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. 2016 Aug 30;5(1):1445.
doi: 10.1186/s40064-016-3135-z. eCollection 2016.

Ultra-high definition (8K UHD) endoscope: our first clinical success

Hiromasa Yamashita  1 , Hisae Aoki  2 , Kenkichi Tanioka  3 , Toshiyuki Mori  2 , Toshio Chiba  1
Affiliations

Ultra-high definition (8K UHD) endoscope: our first clinical success

Hiromasa Yamashita et al. Springerplus. .

Abstract

Background: We have started clinical application of 8K ultra-high definition (UHD; 7680 × 4320 pixels) imaging technology, which is a 16-fold higher resolution than the current 2K high-definition (HD; 1920 × 1080 pixels) technology, to an endoscope for advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Results: Based on preliminary testing experience and with subsequent technical and system improvements, we then proceeded to perform two cases of cholecystectomy and were able to achieve clinical success with an 8K UHD endoscopic system, which consisted of an 8K camera, a 30-degrees angled rigid endoscope with a lens adapter, a pair of 300-W xenon light sources, an 85-inch 8K LCD and an 8K video recorder. These experimental and clinical studies revealed the engineering and clinical feasibility of the 8K UHD endoscope, enabling us to have a positive outlook on its prospective use in clinical practice.

Conclusions: The 8K UHD endoscopy promises to open up new possibilities for intricate procedures including anastomoses of thin nerves and blood vessels as well as more confident surgical resections of a diversity of cancer tissues. 8K endoscopic imaging, compared to imaging by the current 2K imaging technology, is very likely to lead to major changes in the future of medical practice.

Keywords: 4K ultra-high definition (UHD); 8K ultra-high definition (UHD); Cholecystectomy; Laparoscopic surgery.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
System configuration of the 8K UHD endoscope
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Core part of the 8K UHD endoscopic system, which comprises an 8K camera head, a lens adapter and a rigid endoscope
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
A side view of 8K UHD endoscopic surgical setting
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
A front view of 8K LCD which is right in front of surgeons
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
The 8K camera head covered with a sterilized drape before attachment of the rigid endoscope
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Comparison between 8K and 2K endoscopic images of capillaries on the surface of the large intestine (The 8K UHD endoscopic image is only a print on paper and gives a poor representation of the real 8K resolution. The benefits of 8K resolution can only be seen using the special screen). a 2K endoscopic image. b 8K endoscopic image. c 256-times magnified image of a part of the 2K endoscopic image. d 256-times magnified image of the same part of the 8K endoscopic image
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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