Surgical otoscope

Abstract

Certain embodiments described herein provide a surgical otoscope including a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, and a first length from the front end to the rear end. The tubular body has an inner layer, an outer layer, and a middle layer between the inner and outer layers. The inner, outer, and middle layers are arranged around a central cavity of the surgical otoscope. The central cavity extends from the front end to the rear end of the surgical otoscope. The inner layer includes a first membrane, and the outer layer includes a second membrane. The middle layer includes an expandable and contractible wire mesh disposed between the first membrane and the second membrane.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] A wide variety of ear diseases and conditions affect people worldwide. A variety of otologic procedures have been developed to diagnose and treat ear diseases. Often, such procedures require the insertion of instruments, such as endoscopes or surgical tools, into the ear. Ear preparation, sterilization, and treatment must all be precise to successfully diagnose and treat conditions without ear damage or infection.

[0002] Such ear procedures can be potentially complicated by the presence of debris in the ear canal (such as earwax, hair, or blood) that can block an open passage for surgical instruments or impair endoscopic visibility. Current ear surgical techniques use cutting tools and vacuum suction to carve out an open entry path for surgical instruments and prevent physical or visual blockage. However, preparing the ear in such a manner using vacuum suction and cutting tools is time-consuming, tedious, and carries the risk of human error causing ear trauma during vacuum suction and cutting.

[0003] Furthermore, the ear canal may have a natural curvature and shape that varies from person to person, and is generally at risk of trauma during otologic procedures. Therefore, even if the ear is properly prepared using vacuum suction and cutting tools, the ear canal may be exposed and at risk of injury during certain otologic procedures, especially if the ear canal is not straight. For example, bone drilling carries the risk of causing damage to the inner surface of the ear canal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved tools to assist in otic procedures that address at least some of the above challenges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to otoscopes used in otologic procedures and methods of using such otoscopes.

[0006] Certain embodiments described herein provide a surgical otoscope including a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, and a first length from the front end to the rear end. The tubular body has an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer between the inner and outer layers. The inner, outer, and intermediate layers are arranged circumferentially around a central cavity of the surgical otoscope. The central cavity extends from the front end to the rear end of the surgical otoscope. The inner layer includes a first membrane, and the outer layer includes a second membrane. The intermediate layer includes an expandable and contractible wire mesh disposed between the first membrane and the second membrane. When the surgical otoscope is in a contracted state, the surgical otoscope at least partially has a first diameter. When the surgical otoscope is in an expanded state, the surgical otoscope at least partially has a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

[0007] The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more embodiments.

[0008] The accompanying drawings depict certain aspects of one or more embodiments and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a surgical otoscope in accordance with certain embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a surgical otoscope in a compressed state, in accordance with certain embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a first end view of a surgical otoscope in accordance with certain embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a surgical otoscope in accordance with certain embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a portion of a surgical otoscope including a control member and a cap, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows a side view of a portion of a surgical otoscope including a control member and a rigid cap, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical otoscope of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of using a surgical otoscope, according to certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] To facilitate understanding, the same reference numerals are used wherever possible to designate identical elements that are common between the figures, and it is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

[0011] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to otoscopes used in otologic procedures, as well as systems including such otoscopes and methods of using such otoscopes.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the surgical otoscope disclosed herein includes a tubular body extending a first length from the front end of the otoscope to the rear end of the otoscope. The body includes an inner membrane layer, an outer membrane layer, and a structural wire mesh intermediate layer between the inner and outer layers. When the otoscope is placed in the ear canal, the otoscope can be expanded to apply slight pressure to the walls of the ear canal to promote straightening of the ear canal. The central cavity of the otoscope provides an open passage for surgical tools, and the membrane layer provides a protective, heat-resistant, and / or watertight seal.

[0013] 1 shows a side view of a surgical otoscope 100 in accordance with certain embodiments. As shown, the otoscope 100 includes a tubular body 110 having a front end 115, a rear end 120, and a first length 125 extending from the front end 115 to the rear end 120. The tubular body 110 includes an inner surrounding layer 130, an outer surrounding layer 135, and an intermediate surrounding layer 140. The layers 130, 135, and 140 are centered about a central cavity 145 of the otoscope 100. When the otoscope 100 is positioned in the ear, the central cavity 145 provides an open passageway into the ear for surgical tools.

