An endoilluminator is the light source that surgeons use to illuminate the inside of a body. Sufficient light is crucial to help surgeons see what they’re doing inside of a body. As such, endoilluminators are a very important piece of equipment.
For this reason, medical device companies must treat endoilluminators with the same high regard they do other pieces of life-saving equipment. Understanding their purpose, functionality, and design requirements is integral to maintaining high standards.
Understanding Endoilluminators
How They Are Used
An endoilluminator’s purpose is always to illuminate the inside of a body. However, surgeons may use different devices in different ways depending on the procedure. The light source may be overhead, on the ground, mounted on a device, or inserted into the body to examine endoluminal areas.
| Note: The term endoluminal refers to tubes within the body, such as blood vessels or the gastrointestinal tract. |
Endoilluminators can vary in the degree of sophistication of design. For instance, operating lights and ion endoluminal systems are both used in surgery.
While operating lights are straightforward overhead lights in an operating room that are manually guided, an ion endoluminal system, which is used in lung biopsies, utilizes a robot that the surgeon can guide to the specific area they would like to examine.
The device may or may not be used while the patient is under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia may be used depending on the procedure. However, not all medical light sources are endoilluminators. Only lights used in surgical procedures fit the definition.
Types of Endoilluminator
Chandelier Endoilluminator
Chandelier endoilluminators are specific to ophthalmological surgery. They illuminate the eye from the inside. This endoilluminator is a long, slender probe that is inserted into the eye through a small incision. A light source at the end of the probe emits bright, focused light.
Metal Halide Endoilluminator
Metal halide endoilluminators get their name from the light source they use. These devices are usually used in endoscopic procedures. A metal halide endoilluminator consists of a light source housed within a flexible or rigid probe that can be inserted into the body cavity through a small incision or natural orifice.
Integrated-Imaging
Some endoilluminators also provide imaging. Such devices are built with cameras as well as lights. This lets surgeons capture images or videos for documentation or analysis during the procedure. These endoilluminators are frequently used in arthroscopic procedures, such as ACL reconstructions and Cholecystectomies.
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Wide-Angle
Wide-angle endoilluminators incorporate specialized probes or lenses to allow for wider coverage of the surgical area. They’re useful if the surgeon needs to see a large area inside the body.
Adjustable Intensity
Some endoilluminators let surgeons control the brightness of the light. This may help control glare and minimize discomfort or accidental damage to certain areas.
LED Endoilluminator
Unlike other light sources, LEDs don’t produce excess heat. So, LED endoilluminators may be favorable for use in temperature-sensitive procedures. They may also help prevent accidental thermal damage to sensitive areas.
Learn More About Vantage MedTech’s Experience with Endoilluminator Design & Development |
Design Elements of an Endoilluminator
Light Source
Typically, a high-intensity LED or Xenon bulb is used as the light source. These light sources offer bright and focused illumination to ensure optimal visualization. The light source should be designed to emit a specific wavelength to minimize glare.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures the ability of the light source to illuminte the colors of various objects accurately in comparison to natural light. This index is important in surgical settings to ensure that the tissue colors are accurately represented.
A CRI value closer to 100 indicates a light source that more closely mimics natural lighting. Typically, CRI values of 80 are acceptable, but values in the 90s are considered highly desirable.
Optical Fiber
The optical fiber serves as the endoilluminator’s light guide. It is a flexible, thin fiber, usually made of silica or plastic. It must be designed to efficiently transmit light and minimize light leakage in the wrong directions.
Probe
If the device is inserted, the probe is what enters the incision or orifice. The probe should have a compact and ergonomic design to facilitate ease of handling and maneuverability. It should also be biocompatible and sterilizable to ensure patient safety.
Positioning Mechanism
The positioning mechanism allows the surgeon to adjust the direction or angle of the endoilluminator during the procedure. It must provide precise control and stability to ensure optimal illumination. It should also be easy to reposition without disrupting the surgical workflow.
Single or Dual-Fiber Systems
Endoilluminators can be designed as single-fiber or dual-fiber systems. In a single-fiber system, a single optical fiber is used for both illumination and imaging. Dual-fiber systems employ separate fibers for light and imaging. The choice between single or dual-fiber systems depends on the procedure’s requirements.
Why EMC Compliance is Important to Endoilluminators
Endoilluminators must meet EMC compliance. Without compliance, they may not produce a sufficient amount of light. Alternatively, they could potentially emit harmful levels of electromagnetic radiation that are dangerous to both patients and surgeons.
This is especially crucial with devices intended for ophthalmic surgery. If the light is too intense, it can cause retinal damage. Yet, ophthalmologists still need enough light to properly examine the eye. The following chart shows various light sources and how they may induce retinal damage if uncontrolled.
*10°C is equivalent to 50°F
Talk to Vantage MedTech About Innovative, Effective Endoilluminator Design
Vantage MedTech has over 25 years experience in the medical device industry and has brought over 100 complex medical devices to market in that time.
From proof of concept to design for manufacture, through manufacturing and post market, Vantage guides your product forward for the entire product lifecycle. Reach out today to learn how you can leverage our expertise for the design and manufacture of your medical device.
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