Endoskops

Endoskops are visualization devices designed to reveal the interior of a body cavity or industrial object by inserting a shaft equipped with optics and illumination. They enable clinicians to inspect, diagnose, and treat conditions without large surgical incisions and are also used to inspect machinery, pipes, and other hard-to-reach areas.

Endoskops come in rigid and flexible forms. Rigid endoscopes use a fixed insertion tube, while flexible endoscopes bend to navigate curved pathways. Imaging can be transmitted to a monitor via a distal camera or through a distal imaging bundle in fiber-optic systems. Illumination is provided by fiber-optic light, LEDs, or other light sources. Many models include channels for irrigation, suction, or the introduction of instruments such as biopsy forceps or scissors.

Medical applications cover a wide range of specialties. Gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy, colonoscopy), bronchoscopy for the airways, ureteroscopy for the urinary tract, arthroscopy for joints, and laparoscopy for certain procedures rely on endoscopic visualization. Additional modalities such as capsule endoscopy (an ingestible camera) and endoscopic ultrasound extend diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Industrial and aviation uses include borescopes and inspection endoscopes, employed to examine internal surfaces of pipelines, engines, turbines, and other machinery. These tools support non-destructive testing, maintenance, and quality control by providing access to otherwise unreachable areas.

Safety and regulation emphasize sterilization and disinfection of reusable instruments, appropriate use of single-use components, and operator training. Regulatory oversight varies by country and may involve health authorities, professional bodies, and conformity markings.

History traces endoscope development from 19th-century rigid instruments to modern fiber-optic and video endoscopy, which significantly expanded imaging capabilities and clinical and industrial applications.