[0014] In some embodiments, inner layer 130 includes an inward-facing heat-resistant or protective membrane (e.g., made of a plastic such as silicone or a coated plastic / metal). Outer layer 135 includes an outward-facing waterproof membrane (e.g., made of a plastic such as silicone or a coated plastic / metal), and middle layer 140 includes a wire mesh 142 that can be contracted for insertion into the ear and expanded once inside the ear. In some embodiments, mesh 142 can be expanded inside the ear canal so that otoscope 100 applies sufficient pressure to straighten a curved portion of the ear canal. Length 125 of otoscope 100 can correspond to the length of the ear canal to protect the portion of the ear canal into which otoscope 100 is inserted from heat or abrasion during surgery and to provide an open passageway into the ear for surgical tools. In some embodiments, wire mesh 142 can be made of thin stainless steel or another suitable material (e.g., nitinol) that allows for the contraction / expansion of the wire mesh structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the length 125 and diameter 150 of the otoscope 100 are selected to suit the length and diameter of the average adult ear canal (approximately 2.5 cm and 0.7 cm, respectively), the average child ear canal, the average adolescent ear canal, the average female ear canal, or the average male ear canal. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the otoscope 100 may range from approximately 0.5 centimeters (cm) to 4.5 cm. For example, the length of the otoscope 100 may be approximately 2.5 cm. Other lengths of the otoscope 100 are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the length of the otoscope 100 may be longer or shorter than the ear canal. For example, the length of the otoscope 100 may be slightly longer than the ear canal to facilitate grasping and removal of the otoscope 100. The length of the otoscope 100 may be longer than the ear canal to provide an entrance extending outside the ear. For example, in some embodiments, the length of otoscope 100 may range from approximately 1 cm to 8 cm. For example, the length of otoscope 100 may be approximately 3.5 cm. Other lengths of otoscope 100 are contemplated.

[0016] In some embodiments, the expanded diameter 150 of the otoscope 100 may be slightly larger than the maximum inner diameter of the ear canal to facilitate applying pressure to the inner wall of the ear canal. The maximum inner diameter of the ear canal refers to the inner diameter of the ear canal at its largest point compared to the inner diameters of various other parts of the ear canal. Note that the inner diameter of the inner ear canal may vary depending on the shape of the ear canal.

[0017] In embodiments in which the expanded diameter 150 of the otoscope 100 is larger than the diameter of the ear canal, when the otoscope 100 is inserted into the ear in a contracted state and then expanded, the otoscope 100 straightens the ear canal and conforms to the shape and diameter of the straightened ear canal along the length of the otoscope 100. Thus, the otoscope 100 does not necessarily need to be fully expanded along its entire length when used in a patient's ear canal. Rather, in use and when expanded, the otoscope 100 can have a shape that conforms to the shape of the ear canal in which it is placed, such that the otoscope 100 can have a diameter between the fully contracted diameter 152 and the fully expanded diameter 150 at various segments along its length.

[0018] In situations where it may be desirable to apply more pressure to the inner walls of the ear canal, the expanded diameter 150 may be increased without damaging the ear canal or causing discomfort to the patient. In any event, it will be further apparent that the selected length and diameter may be larger or smaller, such as for individuals with very large ear canals or for children or infants.

[0019] In some embodiments, a set of otoscopes 100 may be provided. The otoscopes 100 may have different lengths and diameters to suit various ear shapes and sizes. The set of otoscopes 100 may each be sterilized, placed in a sealed package, and discarded after use, eliminating the need for sterilization.

[0020] Inner layer 130 can be made from a variety of suitable materials (e.g., plastic and plastic film) that have sufficient elasticity to stretch and compress when otoscope 100 is expanded and contracted while providing heat resistance or abrasion protection. Outer layer 135 can be selected from a variety of suitable materials that have sufficient elasticity to stretch and compress when otoscope 100 is expanded and contracted while providing a watertight seal. In various embodiments, otoscope 100 can include additional membrane layers. In some embodiments, one or more of membrane layers 130, 135 can be omitted.

