A novel colonoscope with high color–rendering white light–emitting diodes

• Published in: Gastrointestinal endoscopy Vol. 73; no. 3; pp. 598 - 602
• Main Authors: Nishikawa, Jun, MD, PhD, Yanai, Hideo, MD, PhD, Okamoto, Takeshi, MD, PhD, Higaki, Shingo, MD, PhD, Hashimoto, Shinichi, MD, PhD, Kurai, Satoshi, PhD, Sakaida, Isao, MD, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Maryland heights, MO Mosby, Inc 01.03.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Colonoscopes; Digestive system. Abdomen; Endoscopy; Equipment Design; Equipment Safety; Female; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Japan; Light; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Single-Blind Method; Young Adult; Japan; UV; charge-coupled device; LED; Light-emitting diodes; CCD; ultraviolet; White light
• ISSN: 0016-5107; 1097-6779
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2011.01.011

Background Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are being used for a variety of new uses because of their cost-effectiveness and durability. We therefore considered using white LEDs as a light source for GI endoscopes to simplify the endoscopic system. Objective To assess the feasibility and safety of an LED-illuminated colonoscope. Design Pilot study of the LED colonoscope in healthy human volunteers and patients with colorectal lesions. Setting Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan. Interventions We performed a total colonoscopy for 2 healthy volunteers and a sigmoidoscopy for 15 patients with colorectal lesions by using both LED and conventional colonoscopes. We assessed the feasibility and safety of the LED colonoscope by using a 5-grade scale. The 30 images of 15 colorectal lesions obtained by using each endoscope were evaluated in a blind, randomized order by 2 endoscopists. Main Outcome Measurements The mean scores of the LED colonoscope for the operability, ease of manipulation, image quality, and safety. Results We manufactured a prototype LED colonoscope with white LEDs on its tip. The LED colonoscope did not require an external light source or light-guide fiber bundle. The operability and ease of manipulation of the LED colonoscope were evaluated as similar to those of the conventional colonoscope. The color of the colonic mucosa and the vascular pattern were clearly visualized in the volunteers. For the 15 colorectal lesions, the mean score for image quality was not significantly different between the colonoscopes. The study was performed safely without any incident. Limitations Single-center, small number of patients. Conclusions The use of an LED colonoscope is feasible, and LED illumination may simplify the endoscope system.