Evaluation and image quality comparison of ultra-thin fibre endoscopes for vascular endoscopy

Abstract

Medical applications like vascular endoscopy can provide additional diagnostic value for future procedures [1]. For these applications an optimal compromise between image quality and fibre flexibility has to be identified. Image quality of endoscopes is normally estimated using flat test objects or charts. For the application of vascular endoscopy a tubular test set up seems to be more beneficial. We compare three fibre endoscopes with different diameters and number of integrated fibre according to image quality and flexibility. Based on the results a recommendation for possible applications in vascular endoscopy is given.