Endoscopies

An endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that is used to examine and repair gastrointestinal tract (GI), which can be up to 30 ft in length. A typical endoscope system in composed of the following parts: A flexible tube that is long and thin, a lens, and a light transmitter. Although it is a typically minimally invasive procedure, it can be lifesaving! Endoscopies are used to screen, diagnose, and mend the GI tract from top to bottom. And can help fix or remove hernias, blockages, lesions, ulcers, cancer, and more. We should credit and give thanks to Dr. Philipp Bozzini, who gave way to the endoscope when he invented the first MODERN lighted (endoscopy) device that he called “Lichtleiter” (light conductor), which he developed early in his in 1806. He essentially “fixed” poor illumination and nearly dreadful penetration ability by the earlier devices. With that being said, numerous innovative devices and endoscopes have been invented and manufactured over the last 200 years. From the first effective open-tube device named the “endoscope” that was developed in 1853 by Dr. Antonin Jean Desormeaux to devices that can now perform minimally invasive procedures like diagnosis, biopsies, stapling, removing tumors, and more with less down time to the patient.

So, where does Hydromer® belong in all this? As the coating experts, we know that without a hydrophilic coating on your device procedures could get messy. Most procedures use a “jelly” type substance that the doctor must apply very liberally to the scope each time before inserting it into the patient. Commonly this gel wears away and needs to be reapplied. This causes the device not to go as smoothly down or as far into the GI tract as is needed. This results in a more invasive procedure to the patient causing more pain and possible lacerations to the already delicate GI tract. It also costs the surgeon much more precious surgical time, because with surgery the longer you are under anesthesia, the more complications may rise. The endoscope may also stick inside of a guide sheath causing it to stick to the sheath like glue…

With Hydromer’s Hydrophilic Coatings for Medical Devices, your device can withstand tortuous pathways without the fear of losing its lubricity, or the ability to be “slippery-when-wet”.  In addition, Hydromer offers medical-grade, antifog coatings that are applied to the lenses, cameras, and other optical parts of the endoscopy devices to provide clear surfaces thereby enhancing the visibility and clarity of the areas for viewing by the doctor, as seen here with a colonoscopy rendering.

Hydromer® has worked with large and small companies over the years in the endoscopy space and we know that with our vetted coatings already on the market, we can help speed yours to market and help increase usability of your device, as well. We can coat your endoscopic medical device needs such as, sheaths, sleeves, guide coverings, one-time use devices, attachments and more.