Endoscope is a detection instrument that integrates traditional optics, ergonomics, precision machinery, modern electronics, mathematics and software.It relies on light source assistance to enter the human body through natural cavities such as the oral cavity or small incisions made through surgery,helping doctors directly observe lesions that cannot be displayed by X-rays.It is an essential tool for fine internal and surgical examination and minimally invasive treatment.
The development of endoscopes has gone through more than 200 years, and the earliest can be traced back to 1806,German Philipp Bozzini created an instrument consisting of candles as a light source and lenses for observing the internal structure of animal’s bladder and rectum.Although this tool was not used in the human body, Bozzini ushered in the era of hard tube endoscope and was therefore hailed as the inventor of endoscopes.
In the nearly 200 years of development, endoscopes have undergone four major structural improvements,from the initial rigid tube endoscopes(1806-1932), semi curved endoscopes(1932-1957) to fiber endoscopes (after 1957),and now to electronic endoscopes (after 1983).
1806-1932: When rigid tube endoscopes first appeared, they were straight through type,using an light transmission media and using thermal light sources for illumination. It’s diameter is relatively thick,the light source is insufficient,and it is prone to burns,making it difficult for the examinee to tolerate,and it’s application range is narrow.
1932-1957: Semi curved endoscope emerged,allowing for a wider range of examination through the curved front end.However,they still struggled to avoid drawbacks such as thicker tube diameter,insufficient light source,and thermal light burns.
1957-1983: Optical fibers began to be used in endoscopic systems.It’s application enables the endoscope to achieve free bending and can be widely used in various organs,allowing examiners to more flexibly detect smaller lesions.However,optical fiber transmission is prone to breakage,it’s image magnification on the display screen is not clear enough,and the resulting image is not easy to save.It is only for the inspector to view.
After 1983:With the innovation of science and technology,the emergence of electronic endoscopes can be said to have brought a new round of revolution.The pixels of electronic endoscopes are constantly improving,and the image effect is also more realistic,becoming one of the mainstream endoscopes at present.
The biggest difference between electronic endoscopes and fiber endoscopes is that electronic endoscopes use image sensors instead of the original optical fiber imaging beam.The electronic endoscope CCD or CMOS image sensor can receive the light reflected from the facial mask surface in the cavity,convert the light signal into electrical signals,and then store and process these electrical signals through the image processor,and finally transmit them to the external image display system for processing,which can be viewed by doctors and patients in real time.
After 2000: Many new types of endoscopes and their extended applications emerged,further expanding the scope of examination and application of endoscopes.New types of endoscopes are particularly represented by medical wireless capsule endoscopes,and extended applications include ultrasound endoscopes,narrowband endoscopic technology,laser confocal microscopy,and so on.
With the continuous innovation of science and technology, the quality of endoscopic images has also undergone a qualitative leap.The application of medical endoscopes in clinical practice is becoming increasingly popular,and is constantly moving towards miniaturization,multifunctionality,and high image quality.
Post time: May-16-2024