Endoscope field of view measurement.

The current International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard (ISO 8600-3: 1997 including Amendment 1: 2003) for determining endoscope field of view (FOV) does not accurately characterize some novel endoscopic technologies such as endoscopes with a close focus distance and capsule endoscopes. We evaluated the endoscope FOV measurement method (the FOV method) in the current ISO 8600-3 standard and proposed a new method (the FOV method). We compared the two methods by measuring the FOV of 18 models of endoscopes (one device for each model) from seven key international manufacturers.

Rigid endoscopes--ensuring quality before use and after repair.

Rigid endoscopes are complex, expensive, and fragile devices that routinely are subjected to harsh conditions. An endoscope used during only one procedure typically will be handled by a minimum of six people. Understanding what can go wrong with endoscopes and how to test them can help staff members detect problems before rather than during surgery.

Infrared thermography and thermocouple mapping of radiofrequency renal ablation to assess treatment adequacy and ablation margins.

Objectives: The primary disadvantage of renal tumor RF ablation is the inability to monitor the intraoperative propagation of the RF lesion with real-time imaging. We sought to assess whether adequately lethal temperatures are obtained at the margins of the intended ablation zone using laparoscopic thermography to monitor radiofrequency (RF) lesions in real time, thermocouple measurements, and histopathologic evaluation.

Methods: Renal RF lesions were created under direct laparoscopic vision in the upper (1 cm diameter) and lower (2 cm) poles of the right kidney in 5 female pigs.