Product name: Laparoscopic endo-camera Basic Model (5MP)
Trade names: USB Endo-cam 5
Product Specifications: It is a laparoscopic endo-camera with an endoscopic coupler in the front and processing unit at the back with USB output with 5 MP resolution and 25 mm adapter
Differences of my camera with the traditional laparoscopic cameras is as follows: The traditional laparoscopic cameras have the head unit which has the coupler and optics and CCD image sensor behind it. A cable comes out of the head unit carrying wires from CCD sensor which are 30 in number. These wires are delicate and get broken after some use. The cost of repairing such cable is high and after few times the item is not even repairable. Many cameras have permanently attached coupler. If the coupler undergoes damage, then entire unit is to be discarded. The head unit with cable fits into a large size processing unit. Although these cameras are reparable, after few years the spare parts are not available and the unit needs to be discarded.
Laparoscopic endo-camera Basic Model (5MP) has a direct USB output which fits into a separate cable. If cable develops a fault, it can be replaced in just Rs. 300. The entire sensor and processing unit comes in a single compact box and no separate processing unit is necessary for my camera. The following photo shows my camera with its endo coupler.
Discussion: The merits of my camera over traditional laparoscopic cameras are as follows:
1) Cheapest laparoscopic camera in the world costing only Rs. 30,000. 2) No separate bulky processing unit and compact design 3) World’s highest video resolution of 5 MP compared to 0.25 MP in other cameras. 4) Adapter is detachable; hence camera need not be discarded if adapter develops a fault. 5) The camera can be used for purpose other than laparoscopy as it attaches to a cystoscope, bronchoscopic telescope, arthroscope and even to upper and lower GI endoscopes. It also attaches to a pathology microscope with a different adapter. 6) The quality of image does not drop with time as the sensor and processing unit is in the same place without having any wires in between them. 7) The camera is extremely user friendly with all functions automatic with manual adjustment options for specific customization. 8) The camera comes with a free but advanced software with variety of customizable options for color, exposure, brightness, contrast and white balance which is usually not supplied with other laparoscopic cameras. 9) The camera is extremely light sensitive and requires far little light giving bright and crisp images even in darker places and through smaller scopes. 10) The camera is compatible with variety of free software and applications available on internet and is compatible with variety of devices such as PC, Laptop, Android phone, Android and IOS based devices. 11) Recording of the video in my camera is possible with the free software. You have to buy a separate recording system for other laparoscopic cameras. 12) Although the camera is not reparable, but the camera board can be replaced immediately saving money and time.
The cost of the laparoscopic camera is a major limiting factor in the spread of laparoscopy in India. I have commercialized this camera at the cost of Rs. 30,000 only. I am going to distribute it to laparoscopic surgeons in India and internationally through a no profit charitable organization called Vigyan Yog Foundation. The camera also proved to be safe and good in quality in the testing done by me and the second author. The camera saves a lot of effort in transport as it could easily be connected to Laptop and bulky processor unit and delicate wires etc. are not required. The quality of images is comparable to the regular cameras and this camera could dramatically reduce the costs for the rural surgeons. It is a great cost reduction without compromising the quality.
Intended application: It is used as a laparoscopic endo-camera which attaches to the back end of rigid laparoscopes for a procedure of diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopies, for urology and gynecological procedures
Class A
Material: Aluminium
Video quality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaPgy45NvcM
Method of using the camera: The device is sterilized by Ethylene Oxide gas sterilization. The patient in lithotomy position with parts prepared and draped. The device is connected via a USB cable to the display devises and images and videos start streaming on them. The adapter of camera is coupled to the back end of a telescope and locked. The focus ring is used to adjust focus. Images and video recorded on a software installed on display devises. The device gently taken out and cleaned and sent back for sterilization.
Packing & storage Condition: The product is stored in a dust free cabinet at 25-40 % centigrade temperature. It is packed with multiple layers of bubble wraps and placed in a metal container of appropriate size and sent by courier
Publication: Journal of rural surgery
Cost: Rs.30,000