Fibre Optic Light Source for Endoscopes
Location – Ambulatory Care (Day Surgery)
Endoscopy is the process whereby an optical instrument is introduced into one or other of the body tubes or cavities so that the organs of the body may be directly inspected. The instruments of endoscopy are most usually inserted through existing orifices, such as the mouth and rectum, but in certain cases an incision may be made so that otherwise inaccessible body cavities may be examined. With fibre optics, much more manoeuvrable instruments can reach formerly inaccessible sites, while causing much less discomfort. Attachments can take tissue samples, excise polyps and small tumours, and remove foreign objects.
Endoscope is the generic name for a class of medical instruments that allow the physician to view in real time the inner surfaces of the body. They consist of a hand held optical viewer that is similar to the eye piece of a microscope, a cable housing that is inserted into the body that contains a fibre optic cable and other facilities and a camera at the cable’s end. Endoscopes designed for examining a specific site are given specific names. Accordingly, a laryngoscope is designed to pass through and examine the throat; a bronchoscope enters the lungs: a cystoscope is used to examine the urethra and bladder; colonoscopes are used to examine the colon. Another class of endoscope is used in laparoscopic and arthroscopic surgery and are inserted into the abdomen or joint through a tiny incision called a keyhole.
For the fibre optic cable to carry light to the site to be observed, it is necessary for the endoscope to be powered by an energy source. Cold light sources employing metal halide technology are the current standard. These units run cool, and without the need to disburse built up heat, no fan is required. As a result, these light sources run quiet and do not add to the heat build up in the operating theatre which contributes to the comfort of the surgical staff. Eagle Ridge needs to replace a light source acquired in 1984 that has been employed well beyond its designed service life.
Cost $19,000
Note: The photograph is used for illustrative purposes only. The equipment purchased may be of a different make and model.
P.S. Thanks Mr. Anesthetist. Your humour is above and beyond the call of duty and much appreciated!!