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Review
. 2015 Apr;6(2):101-107.
doi: 10.1136/flgastro-2014-100448. Epub 2014 May 13.

The endoscopy evolution: 'the superscope era'

Nisha Patel  1 , Ara Darzi  1 , Julian Teare  1
Affiliations
Review

The endoscopy evolution: 'the superscope era'

Nisha Patel et al. Frontline Gastroenterol. 2015 Apr.

Abstract

Developments to the design of the flexible endoscope are transforming the field of gastroenterology. There is a drive to improve colonic adenoma detection rates leading to advancements in the design of the colonoscope. Novel endoscopes now allow increased visualisation of colonic mucosa, including behind colonic folds, and aim to reduce pain associated with the procedure. In addition, a shift in surgical paradigm towards minimally invasive endoluminal surgery has meant innovations in flexible platforms are being sought. There are a number of limitations of the basic endoscope. These include a lack of stability and triangulation of instruments. Modifications to the flexible endoscope design form the basis of a number of newly developed and research platforms, some of which are discussed in this review.

Keywords: adenoma detection; colonoscopy; colorectal cancer; endoscopic mucosal resection; polyp detection.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Third Eye Retroscope.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Multitasking platforms: (A) EndoSamurai; (B) ANUBISCOPE; (C) R-scope; (D) TransPort.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A) Aer-O-Scope; (B) Invendoscope SC40; (C) Invendoscope SC40 components and the propulsion mechanism. A is the hand-held device that performs all the endoscopic and software functions. B is the driving unit with eight wheels that moves the endoscope in and out of the colon. C is the inverted sleeve, enabling the endoscope to grow or shrink at the tip. D is the inner endoscope sheath. E is the inner layer of the inverted sleeve, when driven forward, unfolds here and becomes part of the outer layer, which then stays in position. There is hence no relative movement, and minimal forces are exerted on the colonic wall. F is the working channel. G is electrohydraulic deflection of the endoscope tip, which can move 180° in any direction. H is the high-resolution camera with three light-emitting diodes. (D) Endotics single-use probe (E-worm). (E) Method of locomotion: (i) adhesion of proximal clamper; (ii) elongation and adhesion of distal clamper; (iii) release of proximal clapper and E-worm shortening. (F) ColonoSight. (G) ColonoSight. The force generated by insufflating the sleeve propels the tip of the colonoscope forward in the direction of the green arrows.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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