Introduction

Endoscopic video systems are generally used in gynecology, arthroscopy, laparoscopic general surgery, thorascopy, urology and ENT.

The main components of a video camera system are the endoscope, coupler, camera head, camera cable, camera processor, video monitors, light source, and light cord.

In the picture above, the gray cord is the light cord. The black one is the camera cord.

From Left to Right

The black box is the camera head.

The blue, gray and black dials are the coupler

The long gray portion is the endoscope.

The endoscope is a general term to describe any type of scope. A laparoscope specifies areas of the abdominal cavity.

Different scopes have different diameters (3, 5, and 10 mm), lengths, and angles of view (0 or 30 degree). General surgery procedures use 10 mm, 30 degree laparoscopes.

In this picture above, the left scope is a 30 degree and the right is 0 degree.

Camera Head [Return to Top]

Endoscopic video cameras are small, box like units that contain a lens and either one or three light sensitive video imaging chips called charged coupled devices (CCD's).

The grooves of the camera need to be oriented to the ceiling during laparoscopic procedures.

Connects the camera head to the endoscope. It is important because it contains the optical lens.

Contains two dials to manipulate the images.

The Blue dial is for zoom. Clockwise zooms IN. Counterclockwise zooms OUT. This dial is generally not used during laparoscopic procedures.

The gray dial is to focus the image.

Camera Head Cable [Return to Top]

A special shielded cable known as the camera cord that connects the camera to the camera processor.

When driving the camera, make sure the camera cord is always down

Camera Processor [Return to Top]

Provides power to the camera. Processes signals from the camera to be read by the monitor. It has a few important switches

A white balance switch, which adjusts the color produced by the camera to the color of the light source

A gain switch, activation of which will allow the processor to compensate for low light conditions.

The most important switches are white balance and gain.

Video Monitor [Return to Top]

Like a television monitor except it only receives video signals from a closed circuit system. 20 inch diagonal screens are usually used.

Light Box [Return to Top]

The light source for the system.

Light Cord [Return to Top]

Carries light from the light box to the endoscope.

Make sure this is screwed on tight. Has a tendency to come off.

The longer the light cord, the less light will be delivered to the scope. The usual length is 7.5-8 feet.