[Video bronchoscopy--the electronic view of the bronchus].

The optical resolution in the fibrescopes commonly in use is limited by the number and length of glass fibres used in the endoscopes. In the videoscope--i.e. in the direct videoscopy--the endoscopic picture is transformed already in the tip of the endoscope into electronic signals which can be guided through electrical wire nearly free from losses. This results in an enormous improvement of the image quality. Some problems arise from the adjustment of the light intensity yielding too much brightness in the short-distance and darkness in the depth. Furthermore, the work channel of the prototype we used is still too small. The investigation with this new technique requires an increased coordinative effort between the handling of the instrument and the picture on the monitor; but with some practice one becomes familiar with it. The pictures of the bronchial wall are extremely brilliant. Unusual structures of bronchial mucosa can be analyzed. Microscopic endoscopy seems to be only a short step away. Digital processing of the electronic image offers extraordinary perspectives for the future.