Page 81 - Flexible Robotics in Medicine

Cable-driven flexible endoscope utilizing diamond-shaped perforations: FlexDiamond 65
Table 3.13: Comparison between FlexDiamond and existing method of NPC surveillance.

Self-administered endoscopy
Parameters (FlexDiamond) Clinician-assisted endoscopy
Feasibility Able to meet the user needs Prototype is reusable
and intended use of the The clinician is well trained to perform the
prototype diagnostic procedure
Low manufacturing cost
Reusability of the prototype
Good bending angle
Risk factors Moderate (acceptable risk) Low to moderate risk

Image quality Improved image quality due to Image quality based solely on camera resolution
mechanical zooming section
Subject comfort Use of soft materials Less comfortable if the rigid endoscope is used
User-friendliness Training is required. However, Clinician conducts the endoscopy
control system alone is easy to
use.
Convenience Less time-consuming and more More time-consuming due to traveling to and fro
convenient hospitals in addition to waiting time for
consultation
Cost- Relatively cheaper High medical cost
effectiveness
(affordability)

average human’s nasal cavity is around 6 mm, and the 2.6 mm diameter of the Olympus
ENF-V3 will ensure that the discomfort experienced by the subject will be reduced to
a minimum. The bending section of the Olympus ENF-V3 is at an angulation range of
130 degrees up and 130 degrees down. Coupled with the field of view of 90 degrees
provided by the optical system, the Olympus ENF-V3 is able to provide 360 degrees of
vision for the physician.
2. Karl Storz: The Karl Storz 11101 VP/VN’s selling point will be its bending angle of
140 degrees. It is slightly more than the 130 degrees bending angle of the Olympus
ENF-V3, and it can compensate for the smaller angle of view of 85 degrees due to the
larger bending angle. It is waterproof and can be completely submerged into liquid
solvents for disinfection and cleaning purposes. It comes with a sheath that allows the
physician to insert the tube into the subject’s nasal cavity without any rotational
movement.
3. Optim LLC: Optim ENTity LED NasoView Nasopharyngoscope excels in the bending
angle by providing up to 135 degrees of upward and downward motion. It is slightly less
than the 140 degrees bending capability that the Karl Storz 11101 VP/VN possessed. The
camera that is housed in the Optim ENTity LED NasoView Nasopharyngoscope only