A dual-bending endoscope with shape-lockable hydraulic actuation and water-jet propulsion for gastrointestinal tract screening.

Background: Traditional flexible endoscopes are sophisticated medical devices that require frequent and expensive maintenance. Therefore, their implementation within low-income and rural regions is challenging due to their high cost, complex sterilization process and poor portability.

Aims: This paper aims to develop an endoscopic platform that is low-cost, disposable and portable, with the primary goal of reducing gastric cancer-related mortality among low- and middle-income communities through wider access to regular screening programs.

Water-jet outer sheath with braided shape memory polymer tubes for upper gastrointestinal tract screening.

Background: Flexible endoscopes have become an important tool for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer. However, there are several limitations to the use of endoscopes in rural areas, including their high cost, poor portability, and unstable platform.

Methods: This paper presents a novel low-cost outer sheath for stomach screening.