Introduction of the videoscope in neurosurgery.

Abstract

This article demonstrates that a newly developed videoscope for use in neurosurgery is effective for patients with lesions in their ventricles, cisterns, and intraparenchyma. Neuroendoscopy was performed on 13 patients using a videoscope system with narrow-band imaging technology. The results showed that the new videoscope was far superior to conventional fiberscopes in terms of visual quality and ease of manipulation. Observation of subependymal blood vessels, which had been difficult with fiberscopes, was possible with the videoscope. Furthermore, the videoscope was capable of producing enhanced images of capillary blood vessels under the ependymal layer space if used in conjunction with narrow-band imaging technology. This videoscope will be effective in avoiding capillary vessel injuries during neuroendoscopic procedures. It will also contribute to the future development of neuroendoscopy.