The development of endoscopy has a history of more than 200 years. In recent years, with the promotion and popularization of minimally invasive surgical techniques globally, minimally invasive endoscopic medical devices have also developed rapidly.
Introduction to Endoscopy
Endoscopic minimally invasive medical devices mainly consist of endoscopes, endoscopic consumables, and supporting equipment. Endoscopy is a device that integrates optics, electronics, mechanics, materials, and other multidisciplinary technologies, with extremely high technical barriers. Endoscopes are mainly composed of three systems: the endoscope system, the image display system, and the lighting system. The corresponding core technologies are image acquisition, image post-processing, and lighting methods.
Classification of Endoscopes
Endoscopes can be classified into rigid endoscopes and flexible endoscopes based on whether their pipes are bendable. According to their historical development and imaging construction, endoscopes have undergone four stages: rigid endoscopes, semi-flexible endoscopes, fiber optic endoscopes, and electronic endoscopes. Electronic endoscopes have higher imaging quality and have gradually become the mainstream in the market.
Applications of Endoscopy
The rapid development of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment technology has also promoted its products to multiple departments, including gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, otolaryngology, urology, anorectal surgery, thoracic surgery, gynecology, and others. From simple disease screening to complex treatments for achalasia, endoscopy brings patients benefits such as timely and accurate diagnosis, low risk, minimal surgical trauma, and rapid postoperative recovery. However, due to factors such as economic development and knowledge popularization, the current utilization rate of flexible endoscopy is relatively low.
Technical Barriers of Endoscopy
1. The technical barriers in the endoscopy industry are extremely high: Endoscopy is a device that integrates optics, electronics, mechanics, materials, and other multidisciplinary technologies, making it a highly complex field. The endoscope body contains multiple channels, including illumination fibers, imaging fibers, air channels, water channels, etc., which require the collaboration of professionals from multiple fields.
● Optical technology: The core components are the lens and image sensor, and the technical difficulty lies in the design of the camera optical module.
● Image processing algorithms and imaging: Noise reduction technology and edge enhancement technology, such as NBI narrow-band imaging technology and FICE spectroscopy technology. Japanese manufacturers have applied for many patents to protect their technologies.
● Materials and processing technology: There are a large number of patents and technical know-how related to fine structures, materials, etc. For example, finding materials with the right stiffness for insertion, and mass-producing ultra-fine parts with precise processing and assembly techniques.
2. Significant first-mover advantage, and established industrial moat for established companies
● Upstream technology blockade: Blocking the export of upstream core components, advance patent blockade, and overseas companies not establishing research and development centers in China to prevent talent and technology loss.
● Production management: Ensuring product quality and stability while mass-producing, while reducing consumption and costs, and establishing a manufacturing management system that strives for excellence.
● Market promotion and doctor education: Many doctors from top-tier hospitals have been trained by Olympus, forming specific operational habits and having greater trust and dependence on Japanese brands.
● Establishment and improvement of supply chain: Selection and cooperation with suppliers globally, and bargaining power with upstream and downstream partners.
● Establishment of a comprehensive maintenance system: Traditional reusable endoscopes are prone to damage and require regular maintenance and replacement of parts.
With the development of the pet industry, most pet hospitals, especially those with high surgical requirements, have begun to introduce endoscopic equipment. As endoscopic technology continues to develop, many applications can meet the clinical needs of pet surgeries. Overall, endoscopy will become increasingly common in clinical surgeries at pet hospitals.
