How Rigid Endoscopes Get Damaged?

Arthroscopes:

• Arthroscopes generally have 6 rod lenses.

• The actual working distance of an arthroscope is approx. 5 – 10 mm, therefore shavers and other sharp instruments are always very close to the distal end of the scope.

Damage is usually caused by:

• Rotating shaver coming in contact with the distal end of the scope
• Bending of the lens tubing
• Dropping
• Improper sterilization procedures

Most common repairs:

• Cleaning of the lens system
• Replacing broken rod lenses
• Replacing the objective lens system
• Replacing the fiber optic light bundle

Cystoscopes:

• Cystoscopes usually have 10 rod lenses.

• These scopes are much longer than arthroscopes and tend to bend easier.

Damage is usually caused by:

• Laser burns to the objective lens, lens tubing, and fiber optic light
• Electro cautery burns
• Bending of the lens tubing
• Dropping
• Improper sterilization procedures

Most common repairs:

• Cleaning of the lens system
• Replacing broken rod lenses
• Replacing the objective lens system
• Replacing the fiber optic light bundle