[0021] The wire mesh 142 of the middle layer 140 is expandable and contractible. When the mesh 142 is contracted, the otoscope 100 has a compressed diameter 152 that is smaller than the diameter of the ear canal and can be easily inserted into the ear canal. The mesh 142 can be expanded to a diameter larger than the diameter of the ear canal so that when the otoscope 100 is inserted into the ear and expanded, the mesh 142 can conform to the diameter of the ear canal so that the outer layer 135 applies pressure against the inner walls of the ear canal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outer layer 135, which is pressed against the wall of the ear canal, forms a watertight seal around at least a portion of the central cavity 145 of the otoscope 100. The watertight seal may facilitate creating an aqueous environment in the central cavity 145, which may be beneficial for performing certain procedures involving the presence of liquid in the ear canal. For example, the presence of liquid during cutting or drilling may lubricate the blade, increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the cutting or drilling process.

[0023] 2 shows a side view of a surgical otoscope 100 in a compressed state, according to certain embodiments. As shown, the otoscope 100 includes a tubular body 110 having a front end 115, a rear end 120, and a first length 125 extending from the front end 115 to the rear end 120. The tubular body includes an inner surrounding layer 130, an outer surrounding layer 135, and an intermediate surrounding layer 140. The layers 130, 135, 140 are centered about a central cavity 145 of the otoscope 100.

[0024] As shown, the otoscope 100 has a compressed diameter 152 when in a compressed state. In certain embodiments, the compressed diameter 152 may be smaller than the smallest diameter of the ear into which the otoscope 100 will be inserted, thus allowing for easier insertion. As described above, the otoscope 100 may be expanded after insertion into the ear. For example, if the expected diameter of the ear canal is 0.6 cm, the compressed diameter may be approximately in the range of 0.2 to 0.65 cm (other compressed diameters are also contemplated, particularly for use with other ear canal diameters). In some embodiments, the expanded diameter may be approximately the same as or larger than the diameter of the ear canal. For example, if the expected diameter of the ear canal is 0.6 cm, the expanded diameter may be approximately in the range of 0.5 to 0.85 cm (other compressed diameters are also contemplated, particularly for use with other ear canal diameters).

[0025] The otoscope 100 can be expanded and contracted by the relative expansion and contraction of the wire mesh 142. In some embodiments, the wire mesh 142 is expanded (e.g., longitudinally and / or diametrically) as a result of a user (e.g., a surgeon) twisting a portion of the wire mesh 142 located near the front end 115 in a first direction, e.g., clockwise, and the wire mesh 142 is contracted (e.g., longitudinally and / or diametrically) by twisting that portion of the wire mesh 142 in a second direction, e.g., counterclockwise. In other embodiments, the direction of rotation for expansion and contraction can be reversed, i.e., counterclockwise for expansion and clockwise for contraction. In some embodiments, the wire mesh 142 can be expanded by compressing the wire mesh 142 (e.g., by a user pressing the wire mesh against a portion of the inner ear anatomy). In some embodiments, the wire mesh 142 can be compressed by stretching the wire mesh 142 (e.g., by pulling on the ends of the wire mesh 142).

[0026] In various embodiments, the otoscope 100 can be expanded or contracted by any suitable means, so long as the otoscope can be contracted and then easily expanded within the ear. For example, by locating the expansion / contraction mechanism at the front end 115, the mechanism can be accessible while the otoscope 100 is inserted into the ear. In some embodiments, such a mechanism can be included at either the front end 115, the rear end 120, or both ends of the otoscope 100, so that either end 115, 120 can be inserted into the ear.

[0027] 3 shows a first end view of a surgical otoscope 100 in accordance with certain embodiments. As shown, inner layer 130 extends circumferentially about a central cavity 145 and has a thickness from a first radius 132 to a second radius 134, middle layer 140 extends circumferentially about inner layer 130 and central cavity 145 and has a thickness from second radius 134 to a third radius 136, and outer layer 135 extends circumferentially about middle layer 140, inner layer 130, and central cavity 145 and has a thickness from third radius 136 to a fourth radius 138, which is an outer diameter.

[0028] As mentioned above, the fully expanded diameter 150 of the otoscope 100 may be selected to be the same as or close to the maximum inner diameter of the ear canal, or may be larger, so that the otoscope 100 fits snugly when inserted into the ear canal in a contracted state and then expanded.

