The advantages of Lightguide Endoscopy go far beyond reducing heat transmission. Other benefits include duct access, decreased bleeding, and lower risk of anterior proliferation during vitrectomy. Read on to learn more. This article highlights some of the benefits of Lightguide Endoscopy. This procedure has been used successfully for over twenty years in a wide range of settings. It is now the preferred method of ophthalmic endoscopy, particularly in vitrectomy.
Reduces heat transmission
The LED light source in the tip of an endoscope is located outside the device in an external unit. The light source can be placed anywhere within the device, but if it’s at the tip, the LED would have to be dissipated from the endoscope because it’s tiny. In addition, the heat generated by the LED light source would not be dissipated to the surroundings. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of LED-integration on the tip of an endoscope. The aim is to develop a solution that will ensure a reduction in the overall amount of heat generated in the procedure.
Unlike the traditional endoscopic approach, Lightguide endoscopy also allows surgeons to control the brightness of the light emitted by the endoscope tip. The LEDs are heated by the lamp and emit a low-temperature light, preventing burns and other damages to tissue. Lightguide endoscopy reduces heat transmission by using a low-wattage LED assembly. The LED assembly is mounted on a 4.1-degC-per-watt round heat sink with a 12 VDC fan. The light source is composed of four royal blue LEDs and two neutral-white LEDs. These LEDs are intended to mimic the typical white light sources used for endoscopic procedures. However, other combinations of LEDs could be used to match different QDs or the excitation wavelength of other endoscopic instruments.
Another major benefit of Lightguide endoscopy is reduced heat transmission. LED-powered rigid endoscopes have a typical efficiency of 35 percent. Lightguide endoscopy reduces heat transmission while allowing for a lower-temperature endoscope to be registered with regulatory authorities. And thanks to its plug-and-play nature, Lightguide endoscopy is easier to integrate into a standard endoscopic system.
Allows duct access
As the number of endoscopic procedures increases, lightguide endoscopy is a new tool for duct access. This innovative technology works by allowing the endoscope to access the general area of a desired duct. The biliary tree comprises the biliary, pancreatic, and hepatic ducts. Typically, patients are given a catheter to navigate through the ducts. The invention of biliary catheters dates back to the 1960s.
Reduces risk of bleeding
A multicenter study published in 2008 suggested that lightguide endoscopy reduces the risk of bleeding by as much as 40%. This study used T-score as a predictor of rebleeding and mortality. However, this score performed poorly compared to GBS. Further verification is needed. The authors suggest that this test should be used with caution in predicting bleeding and mortality, but their results were similar to GBS.
However, some research has questioned the effectiveness of lightguide endoscopy in reducing the risk of bleeding during therapeutic procedures. This is because bleeding is common during therapeutic endoscopic procedures. Patients may experience bleeding that requires a blood transfusion or unplanned hospital admission. Although bleeding is less common with lightguide endoscopy than with traditional methods, it may result in an unplanned hospital stay. Bleeding may occur immediately following the endoscopy or two weeks later. Those taking antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulants may be at increased risk for bleeding. Consequently, patients on these medications should seek appropriate medical help after undergoing endoscopy.
The authors assessed the strength of the evidence to determine the optimal level of lightguide endoscopy. Using a GRADE system, they reached consensus on the final version. The manuscript was then submitted to an internal peer review and sent to member societies for comment. All authors provided conflict-of-interest declarations. Moreover, the study was co-published in Endoscopy and Gut.
Reduces risk of re-retinal detachment
Lightguide endoscopy is a valuable tool for retinal surgery, and its advantages are clear during complex pediatric vitreoretinal procedures. This procedure allows surgeons to access the retina and reduce lens trauma, while facilitating precise vitreous clearance. Because of its superior imaging capabilities, endoscopy has the advantage of avoiding anterior segment image degradation.
Symptoms of retinal detachment include blurred vision, shadows in the eye, and sudden eye floaters. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately. A visit to your eye care provider or an emergency room can help you see again. Prevention is the best cure, so schedule regular exams to protect your eyesight. A lightguide endoscopy may help reduce the risk of re-retinal detachment.
The ocular endoscope is an easily identifiable technology. It is available in several systems in Europe and has FDA approval. The Endo Optiks E2 and E4 systems from BVI Medical have a curved housing and incorporate a laser, light, and camera. Ocular endoscopy instruments range in gauge from 18 to 23 gauge. The instruments are inserted through a small vitrectomy incision.
Retinal detachment is a rare occurrence for individuals without a genetic predisposition to the condition. This condition occurs when a small tear develops in the retina, allowing the vitreous to travel through the tear and collect behind the retina. This causes the retina to pull away from the back of the eye and cause vision loss.
