Electronic endoscopy--fibres or chips?

The video endoscope represents a new generation of endoscopic instruments. The main feature is an intragastric CCD-chip transforming the optical impulses into electronic signals. The latter are transmitted without any optical fibre bundle, transformed by a video processor and visualized on a television screen. The present experience show drawbacks in respect to mechanical properties of the endoscopes, to reproduction of colors (esp. red) and photographic documentation. On the other hand the excellent image quality guarantees convenient handling for investigator, information for attending persons (doctors, nurses, students), improved conditions for documentation and control of quality. Although the video-endoscope is not replacing fibre endoscopes at present, further improvement will promote its general acceptance.