[0029] 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of a surgical otoscope 100 according to certain embodiments. As shown, the otoscope 100 is inserted into the ear and expanded so that the outer layer 135 presses against the inner wall 170 of the ear canal. In some embodiments, the otoscope 100 at least partially straightens the curved portion of the ear canal so that the central cavity 145 provides a substantially straight, open passageway into the ear for surgical tools.

[0030] In some embodiments, the otoscope 100 may include a guide or control member 175 at the front end 115 or rear end 120 of the otoscope 100. For example, the rear portion 177 of the control member 175 may be attached to the front end 115 of the otoscope 100 and match the diameter 150 or the compressed diameter 152 of the otoscope 100. The control member 175 may have a tapered shape, with the front portion 179 of the control member 175 having a wider diameter than the rear portion 177. The front portion 179 provides an opening or central cavity (e.g., central cavity 145) for instrument insertion. The control member 175 is the portion that can be grasped by the clinician's fingers to manipulate the otoscope, thus facilitating accurate placement and / or removal of the otoscope 100. In some embodiments, the control member 175 interfaces with the wire mesh 142 of the otoscope 100 such that twisting the control member 175, or a portion of the control member 175, can expand or contract the wire mesh 142. For example, control member 175 may be engaged with wire mesh 142 such that twisting control member 175, or a portion of control member 175, in a first direction, e.g., clockwise, expands wire mesh 142, and twisting control member 175, or a portion of control member 175, in a second direction, e.g., counterclockwise, contracts wire mesh 142. In some embodiments, control member 175 may engage with wire mesh 142, for example, via a friction fit or some other mechanical interference mechanism (such as interlocking / complementary mechanical mechanisms on control member 175 and wire mesh 142).

[0031] In some embodiments, when the otoscope 100 is inserted into the ear with the control member 175 attached, the control member 175 extends out of the front end 115 of the otoscope 100 and protrudes from the patient's ear, providing a tapered graspable area 160 that facilitates removal of the otoscope 100 from the ear. In some embodiments, the front portion 179 of the control member 175 may have a knurled finish to further assist the surgeon in gripping the control member 175.

[0032] In certain embodiments, a cap may be provided within the opening in the control member to prevent bodily fluids or secretions from exiting the ear during surgery. Figures 5 and 6A-6B show various examples of control members with different types of caps.

[0033] 5 shows a side view of a control member 575 coupled to a cap 580 having a central opening 584, according to certain embodiments. The cap 580 may be fixedly coupled to the control member 575 or may be removable from the control member 575. The cap 580 may be made of a suitably rigid material to provide a structure that will not potentially damage surgical instruments as they pass through or exit the control member 575. In some embodiments, the cap 580 may be made of silicone or a similar material. The cap 580 may be used to cover the opening 582 of the control member 575 to prevent bodily fluids or secretions from passing over the cap 580 of the control member 575 and exiting the ear during surgery.

[0034] In some embodiments, cap 580 may extend only partially across the diameter of opening 582 in front 579 of control member 575. In some embodiments, cap 580 may extend a quarter of the diameter of inward-facing opening 582, such that central opening 584 of cap 580 has a diameter half the diameter of opening 582. Central opening 584 may be configured to be large enough to allow a surgical instrument to pass therethrough, yet small enough to guide the instrument through tubular body 110.

[0035] 6A shows a side view of an exemplary rigid cap 686 of another exemplary control member 675, according to certain embodiments. The rigid cap 686 may be a circular sheet of material (e.g., silicone) that covers a central cavity or opening 687 (e.g., central cavity 145 in FIG. 1 ) in the front 679 of the control member 675. In some embodiments, the rigid cap 686 may be removable from the control member 675. In other embodiments, the rigid cap 686 may be fixedly coupled to the control member 675. The rigid cap 686 may be made from a thin and / or pierceable material so that a cannula 690 may be forced through the rigid cap 686 to pierce it and create an opening for inserting an instrument while preventing bodily fluids or secretions from exiting the ear during surgery. In some embodiments, the rear 694 of the cannula 690 can be a sharp tip for forcing into and puncturing the rigid cap 686. In some embodiments, the rigid cap 686 can be made of silicone or a similar material.

