Specializing in rigid endoscope repair.
The following section will acquaint you with the major components of a rigid endoscope system. Some common problems associated with the individual components are also briefly covered. An understanding of the common terminology will enable you to better understand a repair quotation or interpret a service record for your scope. Please feel free to contact our Technical Services Manager to answer any questions that you may have.
Objective Lens System
The objective lens is located at the distal end of the scope. It gathers the image, establishes the Field of View for the scope and directs the image through the lens train to the camera or eye. This component is usually the most expensive part on the scope to replace. The surface can be damaged in surgery by shavers, lasers, etc., or by careless handling between procedures. We recommend using our free tip covers as much as possible between procedures.
Rod Lens
The rod lenses are glass rods with lenses attached at each end to continually refocus the image up through the scope to maintain a sharp clear image as seen by the camera or eye. Metal spacers separate each rod lens to maintain the appropriate focal distance between lenses. If the scope is bent or flexed too far, the glass rods can break and the metal spacers can chip the lenses. The small lenses that are attached at each end of the glass rod can also separate from the rod especially if
there is prolonged exposure to any fluid invasion.
We recommend that the scope be serviced at the
first sign of internal moisture so unnecessary damage does not occur to the lenses. Finally, if you have noticed that the image from your scope has a yellow tint, especially if the scope is autoclavable, it may be because the glass rod and/or the adhesive at each end of the rods has yellowed. The high temperatures of the autoclave process accelerate this "aging" of the rod lens. New lenses will provide a clear image again.
Ocular Lens
The ocular lens is inside at the proximal end of the scope. It will focus the image for the eye or camera. It is usually made of two lenses glued together. This lens can also separate over time or with moisture.
COMPONENT PARTS
Light Fibers
The light fibers bring the light from the light post through the scope to the distal tip. They are thin glass fibers that can be damaged easily. Over time, they can become somewhat yellow which can give the image a yellow tint. Through normal use, some of the individual fibers can break, eventually reducing the light output of the scope. A rigid endoscope will typically need to be refibered a few times throughout its useful life. For more information, see our FYI article on Rigid Endoscope Refibering
Light Post
The light post directs the light from your light source to the light fibers inside the scope. These can be made of glass fibers or of plastic. The plastic light cones last longer but don't transmit light quite as well as the glass fibers. The glass fiber cones can become yellow and are more easily damaged so we usually install the plastic type. Both are autoclavable.
Eyepiece
Eyepieces attach to the scope body and come in many shapes and sizes. They should be inspected for cracks or distortion.
Eyepiece Window
Most eyepieces will have a flat window attached to view the image. Some scopes will have the ocular lens built into the eyepiece instead of a window. Both the flat glass and the ocular lens will have a coating applied, which is used to increase light transmission and decrease any reflection. This coating may get a few tiny scratches on it but the image should still be fine. If the glass is actually scratched, then it can impact the view and should be replaced. If the scope is dropped or the eyepiece is flexed severely the glass can crack or the glass adhesive can break loose. Always repair the scope at the first sigh of trouble to avoid fluid invasion.
Distal Window
Some scopes have a window at the distal tip that seals the scope and protects the objective lens assembly. This window can be damaged by shavers and lasers in surgery or scratched if not handled carefully between procedures. We recommend using our free tip covers as much as possible.
Stainless Steel Tube
The stainless steed tube houses the lenses and light fibers. If the tube is flexed too far the lenses inside may break. A dented or kinked tube may prevent the removal of the rod lenses. If this happens the tube will have to be removed and the scope will need to be refibered. Bent tubes however, may be straightened without the need for refibering.
DUNS: 144187882 NAICS: 811219 CAGE: 62ZC8 EIN: 12345678
NMSDC Certified as a disadvantaged minority small business.
DUNS: 144187882 NAICS: 811219 CAGE: 62ZC8 EIN: 12345678
NMSDC Certified as a disadvantaged minority small business.
