8k Video Endoscopy Becoming a Reality

Video endoscopy with a resolution of 8k x 4k (8k video) might soon be widely adopted in the medical industry.

Researchers at Medical Imaging Consortium (MIC; Tokyo, Japan) combined a compact 8k camera developed by Hitachi Kokusai Electric (Tokyo, Japan) and an endoscope manufactured by Shinko Optical (Tokyo, Japan) and conducted an experimental operation, in which the gall bladder of a pig was removed. 8k video was used for three reasons; first, because video resolution does not decrease when moved slightly away from the affected area, it is easier to use forceps. This is due to the fact that with existing endoscopes—whose resolution is equivalent to HD—it is necessary to move the tip of an endoscope considerably close to an internal organ to check its details; as a result, there is an increasing chance of collision between the endoscope and forceps. This is unnecessary with 8k.


Second, because of the drastic improvement in resolution, it is possible to see the fine structure and boundaries of internal organs and tissue surfaces. While high definition (HD) video is equivalent to an eyesight of 1.06 (about 20/18.87), 8k video is equivalent to 4.27 (about 20/4.68). As a result, it becomes possible to see the internal structures of blood vessels and the boundaries between cancer tissues and normal tissues, as well as sutures with a diameter of 0.15–0.199, which are difficult to see even with the naked eye.

Lastly, the stereoscopic effect and realism of the operative field are much improved, which also has relevance for telemedicine and remote education systems for medical students and consultats.

“Because video from the endoscope is as detailed as that from a microscope, it might eliminate the need for surgical loupes. It allows to see even cedar pollens,” said Toshio Chiba, chief director of MIC. “It was a greater success than we had expected.”

8k cameras are undergoing a rapid miniaturization. When first developed, in 2002, they weighed 80 kg. Weight was reduced to 40 kg in 2004, 20 kg in 2010, and 2.5 kg by 2013. They are expected to weigh less than one kilogram within one or two years.

Related Links:
Hitachi Kokusai Electric
Shinko Optical