Fabrication and characterization of disposable wireless electronic endoscope

Abstract

A wireless electronic endoscope that transmits signals by Wi-Fi is developed for use in singlehole endoscopic surgery and future application to natural orifice surgery. The innovative electronic endoscope developed in this study has a disposable design, completely preventing patents from taking risks of cross infection. The main components of the endoscope are a disposable component of the front tip and the hand-held part of the rear tip. The front tip consists of a lens, metallic tube, and electronic joint whereas the rear tip consists of a power switch, image converter, wireless transceiver chip, and antenna. Experimental applications of the wireless electronic endoscope show that after 3 hours and 30 minutes of normal use, the temperature of metallic tube at the front tip averages 45 C. Regarding the measured luminance result, when the focal distance is 5 cm, luminance reaches 1410 lux. In an indoor environment, when the measured distance is 3 m and there is no disruptor, the Wi-Fi transmitted signal of the endoscope is at strength À51 dBm. If the disruptor is established between the sending and receiving ends, signal strength is À53 dBm. Increasing the measured distance to 8 m obtains a signal strength of À74 dBm. Test practical applications indicate that the wireless Wi-Fi electronic endoscope fully meets the needs of surgery room.