Endoscopic Imaging Technology Today
Axel Boese, Cora Wex, Roland S. Croner, U.-B. Liehr, Johann Jakob Wendler, Jochen Weigt, Thorsten Walles, Ulrich Vorwerk, Christoph H. Lohmann, Michael Friebe, Alfredo Illanes
Abstract
One of the most applied imaging methods in medicine is endoscopy. A highly specialized image modality has been developed since the first modern endoscope, the "Lichtleiter" of Bozzini was introduced in the early 19th century. Multiple medical disciplines use endoscopy for diagnostics or to visualize and support therapeutic procedures. Therefore, the shapes, functionalities, handling concepts, and the integrated and surrounding technology of endoscopic systems were adapted to meet these dedicated medical application requirements. This survey gives an overview of modern endoscopic technology's state of the art. Therefore, the portfolio of several manufacturers with commercially available products on the market was screened and summarized. Additionally, some trends for upcoming developments were collected.