Disposable endoscope system
Development of a disposable endoscope system
Here, we introduce an example of a disposable endoscope system development that we are actually working on.
Caution
The disposable endoscopy system shown on this site is not approved by the PMD Act : Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices. Specifications, performance and images, etc. are examples under development.
Outline
Based on the needs for disposable products that can be used hygienically safe in the endoscope market where reuse products are the mainstream, we have looked into the development of disposable endoscopes and camera control units (controllers) . We started to develop a small diameter disposable endoscope used for transurethral procedures, which is well-known to be difficult to develop and manufacture among all endoscopes. By starting with this small diameter product, we believe that we can accumulate technology, information, experience and then move to develop a wide range of disposable endoscopes for the other clinical departments.
Development concept
Needs of low-cost
Reused products require (1) equipment installation costs + (2) inspections and maintenance costs + (3) operation costs and labor costs for cleaning after use.
→ (1) Develop disposable products will reduce equipment installation costs and eliminate the costs of (2) and (3)
Operability needs
The vertical handle of reused products is large and heavy. The operation of pushing up the lever is heavy and difficult. Operator has to stand to treat patient.
→ Develop disposable products to improve operability
Needs of countermeasures for infection risk associated with cleaning
There is a limit to the cleaning of reused products by humans, and it is impossible to eliminate the risk of infection.
→ Develop disposable products that fundamentally solve the problem of infection risk due to poor cleaning
Examination of specifications
Examine specifications to meet the development concept.
Here is an example of components with the most advance specifications in the class of small diameter endoscope.
Endoscope
| Description | Specifications | |
|---|---|---|
| CMOS imaging center | Number of pixels | 16m pixels |
| Frame rate | 30fps | |
| Angle of visibility | 120° | |
| Observation depth | 5～50mm | |
Controlling system
| Description | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Power source | DC 5V |
| Imaging device | CMOS imaging sensor(400×400) |
| Light source | SMD chips LED(2pcs mounted on head of the tip) |
| Video output | DVI-D output DVI-D.24P connector x 2 |
| Format of video output | DVI-D output 720P(1280×720), 60Hz |
| Functional switches on front panel | White balance, ZOOM, FREEZE, LED boost(OFF/L/H), GAIN |
| Still picture recording, video recording | |
| Still image playback, video playback, playback stop, forward, return | |
| Recording media | USB memory |
| Dimension | 180(W)x85(H)x260(D) mm |
Primary prototype
Prototypes are made based on the examined specifications.
Here, we introduce the prototypes that we have actually made.
Controlling system
Curve of endoscope
Video
Endoscopic images
Video showing inside of the kidney model
Download Video (Zip format 45 MByte)
Draft sketches of handle
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Type-1 | Type-2 | Type-3 | Type-4 |
We listened to opinions from former doctors and experienced endoscope developers from cooperating companies, and examined various types with our product designers.
An example of the horizontal handle
Contact
For those who are interested in primary prototypes of disposable endoscope under development
Please contact us for detailed specifications.
Please contact us if you are interested in trial production of disposable endoscopes in Japan, application for regulatory approval, manufacturing, and own brand products (OEM supply).
For those who are interested in the functional specifications of disposable endoscopes and controllers
Please contact us if you have a need for next-generation functional specifications in clinical settings of not just urology but any clinical department.
For those who are interested in the elemental technologies of disposable endoscopes and controllers
- Curved tubes, technologies and products that can be used as curved structures
- Technologies and products that can be used for next-generation CMOS sensors and light sources (LED chips, etc.)
Please contact us if you own technologies or products stated above and are interested in working with us for further developments.
