Endoscope

thumb|Flexibilního endoskopu An endoscope is an optical device for imaging internal cavities.

According to the technical design, endoscopes are divided into: A flexible endoscope can be based on guiding light in a bundle of optical fibers. If the optical fiber in the outer layer has a lower refractive index (thinner environment) than the refractive index inside the fiber, then the light is completely reflected in the fiber. Using many such fibers, the image can then be transferred from the cavity to the observer.
 * endoscopic mirrors;
 * rigid endoscopes (tube);
 * flexible endoscopes
 * fiberscopes - CCD chip placed proximally;
 * video endoscopes - CCD video chip placed distally.

Diagnostic applications
These are endoscopic examinations of the cavities:


 * Gastroenterology (gastroscopy, colo(no)scopy)
 * Pneumology (thoracoscopy, bronchoscopy).
 * Urology (uretheroscopy)
 * ENT (laryngoscopy)
 * Orthopedics (arthroscopy)
 * Gynecology (colposcopy, uteroscopy)

Therapeutic uses

 * Stop bleeding
 * Removal of polyps.
 * Extraction of gallstones.
 * A wide range of laparoscopic operations.

Related articles

 * Endoscopy
 * Gastroscopy
 * Colonoscopy