A New Fiberintestinoscope Type FIS-T₁ Patterned after Intestinal Biopsy Tube

Abstract

A new type of fiberintestinoscope (FIS-T₁) patterned after an intestinal biopsy tube was developed for observing the small intestine beyond the ligament of Treitz. The flexible part of the new FIS has been made as pliable as the Cantor tube or the Miller-Abbott tube so that the tip of the new FIS is carried on into the small intestine by peristaltic activity along its natural configuration. A balloon attached near the tip of the new FIS acted as a bolus, enabling peristaltic activity to carry the fiberscope to the distal portion. In order to facilitiate the passage of the fiberscope, it was also advisable to keep changing the posture and position of the body with a minimum of fluoroscopic exposure. Inflation of the balloon as well as air feeding through the air channel of the fiberscope made possible satisfactory observation. In a patient suffering from protein-losing gastroenteropathy, multiple white spots on the diffuse rough surface of the mucosa were visualized by using the new FIS. Histological finding of the biopsy specimen taken from near the ligament of Treitz by using the fiberduodenoscope showed dilated lymph vessels in the villi.