상하 회전 가능한 전자 후두내시경의 개발

Purpose: Laryngoscope is a basic equipment for examining the laryngopharynx. The pre-existing rigid laryngoscopes and fiberscopes have some inconvenience. The problems of the current rigid laryngoscopes are as follows: 1) absence of biopsy channel, 2) difficulties in exposing the larynx in cases of severe gag reflex, short neck, and children, 3) very vulnerable, 4) relatively high cost, and 5) not portable. In addition, disadvantages of the fiberscopes are as follows: 1) sometimes it is difficult to fix the tip to evaluate the lesion, especially in oropharynx, and nasopharynx, 2) very high cost, 3) frequent Moire sign (+), and 4) not portable. Authors have developed a portable digital rigid laryngoscope with flexible head for replacing the pre-existing rigid telescope and fiberscope. Methods and Materials: Recently developed high luminescent white LEDs (light emitting diodes) are placed at the head of the endoscope as a light source for the CCD image sensor which is also placed at the head with imaging lenses. This arrangement eliminates the bulky light sources like halogen or xenon lamps as well as the expensive light guiding optical fibers. We adopted non-spherical lens system to prevent peripheral image distortion and Moire sign, and to enhance depth of field. In addition, it can be bent not only to downward but also to upward upto 130°. Results: The advantages of portable digital rigid laryngoscope demonstrated as following: 1) Not only the laryngopharynx but also the nasopharynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx could be obserbed 2) The laryngopharyngeal pathologic lesion could be biosied through biopsy channel, 3) The laryngeal pathology can be easily removed because the flexible part is supported firmly through the combined rigid part. In case of poor laryngeal exposure through suspension laryngoscopy, it can also be easily removed through biopsy channel. 4) it can be checked the air leakage using air pump. Conclusion: Portable digital rigid laryngoscope with rigid body and flexible head has a lot of advantage over simple fiberscope or rigid laryngoscope. It is a very useful equipment especially for otorhinolaryngologists. In addition, it can be applied for thoracoscope, laparoscope, cystourethroscope, colposcope, etc. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2005;16:275-280)