Minimally Invasive and Endoluminal Imaging

Enabling better care and more rapid healing

Minimally invasive medicine is the science of improving care and patient modality while speeding healing by reducing incision size. The “Holy Grail” of minimally invasive procedures is “endoluminal” medicine, in which a procedure is completed via one of the natural cavities or orifices in the human body.

Please click the play button (above) to see a short video of an endoluminal colonoscopy procedure being done on a mouse using a 1mm OD BioVision scope, by a research team studying tumor growth in mice; the tumor is clearly visible. This video provided courtesy of Massachusetts General Hospital.

The boundaries of minimally invasive and endoluminal medicine are constantly being pushed forward by advances in a variety of technologies, including miniaturization of diagnostic and therapeutic tools, in some cases via the use of robotics or nanotechnology. Improvements in imaging, visualization technology, as well as optical fiber, have moved endoluminal medicine to the next level of procedures.

Unlike external imaging technologies such as MRIs, which only provide static images and are limited in their ability to discriminate shapes and colors at the micro-level; optical imaging provides a direct real-time view of the procedural site while the procedure is underway. A micro-endoscope can be turned, re-placed, and adjusted continuously throughout the procedure to ensure the clearest possible view. In many cases, optical imaging allows a better and more accurate diagnosis than does even the most advanced external imaging systems. Studies have shown that as many as 30% of all MRI knee diagnoses (1.2million) where found to be inconclusive, requiring further tests and Physician time.

Unlike MRI imaging or CT imaging, optical imaging can also be used dynamically (movement) throughout diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, greatly enhancing outcome.

BioVision offers the best image quality of any micro-sized endoscope available, at any price (1.5mm outer diameter and below), both as a standalone micro-endoscope and in our fully integrated proprietary portable endoscope tower, the SurgView™.

For instance, until now, disposable sub 1.5mm imaging scopes have long been a dream of medical imaging companies. By 2004, BioVision had designed and manufactured the first truly single use disposable arthroscope for office arthroscopy. With over 10,000 BioVision disposable arthroscopes scopes manufactured to date, the dream has been realized.

As another first-in-class development, the BioVision team designed and built the first sub 1mm truly autoclavable scope. Our autoclavable endoscopes have been designed to meet or exceed the harsh sterilization environment of today’s steam autoclaves. With upwards of 50 sterilization cycles, no product in its class comes close in performance and quality.

Visualizing better care today; enabling the procedures of tomorrow

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