endoscope according to claim 13.

15. A distal tip attachment for an endoscope, A lens barrel having a proximal end and a distal end. The lens barrel defines a shoulder on a first side of the distal end of the lens barrel, and the shoulder is configured to engage with the distal end of the endoscope. The lens barrel, A set of ribs extending from the shoulder of the lens barrel towards the proximal end of the lens barrel and defining a cavity. A ring that extends around the cavity defined by the set of ribs and is coupled to the set of ribs comprising a lens barrel, and a distal tip extending from a first side of the distal end of the lens barrel and a second side of the distal end of the lens barrel opposite the shoulder of the lens barrel, the distal tip being formed as an integral part with the lens barrel, the distal tip including a wall extending from the shoulder of the lens barrel and defining a cavity, the distal end of the endoscope being exposed through the cavity, and a cleaning fluid passage being formed in the wall of the distal tip, a distal tip, and a distal tip attachment for an endoscope, comprising.

16. The ring is formed on each rib of the set of ribs, the rib of the set of ribs being configured to extend outwardly, and the ring is configured to maintain the position of the set of ribs after the rib of the set of ribs extends outwardly. The distal tip attachment for an endoscope according to claim 15.

17. The ring is formed from a polymer capable of expansion and contraction. The distal tip attachment for an endoscope according to claim 16.

18. The lens barrel includes a second shoulder on a second side of the proximal end, the second shoulder being on the opposite side of the first shoulder, and the distal tip extends from the second shoulder. The distal tip attachment for an endoscope according to claim 15.

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

20. The distal tip is formed from the first material having the first durometer shore hardness. The distal tip attachment for an endoscope according to claim 19.

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