Original researchApplication of wireless electrical non-fiberoptic endoscope: Potential benefit and limitation in endoscopic surgery

- Initial application of wireless device into endoscope.
- Durability, feasibility and stability were tested and results were excellent.
- The device will extend the endoscope in regions other than the operative room.

IntroductionConventional rigid endoscope requires a bundle of optic fibers for illumination and a set of camera for viewing body cavity. The design is bulky in the hand-held part and the laterally positioned optic fibers may hinder manipulation of instruments, especially in single port surgery. We designed a simplified unit to replace conventional endoscope.Materials and methodsWe used an independent front image sensor along with six light emitting diode crystals. A wireless module working in 2.4 GHz and its antenna were integrated into the hand-help part. Two 800 mA batteries were used for power supply. The study was tested in two 35 kg pigs. Some simple thoracoscopic and laparoscopic operations were simulated to test the reliability and surgeon's acceptability.ResultsSignal Noise ratio can be controlled well in the setting of the operative room. Signal transmission was influenced significantly when covered by damped gauze or drape. The best quality of wireless transmission is through line-of-sight. Dropping frame is less than 1 frame per second in 99% time period during the test.ConclusionWireless modules in the design of rigid endoscope may be a plausible option with good acceptability.