[New developments in endoscopy]

Beside the developments of new imaging modalities in endoscopy, efforts have been made to improve therapeutical possibilities of endoscopic interventions. In addition to the improvement or even development of new instruments for flexible and rigid endoscopy, the potentials of the new technique of argon-plasma-coagulation in ENT are only hardly discovered. This innovative method is based on high-frequency (HF) electric current for non contact tissue coagulation via ionized argon gas. It leads to a homogeneous coagulation and desiccation zone with a limited and controlled tissue penetration. In addition a multifunctional instrument is presented for the resection of tumors in the upper aero-digestive tract which is able to cut and coagulate tissue on an HF basis and is provided with a channel for suction and irrigation. Additional instruments are offered for the laser surgical resection of tumors through the microlaryngoscope. These instruments are equipped with a cable connection for HF current and are helpful for controlling and managing large bleeding tumor masses. The increasing significance of the flexible endoscopy in ENT surgery is being taken into consideration by the development of additional instruments to remove all kind of foreign bodies in the esophagus or tracheo bronchial system. Through the creation of new materials it is also possible to perform an endoscopic dilatation of esophageal or hypopharyngeal stenoses with a reduced risk of perforations.