A preliminary report of a disposable electrical non-fiberoptic endoscope in thoracoscopic surgery

Conventional thoracoscopic surgery requires a camera connected to optic fibers and rigid rod lens to ensure the provision of adequate light and quality of real-time images in the operative field. However, the camera, the connected optic fibers and rigid rod lens are not disposable due to cost, which is a concern as regards potential contamination of patients. To decrease such contamination, we designed a disposable device of extremely low cost which we tested in thoracoscopic surgery in animals.

A complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor is used for obtaining real-time image at a refresh rate of 30 frames per second. A circumferential light was added by a light emitting diode. We connected wires to a universal serial bus adapter, with which the device can negotiate with a computer so as to control signal retrieval and adjustment of the light as well as focus. The device was designed to be as compact as possible. The contour resembled a conventional thoracoscope, but with no optic fibers and rigid rod lens included.

We used the devices to perform routine thoracoscopic surgical procedures, including wedge resection of the lung, lobectomy, esophagectomy, pericardiotomy and pleural biopsy in two 40-kg pigs under general anesthesia. The operating techniques were not altered while using this device.

This disposable, electrical non-fiberoptic endoscope has the potential to be easily and safely used in routine thoracoscopic surgery at a minimal cost. Further clinical evaluation will be required to demonstrate the utility in human patients.