Rigid Endoscopes: Get In The Know

So real talk here guys is this. Understanding the internal components of a rigid endoscope as well as taking a few tips into consideration on what to look for in terms of damages can: save you time wasted (delayed cases), money (from costly repairs), and help you avoid irritable surgeons that have a crappy image. Because we all know if doctor ain't happy ain't nobody happy right?

In the image(s) above I have a few things pictured. A cutaway of a rigid endoscope which helps you to see the internal components of your scopes, as well as what the rod lenses look like outside of the scope.

Let’s discuss the anatomy:

1. Objective lens assembly –this includes the negative lens assembly (light collector & reflector)

2.Rod lenses & Relay system – so the doc can see his "target" the image must be transferred to the ocular assembly and it gets there through the rod lenses (pictured). These have to be at a focal length, and they stay that way with spacers.

3.The Illumination system – The relay system is contained in the inner tube. Between the inner and outer tube is a fiber optic bundle that runs the entire length of the scope. These fibers transfer cold light to illuminate the object under examination.  Give me light!!

4.The scope body – home to the base of the shaft, the light post, and the focusing assembly. 

5.Eyepiece Assembly – The eyepiece assembly seals the deal, allowing the scope to be used with a camera. The eyepiece window refracts the image and light into an easily viewed image. 

So now you know the parts. They are not super hefty, they are delicate, and real talk all the parts need to work. Or grumpy doctor is going to come stomping in. Let's avoid that ok?

What can you do?

• Don't carry these suckers like a bouquet of flowers holding them at the "stem" (shaft). When handling do so one at a time and hold at the scope body.
• Remember they are delicate. So avoid stacking crap on them. You wouldn't put a cast iron pan on top of your wine glasses right? Don't do it to your scopes either.
• Domino Effect: The eyepiece is faced down on the reprocessing table and the scopes are standing straight up just waiting to be knocked over. Lay them flat, and not in a pile.

What to look for?

Go top to bottom

1. Eyepiece first. Are their chips or damage from the coupler on this bad boy?
2. Light Guide post: Hold distal tip of the scope to the light and look at the post. Is it fully illuminated? If not you may have fiber optic bundle damage and the light emission will not be what it should be.
3. The shaft: Is it parallel and straight? Are their dents in it?
4. Distal Tip: Look first. Is it scratched is their any separation or a small gap? Feel second. Is it abrasive at all? Is so this can be a spot where the nasty stuff (Biofilm & Debris) hides. Its no good!! ARTHROSCOPES guys...check them closely. These are a famous culprit because they distal tip of the scope gets in fights with the shaver during cases. ALOT! It's risky business.
5. LOOK: Do you have a crisp clear image? If so awesome, carry on with reprocessing according to manufacturers IFUS.

Let's eliminate risk you guys, and make sure when your doc get their equipment it works correctly. Happy Reprocessing!