Abstract
BackgroundOwing to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has become mandatory. Wireless endoscopy in contactless examinations promises to protect health care workers and reduce viral spread.ObjectiveThis study aimed to introduce a contactless endoscopic diagnosis system using a wireless endoscope resembling a mask.MethodsThe Wi-Fi–based contactless mask endoscopy system comprises a disposable endoscope and a controller. First, the effective force applied by the tip during insertion was evaluated in a simple transoral model consisting of a force sensor on a simulated oropharynx wall. Second, the delay in video streaming was evaluated by comparing the frame rate and delays between a movement and its image over direct and Wi-Fi connections. Third, the system was applied to a detailed laryngopharyngeal tract phantom.ResultsThe smartphone-controlled wireless endoscopy system was successfully evaluated. The mean, maximum, and minimum collision forces against the wall of the transoral model were 296 mN (30 gf), 363 mN (37 gf), and 235 mN (24 gf), respectively. The delay resulting from the wireless connection was 0.72 seconds. Using the phantom, an inexperienced user took around 1 minute to orient the endoscope to a desired area via the app.ConclusionsDevice articulation does not pose a significant risk of laryngopharyngeal wall penetration, and latency does not significantly impede its use. Contactless wireless video streaming was successful within the access point range regardless of the presence of walls. The mask endoscope can be controlled and articulated wirelessly, minimizing contact between patients and device operators. By minimizing contact, the device can protect health care workers from infectious viruses like the coronavirus.
Highlights
With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the importance of quarantine and contact reduction has increased
The contactless mask endoscope is designed as a laryngoscope, which means the endoscope part has to go over the patient’s tongue, hard palate, and soft palate to arrive at the vocal cord
Assuming the continuum always collides with the oral tract, a force sensor (Honeywell International Inc) was placed where the soft palate is present, since the continuum is most likely to collide with the soft palate
Summary
With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the importance of quarantine and contact reduction has increased. Social distancing has become mandatory to lessen the impact of the outbreak and prevent the further spread of the virus, because increased contact with infected individuals drastically increases the possibility of infection. Those who work in the medical field are at high risk of exposure. To protect health care workers and prevent further spread of the coronavirus, contactless examination has emerged. Wireless endoscopy in contactless examinations promises to protect health care workers and reduce viral spread. The device can protect health care workers from infectious viruses like the coronavirus
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