| [ Summary ] |
The OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS Corp. has developed various magnifying endoscopes, incorporating lens units which move in the direction of the optical axis, covering ranges between wide and telescopic angles. This has been the case since fiber endoscopes were invented several decades ago. At this time, video magnifying endoscopes have performance similar in terms of insertability, maneuver ability, and therapeutic capability, compared to conventional GIF or CF endoscopes. The CCDs used have have higher pixel counts and are shrinking in size.
Recently, prototypes of a super high magnifying endoscopic system, an Endo-cytoscopy system, which can produce in vivo cellular-level imaging, have been developed. The endo-cytoscope is expected to open the door to new applications for magnifying endoscopes. |