OmniVision and Myriad Fiber launch endoscopic surgery tools

13 Jun 2018

Prototype features Integrated camera; also, the MicroCam Touch medical CMOS camera offers disposable, in-office endoscopy.

OmniVision Technologies (OVT), a developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, today announced from this week’s Medical Design & Manufacturing East (MD&ME) expo in New York City a collaboration with Myriad Fiber in the development of the medical industry’s first commercial prototype for an endoscopic surgery tool with built-in camera.

The design retrofits off-the-shelf endoscopic forceps with OmniVision’s ultra-compact OVM6948 CameraCubeChip camera module with built-in wafer-level optics. The concept is also ready to be implemented in a wide variety of other surgical tools, including scissors, suction devices, pliers and clippers.

This development is designed to solve a problem that surgeons face when performing endoscopic procedures – such as those for ear-nose-throat, urology and women’s health purposes – which account for a growing percentage of all surgeries.

Direct incorporation

OVT adds that the CMOS camera at the distal tip of standard endoscopes is spatially offset and positioned behind the working channel through which the endoscopic surgery tool is passed. But setting up the camera in this way can obstruct the surgeon’s view of the target region, provide an image with a shadow or even provide a misleading view of the tool. In this prototype, the OVM6948 is incorporated directly into the tool.

“If surgeons could see exactly what the endoscopic tool is doing, they could perform delicate operations faster and more safely,” said Tehzeeb Gunja, principal marketing and business development manager at OmniVision. “We are opening up a completely new paradigm by integrating the camera as part of the surgical tool itself.”

OVT’s small medical camera modules, such as the OVM6948, are suited to this application. It includes a CMOS image sensor and built-in wafer-level lens, and comes in a 0.58 x 0.58mm package. OmniVision’s OmniBSI+ pixel architecture delivers “best-in-class” image quality, with a resolution of 200 x 200 pixels at 30 frames per second.

Low power consumption keeps the endoscopic tool cool, contributing to greater patient comfort. The OVM6948 can also be sterilized for disposable devices and is tested for bio-compatibility.

Partner Myriad Fiber’s experience of endoscope developments has also contributed to the success of this collaborative effort. “OmniVision’s compact camera modules have created the possibility for new product concepts and higher quality images than ever before,” said Tyler Gauvin, VP sales and marketing at Myriad Fiber. “We have extensive experience developing endoscopes and integrating these small cameras into a fully functioning medical-grade product.”

Disposable endoscopy

OVT, in collaboration with BioVision Technologies, has also announced at MD&M East, as above, the IEC 60601-compliant MicroCam Touch, a standalone medical CMOS camera platform for disposable, in-office endoscopy.

This platform features disposable, lightweight endoscopic handpieces that incorporate OVT’s ultra-compact OVM6946 and OVM6948 CameraCubeChip medical image sensor camera modules with wafer-level optics. The handpieces also have an integrated light source and optional working channel.

This turnkey system is suitable for in-office medical procedures that require disposable endoscopes and catheters, including OBGYN, ear-nose-throat (ENT), arthroscopy and urology applications.

This new platform includes video capture, overlay of patient details, an easy-to-use GUI and external storage. The MicroCam Touch camera control unit is compatible with a variety of standard or custom disposable handpieces, allowing doctors to perform many types of in-office procedures. It also includes an HDMI output, for connecting to larger monitors.

“By combining our ultra-compact, high-quality CMOS medical camera modules with BioVision’s hardware and software, we are leading the way for the next generation of in-office, disposable endoscopic imaging,” said Tehzeeb Gunja, principal marketing and business development manager at OmniVision.

“Our jointly developed system is a customizable and complete turnkey endoscopic solution that is IEC 60601-compliant, which reduces the risk for medical device manufacturers and allows them to get to market quickly.”