[0036] The length of the cannula 690 can be configured so that when fully inserted, the cannula 690 extends only a portion of the length of the control member 675. The cannula 690 can have a front portion 692 with a lip 696 that has a larger diameter than a rear portion 694. The lip 696 acts as a stop and holds the cannula 690 in place when the rear portion 694 is fully inserted into the rigid cap 686. Providing the rigid cap 686 provides the surgeon with the flexibility to position the cannula 690, and therefore the instrument opening, in any suitable position within the opening 687 in the front portion 679 of the control member 675. The rigid cap 686 can be made of a variety of materials that can be thin enough to allow the cannula 690 to pierce material.

[0037] In some embodiments, the rigid cap 686 is not pierced by the cannula 690, but instead may be pierced by a surgical instrument as it enters the control member 675. In some embodiments, the rigid cap 686 may be pierced by a surgical knife. Piercing the rigid cap 686 with a surgical instrument may be more convenient for the surgeon and require fewer components.

[0038] Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of rigid cap 686 with cannula 690 coupled to control member 675 of Figure 6A. A rear portion 694 of cannula 690 extends into control member 675 and guides the instrument toward tubular body 110. Cannula 690 can be made of a variety of materials (e.g., plastic, stainless steel, etc.) that allow cannula 690 to guide the instrument without potentially damaging it.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 700 of using a surgical otoscope 100, according to certain embodiments. As shown, method 700 may begin at a starting point, block 705. From starting point 705, method 700 may proceed to block 710, where a sterilized otoscope 100 is removed from hermetically sealed packaging. For example, otoscope 100 may be a single-use device that is supplied sterile in hermetically sealed packaging and disposed of after use. Although method 700 is described in connection with a surgical otoscope 100, method 700 should not be limited thereto. It will be understood that aspects of method 700 may be applied to other similar devices or otoscopes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] From block 710, where the otoscope 100 is removed from its packaging, the method 700 may proceed to block 715, where the otoscope 100 is retracted to a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ear canal at which the otoscope 100 will be inserted. For example, before removal from its packaging, the otoscope 100 may have a first diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the ear canal. The retraction mechanism of the otoscope 100 may then be operated to retract the otoscope to a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ear canal. The amount of retraction may vary, as long as there is enough clearance to easily insert the otoscope 100 without creating significant friction from the walls of the ear canal. In another example, the otoscope 100 may be packaged in a retracted state after removal from its packaging, ready for immediate insertion into the ear canal. In some embodiments, a tapered control member 175 may be attached to the front end 115 of the otoscope 100 before inserting the otoscope 100 into the ear. The tapered control member 175 may prevent over-insertion and facilitate later removal of the otoscope 100.

[0041] From block 715, where the otoscope 100 is retracted, the method 700 may proceed to block 720, where the rear end 120 of the otoscope 100 is inserted into the patient's ear canal. For example, the rear end 120 may be inserted the length 125 of the otoscope 100 so that the front end 115 is positioned proximate the entrance to the ear canal. In another example, a tapered control member 175 may be attached to the front end 115 of the otoscope 100, the tapered control member 175 preventing over-insertion of the otoscope 100.

[0042] From block 720, where the rear end 120 of the otoscope 100 is inserted into the ear canal, the method 700 may proceed to block 725, where the otoscope 100 is expanded to the diameter of the ear canal. For example, the middle layer 142 of the otoscope 100 may be configured so that it can be expanded directly by twisting, pushing, or pulling a portion of the mesh 142.

[0043] In various embodiments, the diameter 150 of the otoscope 100 in its fully uncompressed, expanded state may be larger than the diameter of part or all of the patient's ear canal. When the otoscope 100 is expanded in the patient's ear, the outer layer 135 presses against the inner wall 170 of the ear canal, applying pressure to straighten one or more curved portions of the ear canal.

[0044] From block 725, where the otoscope is expanded to the diameter of the ear canal, the method 700 may proceed to block 730, where a surgical tool is inserted through the central cavity 145 of the otoscope 100. For example, the central cavity 145 may provide an open passageway of access into the ear for an endoscope, bone burr, or other surgical tool.

