Endoscopic innovations

The goal of this chapter is to describe the evolution and implementation of several new interventional technologies which expand the capabilities for less invasive surgery. These technologies, including laparoscopic transcystic duct common bile duct exploration, fallopian tube endoscopy, and laser lithotripsy, are all based on the use of new fiberoptics and laser technology. While the application of these technologies may appear unrelated, each specialty has borrowed technology and techniques from other disciplines to develop less invasive forms of therapy. Until recently, transfer of new techniques between different medical specialities has been impeded by a lack of communication. This lack of communication has been a primary impediment to the transfer of enabling technologies from one discipline to another. The Laser Research and Technology Development Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center provides the physical setting and administrative support for collaborative research which emphasizes technology transfer. Focused, well defined research projects are developed to solve a particular problem. New technologies which might provide potential solutions to the problem are systematically examined for feasibility, cost, ease of implementation and application to medicine. Successful application of new technologies to medicine requires a well defined, goal-oriented program with the support of a broadly-based research team including physicists, chemists, engineers, biologists, and physicians.