Advancements in Endoscopy Cameras

April 14, 2021

Advancements in Endoscopy Cameras: Endoscopy revolutionized the field of medicine and made the lives of both the doctors and the patients simpler. With extensive research and development surrounding endoscopy, various technological breakthroughs are underway to make the procedure even more seamless.

These technological strides have been in the form of physical aspects of endoscopy cameras and the clinical aspect, both benefiting society at large. Let’s take a look at the advancements that endoscopy cameras have undergone in recent years. But before that, let’s briefly brush up on our basics!

What is an endoscope camera?

As defined by GadgetsSpy an endoscopy camera is an instrument that is used to conduct the procedure of human endoscopy but can also be used for technical purposes such as a car diagnostic tool. In the human procedure, an infinitesimal camera, called the endoscopy, is attached to a long and thin tube. This tube with a camera on one end is inserted inside the body of a person to get clear images of the entrails of a hollow organ or the cavity. Not only can you get real-time images of a human body, but this instrument is also used in conducting various surgeries and DIY projects.

The invention of this device was indeed a major milestone in the world of medicine. It changed the way how we approached surgeries and gave us a holistic understanding of how the insides of the human bodywork. The best part is, this nifty instrument is still improving. The technological advancements being incorporated into the system makes it more comprehensive and safer, all the while contributing to various kinds of viewing and surgeries.

Whether it’s gastroscopy (endoscopy in the esophagus or food pipe) or colonoscopy (endoscopy in the bowel), an endoscopy camera can provide images of all the inside parts. The tube is generally inserted from the mouth or through the bottom of a person. However, surgeons these days also perform an incision to create an opening for the endoscope during a keyhole surgery for a deeper insight. During the incision, though, the patient is anesthetized, while during the regular insertion, they are kept conscious.

Physical Advancement in Endoscope Cameras

The world of surgery uses various instruments to surveil the insides of a human body. Each instrument works differently in examining the functioning of different organs of the body. However, the endoscopy camera made it possible for various examination instruments to be amalgamated into one meticulous, multi-functional object. This is one physical breakthrough that the R&D made while working on the endoscope.

The Combined intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) and endoscopy cameras are still underworking, but it has already shown fruitful prospects. Not only this, but hitherto, various experiments have been done to combine Computer Tomography (CT) and endoscope cameras to make certain surgeries more seamless. Middle ear surgery, in particular, requires precision and superior ergonomics, which is feasible with the sheer compatibility of these two visualization methods. The results have been favorable, to say the least.

Another addition that has garnered friction amongst modern surgeons is the use of fiber optic bundles for visualization rather than using a rod lens. This has two-fold benefits; first, the fiber optic can be used during all sorts of viewing, while the rod lens has certain limitations to it. The next is safety. An endoscope is all too familiar with the risks of infection, a concern many people raised during recent times. Naturally, the researchers considered the major risks such as infection, bleeding, or tearing of the vital internal organs. With this in mind, fiber optic has been incorporated into the system. Although each day some new propositions are put on the table, only some go through the clinical experimentation and come on the other side a victor.

Clinical Advancement in Endoscopy Cameras

Endoscopy cameras have seen some real innovations in recent years. One of the prominent ones has been protruded to be the use of the robotic system in conducting surgeries or just viewing in general with an endoscope. The major advantage of this system is 3D viewing. You can now examine the entrails of your body by analyzing a 3D image rather than the traditional 2D image.

The collaboration of an endoscope with a set of new technologies makes it possible for the device to either be incorporated into a large integrated viewing system or a handheld and lightweight device. The integrated system can be a cost-effective means of visualization, which will be incorporated into the operating theatre in the form of an endoscope tower. While the handheld system, in the form of Aesculap EinsteinVision, makes it possible for a single handpiece with lightweight and a single cable to keep a close eye on how human organs function. The researchers are still working towards the trend of integrating endoscopes and high-end cameras to process high-resolution images in a matter of minutes while also incorporating a pool of different technologies, including the system of robotics.

The final form of an endoscope is far from being finished. Though the system was first introduced to the world back in 1806, it has never stopped improving and would continue to do so. The use of LED to brighten the entrails is also an addition that has vastly benefitted surgeons worldwide, making it both convenient and risk-less. Although, saying that the use of an endoscopy camera is risk-free would be a lie. Most researchers have confessed to the risks involved. But clinical advancement endeavors to get these risks out of the way.

Flexibility in Use of Endoscopy Cameras

While originally, the endoscopy cameras were meant for medical use, of late, the scope of their use has broadened significantly. It can be used for countless other functions, even surveillance purposes. Not only that, but people have begun to use it for DIY projects, like checking the insides of a machine and detecting a potential fault. The modern endoscopy cameras have advanced enough to be connected to your android and iPhones as well! You can install the app and have real-time images display on your phone, which would make the reparations simpler!

Conclusion

Endoscopy cameras have emerged as a new trend around the world. A simple object is now being used in plenty of ways. Not to mention that new advancement is introduced to the system each day, whether to perform one function or the other. The original medical instrument still runs in all its glory, even better because of all the technological strides it has encountered.