title: A novel colonoscope with high color-rendering white light-emitting diodes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are being used for a variety of new uses because of their cost-effectiveness and durability. We therefore considered using white LEDs as a light source for GI endoscopes to simplify the endoscopic system.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the feasibility and safety of an LED-illuminated colonoscope.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pilot study of the LED colonoscope in healthy human volunteers and patients with colorectal lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a total colonoscopy for 2 healthy volunteers and a sigmoidoscopy for 15 patients with colorectal lesions by using both LED and conventional colonoscopes. We assessed the feasibility and safety of the LED colonoscope by using a 5-grade scale. The 30 images of 15 colorectal lesions obtained by using each endoscope were evaluated in a blind, randomized order by 2 endoscopists.
  
  
  METHODS
  The mean scores of the LED colonoscope for the operability, ease of manipulation, image quality, and safety.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We manufactured a prototype LED colonoscope with white LEDs on its tip. The LED colonoscope did not require an external light source or light-guide fiber bundle. The operability and ease of manipulation of the LED colonoscope were evaluated as similar to those of the conventional colonoscope. The color of the colonic mucosa and the vascular pattern were clearly visualized in the volunteers. For the 15 colorectal lesions, the mean score for image quality was not significantly different between the colonoscopes. The study was performed safely without any incident.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Single-center, small number of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of an LED colonoscope is feasible, and LED illumination may simplify the endoscope system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nishikawa
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yanai
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Okamoto
authors.forename: Shingo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Higaki
authors.forename: Shinichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hashimoto
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kurai
authors.forename: Isao
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sakaida
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020685:Colonoscopes; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D055815:Young Adult