Low cost endoscope could transform developing world cancer diagnosis

Developed by a Leeds University led consortium, the prototype device - which is designed to detect cancers within the upper part of the digestive tract, is claimed to represent a fundamental redesign of a technology that remained largely unchanged for the last 60-plus years.

Instead of a complex mechanical system of cables and cogs, the device - which consists of a hand-held control column and a section comprising a narrow silicone tube and camera housing - is pneumatically operated.

Whilst conventional endoscopes require cleaning between patients - a process which involves a dedicated sterilisation suite - the silicone tubing and camera housing of the new device are disposable, opening up potential applications of the technology in areas where healthcare facilities are more basic.

“By radically re-thinking the way the device works, is manufactured and operated we have come up with a solution that is a fraction of the cost of conventional endoscopes,” said Project leader Pietro Valdastri, Professor of Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Leeds.  He said that whilst conventional endoscopes can cost around £80,000, the new device could be manufactured for around £40.