Newly developed all in one EUS system: one cart system, forward-viewing optics type 360 degrees electronic radial...

Most endosonographers use radial scanning instruments for diagnostic imaging, and use longitudinal scanning instruments primarily for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The use of two separate instruments for radial and longitudinal scanning means 2 different echoendoscopes are required, each with its own dedicated US processing unit. Currently available electronic radial echoendoscopes and linear instruments made by the same company require the same other brand US unit. Furthermore, no forward-viewing optics type 360 degrees electronic radial echoendoscope currently exists. We have developed an all-in-one one cart EUS system that saves space and is available for both the forward-viewing type 360 degrees radial electronic echoendoscope and the oblique-viewing type convex echoendoscope. These scopes have a transducer with variable frequency (5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.0 MHz) and color and power Doppler flow mapping capabilities. We performed a clinical development test for thirteen patients with sixteen lesions (Radial EUS on 8 lesions and EUS-FNA on 8 lesions) using this new EUS system. These new instruments provided satisfactory US and endoscopic images. The forward-viewing optics of the prototype enhanced intubation and instrument advancement. The radial scanning prototype provided an adequate diagnosis in 8 (100%) out of 8 lesions for EUS. The convex type achieved successful puncture in 8 (100%) out of 8 lesions and collection of adequate specimen for diagnosis of EUS-FNA in 4 (50%) out of 8 lesions. There were no complications in this series. This new system appears to be an attractive alternative for efficient EUS.