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

Purpose: 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. Description: 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. Evaluation: 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. Conclusion: 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. (C) 2011 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.