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How are flexible endoscopes classified?

I. Classification by Structure and Principle

Flexible endoscopes can be classified by structure and principle into fiberoptic endoscopes, electronic endoscopes, and hybrid (combined) flexible endoscopes.

1. Fiberoptic Endoscopes

The main working principle of fiberoptic endoscopes is that light from the light source is transmitted through optical fibers to illuminate the observation area. After the image is formed by the objective lens, it is transmitted via a bundle of light-conducting glass fibers.

2. Electronic Endoscopes

The main working principle of electronic endoscopes is that a miniature charge-coupled device (CCD) camera is used at the distal tip instead of an image guide bundle. The CCD captures the image of the observed object, converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to a computer image processing system and displayed on a monitor. Because images are transmitted via electrical signals, the resolution and clarity of electronic endoscopes are significantly higher and more realistic than those of fiberoptic endoscopes.

3. Hybrid (Combined) Flexible Endoscopes

Hybrid flexible endoscopes combine features of both fiberoptic and electronic endoscopes. An optical objective lens at the distal tip collects the image, which is transmitted through optical fibers to a CCD located in the control section (handle) of the endoscope. The signal is then sent to the computer image processing system and displayed on the monitor. The image clarity of hybrid endoscopes lies between that of fiberoptic and electronic endoscopes.

Flexible endoscope with control handle, long insertion tube, and light source cable on a white background.

II. Classification by Application System

Flexible endoscopes can be classified by application system into digestive system flexible endoscopes, respiratory system flexible endoscopes, urinary system flexible endoscopes, and other system flexible endoscopes.

1. Digestive System Flexible Endoscopes

(1) Gastroscope/Esophagoscope: Used for examination and diagnosis of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Gastroscopy can directly observe minute lesions in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It also allows pathological biopsy and cytological examination of suspicious lesions. It is currently the preferred examination method for upper gastrointestinal diseases.

(2) Duodenoscope: Used for examination and diagnosis of the duodenum. It can also be used to diagnose diseases of the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas, as well as for auxiliary treatment of digestive system disorders.

(3) Enteroscope/Colonoscope: Includes rectoscope, colonoscope, and small intestine endoscope. It is used to observe the internal conditions of the anal canal, rectum, colon, and small intestine. It is a commonly used instrument for the diagnosis and treatment of lower gastrointestinal diseases.

(4) Cholangioscope (Biliary Endoscope): Used to observe lesions inside the biliary tract. It is an effective instrument for examining biliary diseases and also serves as an auxiliary tool during biliary surgery.

2. Respiratory System Flexible Endoscopes

(1) Tracheoscope/Bronchoscope: Used for direct observation of the trachea and bronchi. It can reach the bronchi of the upper, middle, and lower lobes of the lungs for corresponding examinations and treatments. Flexible bronchoscopy is one of the most commonly used and important diagnostic and therapeutic methods in respiratory medicine. According to function, bronchoscopes are further divided into fiberoptic bronchoscopes, electronic bronchoscopes, ultrasonic fiberoptic bronchoscopes, portable fiberoptic bronchoscopes, etc.

(2) Thoracoscopy (Pleuroscope): Used for the diagnosis of pleural effusion when non-invasive methods cannot confirm the cause. It allows direct visualization of changes in the pleural cavity and enables biopsy of the pleural layers, which is of great significance in the diagnosis of lung and pleural diseases.

3. Urinary System Flexible Endoscopes

(1) Flexible Cystoscope: Used to examine the urethra and bladder, and can perform preliminary diagnosis and treatment. It is a commonly used flexible endoscope in urology.

(2) Flexible Ureteroscope: Used for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of lesions in the ureter and kidney.

4. Other System Flexible Endoscopes

(1) Nasopharyngolaryngoscope (Flexible Rhinolaryngoscope): Used for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases.

(2) Hysteroscope (Flexible Hysteroscopy): Allows direct visualization of lesions inside the uterine cavity. It can perform biopsy and pathological examination for diagnosis and treatment.

(3) Neuroendoscope (Flexible Neuroendoscope): Enables comprehensive exploration of the ventricular system. It is mainly used for the diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus and for clearing obstructions in the cerebrospinal fluid circulation pathway.

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