Electronic endoscopy--the latest technology.

At present, video endoscopic systems (VE) are available from four companies. We have had an opportunity to test these instruments in clinical practice. In principle, all the VE's are similar in that they employ charge coupling devices (CCD-chips) as image sensors, but they differ significantly in CCD chip technology and in the color acquisition technique. The basic aspects of CCD chip and transmission technology of relevance to the endoscopist are discussed. The mechanical properties of the endoscopes are listed. Finally, we provide an outlook on the determinants of the optical performance of VE's. The optical performance of a VE can be characterized by its resolution and color performance.