A group from Keio University and others has succeeded in developing a technology that uses optical fibers to make endoscopes thinner than injection needles. If put into practical use, it is expected to reduce the burden on patients during endoscopy of knee joints.
It was developed by Professor Yasuhiro Koike of Keio University, Professor Masaya Nakamura of the School of Medicine, and a group of medical device manufacturers.
The group focused on the fact that light is refracted in the same way as a lens when light is passed through a special optical fiber, and developed an endoscope with an optical fiber attached instead of a lens.
The developed endoscope is very thin, about 1.25 mm thick, so it can pass through the injection needle used for intravenous drips, etc., and can shoot high-resolution images.
According to the group, endoscopy of the knee joint has required surgery under general anesthesia, but the developed endoscope can be inserted through a very small hole, which can be expected to reduce the burden on the patient.
In addition, optical fiber is made of plastic, inexpensive, and highly safe because it is disposable, so the Group is aiming for practical use next year.
Professor Nakamura said, "Because it is thin and has good image quality, it will be possible to see parts that were previously invisible, such as blood vessels and nerves, and we would like to expand this to various areas beyond joints."