| Abstrakt: |
Endoscopes are rigid, straight, or angled systems that provide visualization, light, and magnification to anatomical areas, thereby avoiding larger open incisions. The endoscope consists of optical fibers and a light source. Each fiber delivers a separate piece of visual information to a camera and a video-integrated system. The camera processes the multiple image components into picture elements known as "pixels." To increase picture quality and clarity, the number of optical fibers and pixels would have to be increased. Given the size constraints of an endoscope, an increase in the number of optical fibers would require a decrease in fiber size. However, if the fiber becomes too small, the capacity to transmit light is significantly impeded. Presently, the maximum number of pixels in a camera system given the size constraints of the straight 10-mm-diameter thoracic or lumbar endoscope is 30,000. Zero and 30° angled scopes are most commonly used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
