A NEWLY DEVELOPED SMALL- CALIBER PANCREATOSCOPE EQUIPPED WITH A TIP-BENDING SYSTEM

Abstract

We developed a new pancreatoscope, XPF-22, with an outer diameter of 2.2 mm to perform peroral pancreatoscopy (POPS) in cases with normal papilla of Vater. To improve the maneuverability of the scope, the tip is equipped with a two-directional tip-bending system. POPS and peroral cholangioscopy with this scope were performed in 16 cases of pancreatic diseases and 14 cases of bliary disorders by the mother-baby scope method. Insertion of this scope into the target duct and up to the area of interest through the normal papilla of Vater was achieved in 80% of the cases. The endoscopic view was kept satisfactory with the use of the tip-bending function during the examination. Durability of the scope was sufficient for clinical use.