Endoscopy

In medical endoscopy, rigid or flexible endoscopes are used for diagnosis and for minimally invasive operations inside the body. Rigid endoscopes transmit the light and image information via mirrors into the body and back out. Flexible endoscopes transmit the light for illumination and the image via optical waveguides. Special versions of flexible endoscopes are video-endoscopes or videoscopes. These devices use a CCD chip at the tip of the endoscope for imaging. The digital image information is then communicated electrically via a video cable and displayed on a monitor.

Endoscopy systems are mostly combined with an insufflator, which guides CO₂ gas into the patient's body, thereby creating cavities and hence space for the endoscopic examination or operation, e.g. during procedures in the abdominal cavity (laparoscopy). Modern insufflators have a highly accurate pressure and flow control so as to be able to set and maintain even the smallest body cavities precisely.

Our sensor solutions for endoscopy

First Sensor develops and manufactures highly reliable sensors and customized sensor systems as a strategic partner to medical product manufacturers in the area of endoscopy and insufflation. As a development service provider, we typically provide complete optical systems for videoscopes, which integrate the CCD image sensor chip and miniature lens systems into a compact unit. First Sensor utilizes state-of-the-art layout and connecting technologies for the assembly and calibration of semiconductor chips and micro-optics under clean room conditions as well as long-standing technological experience from development projects for medical device manufacturers.

For CO₂ insufflators, First Sensor provides highly sensitive and rapid thermal mass flow sensors. Besides standard sensors, we develop and manufacture customized MEMS mass flow sensors within a modular technology platform. The sensors attain very rapid response times <2 ms as well as ultra-high resolutions and, at the same time, large dynamic ranges for measurements up to 300 l/min. Our piezoresistive silicon pressure sensors of the HDI and HCE series monitor the insufflation pressure resulting from the device. Their very high sensitivity enables them to detect minute pressure deviations of fractions of a millibar and provide stable pressure values in conjunction with modern control electronics.

Customized sensors and systems from First Sensor enable easy integration in end devices, cost savings during instrument development and competitive advantages thanks to short development cycles for you as a medical product manufacturer. Our complete advisory, development, production and service processes comply with the high requirements for medical products according to EN ISO 13485.

Learn more about our solutions for medical and industrial video endoscopy

Downloads

• Flyer "Solutions for medical and industrial video endoscopy" (PDF)