Directview™ DIVA LAPAROSCOPES

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Instrument Costs

Endoscopes consist of two separate optical paths. One path contains a series of lenses and rods which carry an image from inside the body (distal end) to an eyepiece outside the body (proximal end). The second brings light into the body which illuminates the area to be viewed. Typically, bundles of individual, fused silica fiber optic fibers are placed around the imaging optics and carry light from the proximal to the distal end. Conventional imaging optics comprise numerous lens elements and rods (often more than 20) to form a telescope relay system that brings an image from the distal end to a camera using an optical coupler called a endo coupler connected to an eyepiece at the proximal end. The optical system captures images generated by light reflected from an illuminated area in the body and transmits it to a viewing eyepiece, then to an endo-coupler and, finally, to a medical video camera system.

Our FDA-Approved Directview™DIVA Laparoscope is a completely new optical design that incorporates modularity, optical performance equivalent to more traditional scopes, flexibility, disposability and low cost. Our New Optical Design uses five lens elements to replace as many as 26 lenses in competitive laparoscopes.

The photo below compares MITI optics with a competitive product.

In its basic form, the telescope consists of an objective lens system and optical relay to convey an image from the distal end of the device to a viewing eyepiece. As a result of multiple autoclaving cycles, optical coatings on current laparoscopes are the major source of instrument failure. More lenses mean more coatings which means that more elements can fail. Our DIVA Laparoscopes, with only five simple lenses, offer a more reliable and less costly design.

The system’s relative simplicity keeps the cost of unit much lower than that of the competition. A simple adaptor at the proximal end of the laparoscope adjusts focus and position. In addition, our optical system interfaces directly with a camera without using eyepiece optics or an endo-coupler, by means of a “C” mount connection. Provisions are made for a focus and orientation adjustment without the cost and complexities of an endo coupler, thereby eliminating both the complex optical system and the requirement for its sterilization. This technology allows the optical elements to generate high resolution images with reduced image distortion and at a far lower cost. These changes offer several advantages: in particular, statistically greater reliability, and extended sterilization life beyond than that of the more complex instruments.

The entrance of the fiber optic illumination light wire is at a much shallower angle for ergonomic and functional purposes; keeping the light cable, which is typically sited at 90 degrees to the electronic cable, from interfering with other surgical ports that are used for other surgical instruments. It also permits the optional Sterile Extender (shown above) that is attached to the disposable LightGuide to transit over the camera, eyepiece and endo coupler (if used) as well as over the light and electronic cabling.

For those surgeons who are more comfortable using the familiar endo coupler, MITI also offers the DIVA Laparoscope with a conventional eyepiece as shown below. This has the same image performance as competitive laparoscopes, but at a significantly reduced purchase price. Our DIVA LightGuide System is completely compatible with our laparoscopes with or without an eyepiece.

All DIVA Laparoscopes include disposable interchangeable viewing angles, thus eliminating the need for surgeons to have multiple angled scopes in the OR in order to acquire different views. Most importantly although MITI’s unique optical system is simpler and less costly, its image quality is equal to, or better than that of competitive instruments. Our new design makes no compromise with image quality, while providing cost-benefits to its users.

The below side-by-side image comparison demonstrates greater magnification and field of view of the MITI instrument compared with that of a competitor’s endoscope when measuring the same image at the same distance from the target using the same light source.

Our DIVA Laparoscopes offer equal magnification and field of view as conventional instruments. This includes the capability for improved IR and UV transmission. In addition, the limited number of components significantly reduces purchasing costs.

DIVA Laparoscopes are targeted at new FDA requirements that limit the use of re-processed endoscopes. Because all DirectView™ DIVA Laparoscopes can be used with pre-sterilized, disposable DIVA LightGuides. MITI essentially offers a new surgical device for each procedure.