The digital flexible ureteroscope: in vitro assessment of optical characteristics

Abstract

Introduction: Recent advances in endoscope design have placed the charged coupled device chip on the tip of the endoscope. The image is instantly digitalized and converted into an electrical signal for transmission. Digital technology was first introduced into flexible cystoscopes/nephroscopes and subsequently into rigid and flexible ureteroscopes. Herein, we assess the image characteristics and advantages of a new generation of digital flexible ureteroscopes. Methods: The Olympus URF-V flexible digital ureteroscope and the Olympus URF-P3 fiberoptic ureteroscope were assessed in vitro for image resolution, distortion, color representation, grayscale imaging, field of view, and depth of field. Results: The digital ureteroscope had a higher resolution at 3, 5, 10, and 20 mm (25.2 lines/mm vs. 8.0, 14.1 vs. 5.0, 6.3 vs. 2.8, and 3.2 vs. 1.3), respectively. Distortion with the digital flexible ureteroscope was lower, though not statistically significant. Color representation was better with the digital ureteroscope, whereas contrast evaluation was comparable between both scopes. The digital flexlible ureteroscope produced a 5.3 times larger image size compared with the standard fiberoptic flexible uretersocpe with a narrower field of view. The depth of field was limited by light and not the optic or the camera for both ureteroscopes. Conclusions: The development of digital flexible ureteroscopes represents a significant technological advance in urology. These devices offer significantly improved resolution and color reproduction as compared with traditional fiberoptic flexible ureteroscopes. Future clinical trials are warranted to ultimately determine the advantages of these innovative endoscopes.

Single‐use disposable digital flexible ureteroscopes: an ex vivo assessment and cost analysis

“…However, digital fURS scopes, both single‐use and reusable, have significant advantages over fibre optic scopes. Particularly with regard to movement and image quality . An additional limitation was that we only used the LithoVue in a small number of patients and thus it was not possible to draw any conclusions on its durability.…”

Retrograde intrarenal surgery for renal stones - Part 1

“…However, because of its wider diameter, ureteral access sheath (UAS) has been more frequently used. Later on, Zilberman et al [11] published their series with the use of newer digital ureteroscopes with a higher resolution and color quality that can show the anatomic structures 5.3-fold bigger than standard flexible ureteroscopes. As the improvements have emerged, it has been possible to develop new flexible ureteroscopes with a smaller caliber when compared to older conventional flexible ureteroscopes.…”

“…[11] The laser fiber consists of the optical elements and plastic sheath, and causing photo-thermal reaction leads to dusting and fragmentation of the stones. [35] The fragments can be retrieved with basket or very small fragments can be left to spontaneous clearance in the form of dusts.…”

İki̇ Cm’den Küçük Proksi̇mal Üreter Taşlarinin Fleksi̇ble Üreterorenoskopi̇ İle Tedavi̇si̇

“…Gelişen teknolojiler sayesinde daha küçük fragmente taş parçaları görülebilmektedir. Ayrıca gelişen lazer teknolojileri sayesinde 2 cm'e kadar olan taşlar parçalanabilmektedir (9,10). AUA rehberleri F-URS ile 10 mm'den büyük proximal taş tedavisindeki taşsızlık oranını %81 olarak göstermektedir ve sonraki çalışmalarda bu oranlar %87, %91'e yükselmiştir.…”