A rather simple medical device, the design of an endoscope includes a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it. Endoscopes allow doctors to examine a patient internally without the need for invasive exploratory surgery.

Optics Technology is a leading provider of the micro-optics and mechanical assemblies used in endoscopy procedures. Established in 1986, we have the industry expertise necessary to fabricate the safe, high-quality solutions required by medical service providers.

Endoscopes – Allowing Doctors to See Inside the Body Without Surgery

Though considered an invasive procedure, endoscopies are minimally invasive, avoid the potential risks associated with more severe surgical procedures, and cost significantly less. Endoscopies assist doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of digestive tract conditions.

There are two primary types of endoscopes used in endoscopy procedures.

  • Gastroscopes examine the upper gastrointestinal tract.
  • Colonoscopes examine the colon.

These two types of endoscopes differ in their application and design, but the materials used in their construction are typically the same or similar. These materials may include:

  • Titanium
  • Stainless steel
  • Plastics
  • Optical grade glass

In addition to materials, gastroscopes and colonoscopes are constructed from the same basic components, such as:

  • Micro and miniature-sized optical system assemblies
  • A flexible or rigid insertion tube
  • A lens—typically a relay lens—that transmits imagery of a patient’s digestive tract or colon to the medical professional conducting the procedure
  • Optical fibers within the tube that lead to a light near the lens
  • An additional channel for surgical procedures, such as biopsies

Various viewing options range from a simple relay lens and viewing eyepiece in rigid endoscopes to multiple fiber optic systems with more advanced viewing monitors, recording, and analyzing systems in fiberscopes.

Advanced endoscopes include a light guide plug connected to an illumination source. In videoscopes, this guide plug is typically heavier than other types. The light guide plug links to the scope’s control head via an umbilical cable or universal cord. The endoscope’s control head carries the angulation control handles, which allow the operator to control the scope and its suction or water/air functions.

The leading edge of the insertion tube—including the optical lens and illumination components— is inserted into the patient’s body, where it is exposed to contamination throughout the procedure. This necessitates the use of contamination-resistant materials in endoscope fabrication.

An endoscope’s leading portion is rigid, but the section adjacent to the distal end of the tube is flexible to provide maneuverability. The distal end of the tube houses the microchips, control head, and systems used in relaying information to monitoring and recording systems.

Optics Technology’s Focus on Advanced Optics and Opto- Mechanical Assemblies

Our focus on advanced optics and opto-mechanical assemblies have allowed Optics Technology to become a leader in the manufacture of endoscopy replacement parts. Our capabilities include:

  • Precision component machining with tolerances of ± 0.0002″
  • Use of CNC mills and lathes
  • Prototype designs
  • Testing samples
  • Assembly
  • Lead times as fast as two weeks
  • Reverse engineering of Endoscope components

Our clients rely upon our expertise in micro-optics and our capacity to apply that knowledge to the clinical applications of endoscopy. Our designs feature easy repair and component replacement, reduced maintenance costs, and high success ratings in resolution target testing.

Our commitment to quality and innovation in our optical solutions has been recognized by the Central Intelligence Agency. The Director of Central Intelligence awarded Optics Technology with a Meritorious Unit Citation and we also received the Central Intelligence Agency’s Intelligence Medal of Merit in recognition of our capabilities. These awards reflect our team’s high-level of commitment to producing leading edge optical components.

The minimally invasive nature of endoscopies facilitates lower costs and reduces the risk of complications common with more invasive surgical procedures. Using our advanced micro-optics in endoscopy technology provides doctors with greater accuracy in diagnosis and treatment.

Contact us to learn more about our advanced endoscopy replacement parts and solutions.