A colonoscopy is a procedure where a flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum and entire colon to examine the mucosal lining. During the procedure, the physician is able to detect any abnormalities like polyps, inflammations, or cancers and remove any tissue samples for further examination. The colonoscope allows the physician to have a clear view of the inner colon walls on a camera screen.

Colonoscopy Devices

There are various specialized medical devices that are used during a standard colonoscopy procedure. Let's look at some of the key colonoscopy devices:

Colonoscope

As mentioned earlier, the colonoscope is the main device used during the procedure. It is a long, thin, flexible tube that has a video camera and light source at the tip. Modern colonoscopes are usually between 1.5 to 2.8 meters in length. This allows the physician to navigate the colonoscope through the curves of the colon and examine the entire colon lining clearly on a video monitor. Some key features of the colonoscope include adjustable bending sections, suction and irrigation channels, working channels for surgical tools.

Video Systems

The camera at the tip of the colonoscope is connected to a video processor unit via a cable. This video processor enhances the image quality and displays it on a high-definition monitor for the physician and medical staff to observe in real-time. Some advanced video systems also offer features like optical zoom, adjustable light settings, recording and printing of still images. This helps provide clear visualization of any abnormalities.

Polypectomy Snares

During the procedure, if the physician detects any polyps or growths on the colon wall, they can be removed using specialized polypectomy snares. These are thin wire loops passed through the working channel of the Colonoscopy Devices . The physician maneuvers the snare and places it around the base of the polyp/growth. Electrocautery current is then passed through the snare to cut and remove the growth from the colon lining.

Biopsy Forceps

If a suspicious growth or abnormal tissue is detected, small tissue samples (biopsies) may need to be taken for histopathological examination. Biopsy forceps of various sizes are used for this purpose. These have pinchers at the tip which can grasp and remove small tissue pieces without damage. The forceps holding the sample pieces are then retrieved through the colonoscope.

Injection Needles

These fine hollow needles are used to inject saline solution or other drugs into the submucosal layer during colonoscopy for better visualization and lifting up of folds in the colon. This helps the physician get a clearer view of the underlying colon walls. Marking dyes or drugs can also be injected using these needles to tag suspicious growths temporarily during the procedure.

Others

Other specialized devices occasionally used include sclerotherapy needles, hemoclips, balloon dilators etc. Sclerotherapy needles inject chemicals to treat hemorrhoids or varices. Hemoclips are used to clip and close bleeding vessels.

balloon dilators help negotiate sharp colon turns in some cases. Advances in technology have led to development of newer colonoscopy devices with added features for improved efficacy and safety.

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