Advances in colonic imaging: technical improvements in colonoscopy

Abstract

Colonoscopy has been available since the early 1970s and has become critical to the diagnosis and management of colorectal disorders. Features of the modern colonoscope and its variants are discussed, including the role of paediatric and variable stiffness colonoscopes for difficult insertion. The place of magnetic endoscope imaging systems and simulators in routine colonoscopy and training are examined. Finally, several recent innovations are used to illustrate how colonoscopy may evolve in the future, including new takes on the current instrument as well as potentially revolutionary pain-free, technically-easy, robotic devices for examination of the bowel.

Thermal effects of cold light sources used in otologic surgery

“…LED light sources were developed for protection against the thermal effects of light sources. LED light sources provide brighter vision with lesser temperature increase [16]. Both LED and Halogen light sources are safer in that they both generate less energy, while LED light sources have the advantage of providing a perfect vision [16].…”

“…LED light sources provide brighter vision with lesser temperature increase [16]. Both LED and Halogen light sources are safer in that they both generate less energy, while LED light sources have the advantage of providing a perfect vision [16]. Bottrill et al, in their study investigating the use of endoscopes in otologic surgery, reported that there was a rise in temperature at the lateral semicircular canal (LSSC) after the endoscopic procedure, which had an effect much like caloric stimulation [9].…”

The Impact of Advances in Instrumentation and Techniques of Colonoscopy from 1988 to 2008 on Inpatient Colonoscopy Performance at a High Volume Endoscopy Unit in the United States: Significantly Shorter Procedure Time, Higher Completion Rate, Performance on Sicker Inpatients, and Near Disappearance of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

“…Colonoscopy was a relatively novel procedure in 1988 [1], with both video colonoscopes and polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution for outpatient colonic preparation for colonoscopy having been generally introduced just before 1988 [2,3]. Advances since 1988 include colonoscopes with higher resolution [4], wider angle of vision [5,6], narrower shafts [7], and differential shaft stiffness [8], as well as another year of gastroenterology fellowship training [9]. This work analyzes clinical effects of these colonoscopic advances, and reports clinically important time trends from 1988 to 2008, including colonoscopy performance on sicker inpatients, shorter procedure time, higher rates of cecal and terminal ileal intubation, and colonoscopy supplanting flexible sigmoidoscopy.…”

Temperature variations of nasal endoscopes

“…These include light sources that use light-emitting diode (LED) technology to create even brighter illumination with decreased potential of heat production. 10 Equipment checks and revisions should be standard practice in any practice or operating room setting to attempt to prevent unsafe equipment being used in patient care. As technology races to produce the best endoscopic illumination, a potential risk of increased heat may create unsafe conditions for patients.…”