[0045] From block 730, where a surgical tool is inserted through the central cavity, the method 700 may proceed to block 735, where the surgical tool is removed, for example, when the surgical tool is removed after a surgical procedure is completed.

[0046] From block 735, where the surgical tools are removed, the method 700 may proceed to block 740, where the otoscope 100 is removed from the patient's ear. In some embodiments, the otoscope 100 may be removed by grasping and pulling the front end 115. In other embodiments, the otoscope 100 is removed by grasping and pulling the control member 175 attached to the front end 115 of the otoscope 100. Alternatively, the otoscope 100 may be recompressed before removal. Both the otoscope 100 and the control member 175 may be single-use products and may be discarded after removal.

[0047] The above description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A surgical otoscope, comprising: a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, and a first length from the front end to the rear end, An inner layer; An outer layer; an intermediate layer between the inner layer and the outer layer; a tubular body comprising Including, the inner layer, the middle layer, and the outer layer are circumferentially disposed about a central cavity of the surgical otoscope extending from the front end to the rear end; the inner layer comprises a first membrane; the outer layer comprises a second membrane; the intermediate layer includes an expandable and contractible wire mesh disposed between the first membrane and the second membrane; When in a retracted state, the surgical otoscope at least partially has a first diameter; and A surgical otoscope, wherein when in an expanded state, the surgical otoscope at least partially has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter.

2. The surgical otoscope of claim 1 , wherein the first membrane includes an inwardly facing heat resistant membrane.

3. The surgical otoscope of claim 1 , wherein the second membrane comprises an outwardly facing waterproof membrane.

4. The surgical otoscope of claim 1 further comprising a tapered control member removably attachable to the front end of the surgical otoscope.

5. 10. The surgical otoscope of claim 1, wherein the expandable and contractible wire mesh is expanded by being twisted in a first direction and contracted by being twisted in a second direction.

6. 10. The surgical otoscope of claim 1, which is sterile and contained within a sealed package.

7. The surgical otoscope of claim 2 , wherein the inwardly facing heat-resistant membrane comprises a flexible, heat-resistant material.

8. removing a sterile otoscope from a sealed package, the sterile otoscope including a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, a first length from the front end to the rear end, an inner peripheral layer, an outer peripheral layer, an intermediate peripheral layer between the inner and outer peripheral layers, and a central cavity extending along the first length; retracting the sterile otoscope so that it is in a retracted state, the sterile otoscope having a retracted diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the ear canal of the patient's ear; inserting the rear end of the sterilized otoscope in the retracted state into the ear canal; dilating the sterile otoscope to apply pressure to the walls of the ear canal and provide a clear passageway for surgical tools; inserting a surgical tool through the central cavity of the sterile otoscope; removing the surgical tool from the central cavity of the sterile otoscope; removing the sterilized otoscope from the ear canal; A method comprising:

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the sterilized otoscope has an inner protective layer, and the method further comprises inserting a bone burr through the central cavity of the sterilized otoscope.

10. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the sterilized otoscope has an outer waterproof layer, and the method further comprises introducing a liquid into the central cavity of the sterilized otoscope to create an aqueous surgical environment.

11. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the sterilized otoscope has an inner heat-resistant layer, and the method further comprises performing a heat-generating otologic procedure with a surgical instrument inserted through the central cavity of the sterilized otoscope.

12. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the intermediate surrounding layer comprises an expandable wire mesh, and expanding the sterile otoscope comprises twisting a portion of the expandable wire mesh located at the front end of the sterile otoscope.

13. Sealed packaging and a sterile surgical otoscope disposed within the sealed packaging, the sterile surgical otoscope including a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, a first length from the front end to the rear end, an inner surrounding membrane layer, an outer surrounding membrane layer, an intermediate surrounding mesh layer between the inner and outer surrounding membrane layers, and a central cavity extending along the first length; at least one surgical instrument inserted through the central cavity of the sterile surgical otoscope during surgery; A system including:

14. 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a tapered control member having a control member front end with a forward diameter that is greater than a rearward diameter of the control member rear end, the control member rear end being removably attachable to the front end of the sterile surgical otoscope.

15. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the sterile surgical otoscope is a first of a plurality of otoscopes having different lengths and diameters.

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