4K vs. HD Arthroscopes

4K VS. HD ARTHROSCOPES

Performance

How do you measure endoscope performance?

Endobench: Scope Measuring Device

Endoscopes are measured in a few different methods to compare 30° 4.8 mm 4K C- Mount Arthroscope

optical performance. The most objective and standardized test is the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) comparison. Each scope is set on a machine called an endobench and pointed at an industry standard Air Force target. The machine measures the resolution and clarity of the scope image. The more contrast between the black and white areas on the target provide higher resolution and clarity. At the point where the

Standard Air Force Target used in the endobench for measuring the optical performance of the scopes.

distinction between the black and white areas is limited, the contrast moves towards zero and the resolution drops. The MTF score measures the ability of the scopes to transfer the difference of the contrast.

30° 4.8 mm 4K Arthroscope

Close-up angle.

The Results of Our Testing The chart below illustrates the different improvements comparing the 4K and HD scope. The optical engineers discuss the desired performance of the scope and design the scope to improve certain characteristics. The results below speak volumes about the technical expertise and commitment to improve visualization in the medical field.

4K Versus Performance

HD Arthroscope

24%

12% 35%

MTF

Distortion Avg. at R0.7

Optical Transmission

Optically measured, the 4K scope on a 4K camera has 59% increase in optical transmission compared to the 4 mm HD scope on a 1080p camera. The resolution increased by 35% and the MTF improved 10%.

Note: All values were measured on the endobench, focal length of coupler: 27 mm* *Data on file

17%

48%

Vignetting Avg.

Illumination Center

The answer is no. The 4K resolution is created at the camera head, behind the scope, and continues through the console and on to the monitor. The endoscope is the most crucial component in the chain. The scope provides the image to the camera head, so the higher resolution from the scope results in a higher starting point for the system. The endoscope transmits the light from the target/object to the prism inside the camera head, which portrays on the chip set. If you measure the entire chain, including the optics and digital processing, then you are looking at the system as a whole from scope to monitor. We measured this optical transmission using a 1080p system compared to the Ultra HD 4K system.

Overall 4K Arthroscope Improvement:

10%

Does a 4K Endoscope Mean that you Have 4K Picture on the Monitor?

25%

Illumination Avg.

Scope

4K Camera and 1080p Monitor

4K Camera and 4K Monitor

4 mm Arthroscope

12% Improvement

26% Improvement

4K Arthroscope

41% Improvement

59% Improvement

Definitions for Graph MTF: Measures the transfer of light from the target through the scope Resolution: The ability of an imaging system to resolve detail in the object that is being imaged. (the higher the better) Vignetting: This is a reduction of an image’s brightness or saturation at the periphery compared to the image center. (less vignetting is better.) Distortion: The alteration of the original shape of the object. (less distortion is better.) Illumination: The ability of the fiber optic light bundle to transmit light from the light post to the target.

HD Arthroscope with SynergyUHD4™ Camera

SynergyUHD4™ 4K Camera with 4K Arthroscope

How About a Little Background?

Complexity of an Endoscope

The HD scope was introduced in 2004. Prior to that, the scopes were relatively unchanged for over 10 years because the camera resolution was limited. The standard definition image sensors in the camera were the limiting factor in the optical chain. The camera chip set could not receive a higher resolution from the scope to relay it to the console. In 2004, the high definition chips became available inside the camera head and the standard scopes needed to improve. A vendor in Germany was able to improve the scopes performance through proprietary processes. They were able to improve the design of the lenses, tighten the tolerances during manufacturing and improve the assembly process of the endoscope. This resulted in the endoscope outperforming the cameras again.

Here are a few details about the manufacturing of an endoscope. The endoscope has a long history and only a few companies maintain the detail oriented expertise to make the endoscope. The parts are minute and the assembly and manufacturing is extremely precise. The technicians that assemble the scopes have special talents to work in this environment. The investment in capital equipment to grind the lens is a major commitment.

By 2014, the consumer market fully embraced the 4K Ultra HD as the resolution standard, and it was only a matter of time until the medical world adopted this technology. In preparation of the 4K revolution, Arthrex® began working to improve the performance of the scope while developing the 4K camera system, knowing the HD scope would be the limiting factor in the optical chain. When Arthrex released the state-of-the-art 4K camera in 2015, the 4K scope was released with the system in larger diameters (10 mm) initially. With each smaller diameter, new challenges arose and the team pushed to eliminate the shortcomings and optimize the performance. The improved design is now also available in 5.5 mm laparoscopes and 4.8 mm and 4 mm arthroscope options.

Why 4K? One question that can be asked is why we need 4K resolution. The fundamental principle is that the Arthrex® mission statement is Helping surgeons treat their patients better.™ This not only means providing surgeons with the best instruments, implants and techniques, but also the best visualization possible. We want to offer the best tools that are technologically available and we worked diligently to get this tool to the market quickly. Accepting the status quo is not acceptable for Arthrex, and helping the surgeon see better aligns our products with the Arthrex mission. If you cannot see it, then you cannot fix it.

This description of technique is provided as an educational tool and clinical aid to assist properly licensed medical professionals in the usage of specific Arthrex products. As part of this professional usage, the medical professional must use their professional judgment in making any final determinations in product usage and technique. In doing so, the medical professional should rely on their own training and experience and should conduct a thorough review of pertinent medical literature and the product’s Directions For Use.

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