4-mm-diameter three-dimensional imaging endoscope with steerable camera for minimally invasive surgery (3-D-MARVEL)

Abstract

Abstract. High-resolution three-dimensional (3-D) imaging (stereo imaging) by endoscopes in minimally invasive surgery, especially in space-constrained applications such as brain surgery, is one of the most desired capabilities. Such capability exists at larger than 4-mm overall diameters. We report the development of a stereo imaging endoscope of 4-mm maximum diameter, called Multiangle, Rear-Viewing Endoscopic Tool (MARVEL) that uses a single-lens system with complementary multibandpass filter (CMBF) technology to achieve 3-D imaging. In addition, the system is endowed with the capability to pan from side-to-side over an angle of AE25 deg, which is another unique aspect of MARVEL for such a class of endoscopes. The design and construction of a single-lens, CMBF aperture camera with integrated illumination to generate 3-D images, and the actuation mechanism built into it is summarized.

Does High-Definition 3-Dimensional Imaging Improve Orientation During Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery? A Prospective Trial

“…Last-generation 3D HD endoscopes were developed to overcome the previous deficits. The technology for these endoscopes mainly comprises 2 approaches: (1) a two-lens digital optic, combined with a 3D camera for each optic, represented line by line (Storz Tipcam 3D HD; Storz); (2) a "digital insect eye," including a camera (Visionsense VSIII 3D HD; Visionsense Ltd); and (3) a stereo camera housed in a single lens with a dual aperture system (MARVEL-Multi Angle Rear Viewing Endoscopic tool 24 -prototype). The device captures left and right perspective images of an object and then feeds them to a stereo display.…”

“…23 Owing to a higher image resolution, 2D HD endoscopes have been found to improve the recognition of anatomic structure in comparison with 2D SD endoscopes. 24,25 To rectify the lack of depth perception of 2D endoscopes, 3D endoscopes were introduced in the 1990s. First-generation 3D endoscopes were associated with headaches, nausea, ocular fatigue, and dizziness of the surgeons, and they had issues with resolution and contrast.…”

Endoscopic vitreoretinal surgery: principles, applications and new directions

“…Dual-channel systems that operate similar to the human stereopsis and single channel devices that use a lens array overlying a single microchip (“insect eye” or “plenoptic” camera) are both used in non-ophthalmic stereoendoscopic surgery [59, 60]. Evolving single-channel stereoendoscopic technology includes rotating deflector and single-lens, dual-aperture devices [61, 62].…”

9.3: Invited Paper: Geometric distortions in three‐dimensional endoscopic visualization

“…To ensure easy entry through the surgical opening, the diameter of the endoscope is limited. The reported overall diameter of existing 3D endoscope is as small as 4mm [8]. Typically, the 3D endoscope is composed of two duplicate high definition (HD) cameras, which can capture images with disparities (see Figure 1).…”

“…The left space for two optical channels placed side by side is around 3mm. Therefore, the base line length of two optical channels is around 1.2mm [8], which is tiny compared to the human adult average interpupillary distance (IPD) 63mm. A 3D display system is needed to present the endoscopic images, and then observed by the surgeons during the operation.…”