| [ Summary ] |
The insertability is one of the most important characteristics related to the performance of colonoscopes. The operator's skill and the condition of patients effect the insertability of colonoscope. In order to provide better insertability for colonoscopes, we are attempting various improvements, based on the following two concepts :- The improvements should not be limited to the endoscope itself. The peripheral instruments should also be involved as the target of improvements. - Realize better insertability, which meets various requirements, such as operator's skill, condition of the patients and the purpose of examinations. In this report, we describe various factors related to the colonoscope which determine insertability and approaches to improve the insertability developed by Olympus. Also, we describe those technologies that improve the insertability of colonoscopes by showing the products as examples. |