DEVELOPMENT OF A FOGLESS SCOPE AND ITS ANALYSIS USING INFRARED RADIATION PYROMETER

Background: In laparoscopic surgery, fogging of the lens tip instantly degrades the quality of image and interrupts the flow of surgical man euvers. External warming devices prevent fogging for a certain length of time, but use of them is troublesome at best, These problems prompt ed us to develop a fogless mechanism built into the scope so that the fogless image would be continuous and trouble-free. We then conducted several experiments that demonstrate the precise effect it has on the lens tip. Methods: The infrared radiation pyrometer was used to compar e the temperature distribution as well as the temperature change again st time of each lens tip of the fogless and ordinary laparoscopes. Res ults: The temperature of the lens tip of the ordinary scope did not ch ange, but that of the fogless scope rose to 41 degrees C in 184-208 s. Conclusions: The fogless mechanism effectively warms the lens tip to a safe temperature that prevents fogging in the intraabdominal environ ment.