title: High definition laparoscopy: objective assessment of performance characteristics and comparison with standard laparoscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  High definition (HD) digital imaging represents a major advance in endoscope technology. The development of the charge-coupled device chip and its location at the distal end of the endoscope allows for image capture and digitization, as well as specific light filtration and processing. We assessed the capability of HD technology combined with digital imaging to provide improved image quality and enhanced spatial three-dimensional positioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  A HD digital laparoscope and a standard definition (SD) laparoscope were evaluated in the laboratory setting to assess and compare image resolution, brightness, contrast, and color reproducibility, using standard industry testing protocols.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with the SD laparoscope, the HD laparoscope had superior resolution at 50 mm distance (2.4 line pairs/mm v 2.0 line pairs/mm), increased image brightness (129 lumens v 112 lumens), increased depth of field, and decreased distortion. Color and grayscale reproduction were found to be similar for the two laparoscopes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HD laparoscopy has superior objective performance characteristics compared with standard laparoscopes. Further investigation is required to determine whether these objective findings translate into subjective improvements, and which characteristics can be adjusted to obtain the best possible results. These improved optics may lead to easier identification of anatomic structures, finer dissection, and enhanced three-dimensional spatial positioning during HD laparoscopic procedures.
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Sean A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Pierre
authors.forename: Michael N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Ferrandino
authors.forename: W Neal
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Simmons
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.forename: Pei
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Albala
authors.forename: Glenn M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Preminger
mesh_terms: D020706:Laparoscopes / Q000592:standards*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000592:standards*; D055620:Optical Phenomena