Examination of Patients with Pulmonary Diseases Using a Flexible Bronchoscope Connected to a Video Converter

Abstract

We evaluated the images obtained from 25 patients with pulmonary disorders (cough, hemosputum, and abnormal shadows on the chest x-ray film) using a conventional flexible bronchoscope (Olympus BF type 101. an Olympus video converter (OVC-200) connected to the conventional bronchoscope, and an Olympus prototype electric endoscope. In all cases, the video converter, which contains a charge-coupled device chip, provided clear images when connected to the conventional bronchoscope. The color and contrast enhancement features facilitated the detection of indistinct findings, such as slight mucosal irregularities. The image-freezing function and computed filing system, which are the same with electric endoscopy, are very useful. Many personnel involved in the patient's health care can observe the video image simultaneously. Computer analysis of the endoscopic image may have great potential clinical application, and we consider the video converter to present advantages for bronchoscopic examinations.