Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, as well as a necessary tool for several other GI conditions, but patients often associate the procedure with discomfort.
Researchers with the National University of Singapore published findings on a new kind of scope in the journal Optics Express, according to a Phys.Org report. The endoscope is designed with adjustable-focus capabilities in a slimmer package. The new scope could lead to more effective and less painful imaging.
The scope has two transparent polymer plates that work together to transmit images to an external camera. The device is less bulky than existing, high-magnification scopes, according to the report. The device has yet to be tested in the clinical environment. It has the potential to not only improve patient comfort, but also eliminate the need for biopsy through improved high-resolution imaging, according to the report.