Product name: Flexible Video Laparoscope 5, 8 mm
Trade names: USB Lapcam F 5, USB Lapcam F 8
Product Specifications: The flexible video laparoscope is a medical device with a tubular video camera with LEDs (light emitting diodes) for illumination fixed at the tip of a tube which is flexible at all points with a memory with a holder at the back end and a USB pin as output. It comes in 5- and 8-mm diameter sizes. It has 30 cm working length and 6 LEDs at the tip for illumination and zero-degree vision.
Complete Specifications: The detailed description of the invention is as follows: I describe a flexible video laparoscope with a tubular video camera with LEDs (light emitting diodes) for illumination fixed at the tip of a tube which is flexible at all points with a memory with a holder at the back end and a USB pin as output used for a medical procedure called laparoscopy.
The device is made up of a hollow flexible tube (Figure 1-2, Figure 2-5) which is made up by a metal wire (Figure 2-6) wrapped over a metal spring. (Figure 2-7) This structure gives it the required flexibility and a memory to stay in the same position as manoeuvre by the operator. This tube is covered with a protective, flexible, and water-proof sheath. A tubular video camera (Figure 1-1, Figure 2-1,3) is fixed at the tip of this tube. The camera fixed at the tip of the device has many LEDs (Figure 1-2, Figure 2-2) emitting white light which illuminate the operating field during the procedure of laparoscopy. The video camera and LEDs are covered with a water-proof glass over them. The video camera has lenses which concentrate light on the sensor which converts it into an analogue electrical signal which is converted by an analogue to digital converter into a digital signal. The whole circuit board of the camera is in the tubular head itself. (Figure 2-10) This signal is sent by electrical wires (Figure 2-4) to a USB (Figure 1-5, Figure 2-9) pin fixed at the back end of the device as a USB output. The device has a holder (Figure 1-4, Figure 2-8) at the back end used for holding the device. It accommodates the flexible tube in front and has a USB pin at the back end. A USB wire connects the device to variety of devices such as desktop, laptop, android mobile phones and android-based tabs. The device comes with software which needs to be installed on the device to see and records the images and the video.
showing external view of the flexible video laparoscope
1.Video camera with LEDs 2. Flexible tube 3. Protective sheath 4. Handle 5. USB pin
showing the cross section of the flexible video laparoscope
1.Video camera 2. LED 3. Side view of video camera with LEDs 4. Electrical wires 5. Flexible tube 6. Metal wire 7. Coiled spring 8. Handle 9. USB pin 10. Circuit board of video camera
The advantages of the device over the conventional are as follows: It is a compact and lightweight device which weighs only 75 gm. The conventional laparoscopy system weights at least 500 gm along with an endo-camera. It is 3 in 1 in the nature and is a unique merger of a Telescope, light source, and endo-camera. It is commercialized at a reasonable cost of Rs.30,000 compared to Rs. 6 Lakhs of the conventional equipment. The picture quality is excellent due to the “Chip on Tip” technology and there is no image loss as in conventional instrument.
Intended application: The instrument is specifically designed for single incision laparoscopic surgery where it can be flexed at the port site so that it does not come in the way of other instruments. Apart from that it can perform a variety of diagnostic procedures such as diagnostic laparoscopy for abdominal pain, abdominal tuberculosis, endometriosis etc. It can perform a lot of therapeutical procedures such as laparoscopic appendicectomy, herniotomy, orchidopexy, cholecystectomy etc.
Method of using: The device is sterilized by Ethylene Oxide gas. It is connected by a sterilized USB cable to the display devises. The USB pin powers the camera and LEDs, and image is displayed on display devises. A software installed on the display devises can record still images and video on the hard drive.
Class B
Material: 316 grade stainless steel
Patent No: 201621037858
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: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30394856
Video quality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2DzrtUAM_0
Cost: Rs.30,000