GI Endoscope: What is next stage?

Yoshiharu Uno, MD, PhD

In the US DDW in 2017, there was discussion about endoscopist's physical disability. Rates of upper body injury were more common in women endoscopists than men. 

http://blog.ddw.org/aga-survey-shows-endoscopists-at-high-risk-for-musculoskeletal-injuries/

 “Scopes are designed for larger hands, dating to a time when most endoscopists were men,” Katherine Garman, MD said.

I suggested this to Olympus Corporation 20 years ago about this.
It was the development of endoscope grip for women with small hand.

I suggested that women's grips like ski stock that calculated their average the hands of women endoscopists must be developed.

 

However, the idea was ignored by them.

Next figure is the GASTRO-Camera of the 1950's.

 

In other words, the grip of the endoscope has not changed for more than half a century.

 

The main switch should be easy, like a hand blender.



 
 

In order to solve the fundamental problem, it would be development of an endoscope robot.

Even with the existing endoscope, robotization of angle operation is possible.

 
 
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GptH_JS5cfw&t=4s

(By Yoshiharu Uno)
 

Furthermore, endoscope operation can be performed completely by forward and backward movement and rotation operation by gyroscope.

 With the progress of this method, the endoscope will be in the era of remote operation.

It can also be done on a space station without an endoscopist.

 This plan may not accept by authorities who dislikes standardization of technology.