4K Video-Laryngoscopy and Video-Stroboscopy: Preliminary Findings

Abstract

Introduction: 4K video is a new format. At 3840 × 2160 resolution, it has 4 times the resolution of standard 1080 high definition (HD) video. Magnification can be done without loss of resolution. This study uses 4K video for video-stroboscopy.

Material and method: Forty-six patients were examined by conventional video-stroboscopy (digital 3 chip CCD) and compared with 4K video-stroboscopy. The video was recorded on a Blackmagic 4K cinema production camera in CinemaDNG RAW format. The video was played back on a 4K monitor and compared to standard video. Pathological conditions included: polyps, scar, cysts, cancer, sulcus, and nodules.

Results: Successful 4K video recordings were achieved in all subjects using a 70° rigid endoscope. The camera system is bulky. The examination is performed similarly to standard video-stroboscopy. Playback requires a 4K monitor. As expected, the images were far clearer in detail than standard video. Stroboscopy video using the 4K camera was consistently able to show more detail. Two patients had diagnosis change after 4K viewing.

Conclusion: 4K video is an exciting new technology that can be applied to laryngoscopy. It allows for cinematic 4K quality recordings. Both continuous and stroboscopic light can be used for visualization. Its clinical utility is feasible, but usefulness must be proven.

Keywords: high definition video; laryngeal diseases; stroboscopy; video laryngoscopy; video recording; vocal fold vibration.