April 25, 2023
Keio University
Air Water Inc.
Professor Yasuhiro Koike (Director of the Keio Photonics Research Institute [KPRI]) of Keio University (President: Kohei Itoh), Professor Masaya Nakamura of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, and Air Water Inc. (Chairman and CEO: Kikuo Toyoda) have jointly succeeded in the world's first development of an ultra-thin rigid endoscope using graded-index plastic optical fiber (GI-POF) technology.
The newly developed ultra-thin rigid endoscope is equipped with a GI-POF lens at its tip, allowing images from inside the body to be transmitted outside the body through the GI-POF lens. Since the GI-POF lens can be made as thin as 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters, it allows for minimally invasive (with less physical burden on the patient) observation of the inside of joints. Furthermore, its low-cost manufacturing enables single-use (disposable) application, similar to a hypodermic needle.
The use of the ultra-thin rigid endoscope allows for direct, minimally invasive observation of the patient's joints before and after surgery, enabling rapid and accurate assessment of the condition and efficient post-operative follow-up. While conventional arthroscopic examinations require hospitalization and general anesthesia, the ultra-thin rigid endoscope only requires local anesthesia. This makes outpatient or in-home examinations and treatments possible, significantly reducing the physical burden on patients and the workload in clinical settings.
Please see below for the full press release.