The digital flexible ureteroscope: in vitro assessment of optical characteristics

Abstract Introduction: Recent advances in endoscope design have placed the charged coupled device chip on the tip of the endoscope. The image is instantly digitalized and converted into an electrical signal for transmission. Digital technology was first introduced into flexible cystoscopes/nephroscopes and subsequently into rigid and flexible ureteroscopes. Herein, we assess the image characteristics and advantages of a new generation of digital flexible ureteroscopes. Methods: The Olympus URF-V flexible digital ureteroscope and the Olympus URF-P3 fiberoptic ureteroscope were assessed in vitro for image resolution, distortion, color representation, grayscale imaging, field of view, and depth of field. Results: The digital ureteroscope had a higher resolution at 3, 5, 10, and 20 mm (25.2 lines/mm vs. 8.0, 14.1 vs. 5.0, 6.3 vs. 2.8, and 3.2 vs. 1.3), respectively. Distortion with the digital flexible ureteroscope was lower, though not statistically significant. Color representation was better with the digit...