The Anatomy of an Endoscopy Tower: Custom-Built Solutions for Medical Needs

1. ​What is an Endoscopy Tower
2. Core Components of an Endoscopy Tower
3. Customization Based on Clinical Needs
4. Refurbished Endoscopy Towers and Components
5. How can Soma help?

What is an Endoscopy Tower?

Endoscopy towers are modular systems that support a wide range of minimally invasive procedures. Think of an endoscopy tower as a home entertainment system. Just as you might choose specific components, such as a high-definition TV, surround sound speakers, or a gaming console, to suit your entertainment needs, medical professionals assemble endoscopy towers with various components tailored to specific procedures and specialties.

Core Components of an Endoscopy Tower

1. Light Source: It provides illumination through the endoscope, allowing you to visualize internal structures.​
   
2. Monitor: It displays real-time images captured during endoscopic procedures for the medical team to observe.​
3. Insufflator: Delivers gas (commonly CO₂) to expand body cavities, improving visibility and space for instrument manipulation. It creates space for better visualization, like inflating a balloon to see its interior.​
4. Suction/Irrigation Systems: Manage fluids within the operative field, maintaining a clear view and reducing the risk of contamination. It’s like a vacuum cleaner and garden hose combo for removing unwanted fluids and cleaning the area at the same time.​
5. Recording Devices: Capture and store procedure footage for documentation, teaching, or review purposes.
6. Mobile Cart: Houses and organizes all components, allowing for easy transport and setup within various clinical environments.

Customization Based on Clinical Needs

As we mentioned earlier, these towers are highly customizable, and their configuration will depend on the type of procedure. Let’s look at these three examples:

• Gastroenterology Configuration: Its main goal is to examine the digestive tract using flexible endoscopes, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. A common configuration for this can be:
  • Flexible Endoscope: A long, slender tube equipped with a camera and light source at the tip, allowing visualization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
  • Light Source: Provides illumination within the dark internal environment of the GI tract.
  • Video Processor: Converts the optical signals from the endoscope into high-quality images displayed on a monitor.
  • Monitor: Displays real-time images of the GI tract for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
  • Insufflator: Introduces air or CO₂ to expand the GI tract for better visibility.
  • Suction/Irrigation System: Removes fluids and debris, maintaining a clear view during procedures.
  • Documentation System: Captures images and videos for medical records and patient education.

• Pulmonology Configuration: Its purpose is to examine and treat conditions within the respiratory tract, including the trachea and lungs.
  • Bronchoscope: A flexible or rigid tube with a camera and light source designed to navigate the airways.
  • Light Source: Illuminates the bronchial passages for clear visualization.
  • Video Processor: Processes the visual data from the bronchoscope for display.
  • Monitor: Displays the processed images of the respiratory tract.
  • Suction System: Removes mucus and other obstructions from the airways.
  • Oxygen Delivery System: Provides supplemental oxygen during procedures.
  • Documentation System: Records procedures for analysis and record-keeping.

• Surgical Configuration: To perform minimally invasive surgeries across various specialties, such as laparoscopy, arthroscopy, and urology.
  • Rigid Endoscope (Laparoscope/Arthroscope): A straight, rigid tube with a camera and light source to access internal organs through small incisions.
  • High-Intensity Light Source: Delivers bright illumination necessary for surgical procedures.
  • Advanced Video Processor: Enhances image quality, often incorporating features like 4K resolution and fluorescence imaging.

What Types of Endoscopy Towers Are Available?

There is a wide range of endoscopy tower systems available across the medical industry, designed to meet the diverse needs of various specialties and clinical environments. These systems typically include core components such as light sources, video processors, monitors, and insufflators, which can be configured in different ways depending on the procedure. Whether used in a hospital operating room, an outpatient surgical center, or a specialty clinic, endoscopy towers are essential for delivering high-quality visualization and procedural efficiency.

Stryker 1688 4k Endoscopy Tower

Olympus CV-180 Complete Tower System

Stryker Precision Complete Tower System