Non-radiological technique for three-dimensional imaging of endoscopes.
A novel system is described which images in three dimensions, the total configuration of a colonoscope without the use of conventional radiological techniques. A low intensity magnetic field is used in conjunction with a miniature inductive sensor. The system intrinsically safe and it is potentially inexpensive and capable of being used in a normal hospital environment. Clinical trials are described in which the system is validated in terms of its suitability for the application. Magnetic and conventional X-ray images obtained ex vivo with the endoscope held in various configurations and comparisons in the patients confirm the practical applicability of the new system.
Bladen
J S
JS
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Sheffield, UK.
Anderson
A P
AP
Bell
G D
GD
Rameh
B
B
Evans
B
B
Heatley
D J
DJ
D020685:Colonoscopes; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008280:Magnetics