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Infection and cross-contamination have been massive concerns in the medical field. This study aims to investigate consumers’ awareness and their choices of endoscopes, which may deter them from the cross-contamination problem.

A discrete choice experiment survey was administered to 166 respondents in Penang, Malaysia. Participants were asked to make hypothetical choices and estimate their preference for endoscopes. The multinomial logit model was used to estimate the assumptions based on the stated preference data collected.

Only two-fifths of respondents are aware of their rights regarding endoscope selection. The findings are consistent with utility theory, where choices are made to maximise personal satisfaction. If given the choice, consumers preferred the single-use endoscope over the reusable or the doctor’s preferred endoscope. Price, insurance coverage and personal income are significant determinants of the consumer’s choice of endoscopes.

This study only investigates subjects living in Penang. Other possible important attributes to endoscope choices, such as environmental and device availability may be considered in future study.

The findings may create awareness among consumers about their rights when choosing medical devices. It may also improve health-care institutions’ (users’) and device manufacturers’ (industry players’) understanding of consumer needs and demands from socioeconomic perspectives.

The research offers insights into consumer rights and awareness of health-care services. Ultimately leading to better policy to protect consumers’ rights and safety.

This study contributes to the rare literature on consumer rights toward medical devices, in particular, the consumer’s awareness of the choice of endoscopes.

Equipment, Programmes, Techniques and Projects. Optec Reactors Ltd., 54 Upper Montagu Street, London, W.1., claims to have made two breakthroughs in endoscopic technology. They have produced what is believed to be the first ever endoscope microscope and an illuminated endoscope which is stated to be the smallest in the world. Both of these new endoscopes were developed for use with the Optec Universal Endoscope System.

A MINIATURE high‐intensity viewing probe for the examination of deep cavities has recently been ordered by the Accident Section of the Royal Aircraft Establishment Farnborough, for use both in the field and in the laboratory. Made by Optec Reactors Ltd., and known as a Universal Endoscope, Scries 250, it is equipped with small diameter optical probes and high intensity external lighting.

With the introduction of the flexible fiber optic endoscope in 1950s visualization of the esophagus, stomach, upper small bowel and colon became possible. The flexible shaft of the instrument carried the fiber optic light bundles, power and the optical elements. It also contained cables, which allowed for control over the direction of the instrument. Therefore, the instrument was of relatively large diameter, making gastroscopy, small bowel endoscopy and colonoscopy an uncomfortable procedure requiring sedation. Recent advances in development of low power complementary metal‐oxide silicon (CMOS) imagers, mixed signal application specific integrated circuit (ASICs) and white light emitting diodes (LEDs) made possible development of a new type of endoscope – the swallowable video capsule. We describe the development of a video‐telemetry capsule endoscope that is small enough to swallow (11×26 mm) and has no external wires, fiber optic bundles or cables. Extensive clinical and healthy volunteer trials have proved the effectiveness of the wireless endoscope in detection of pathologies in the GI tract.

This study aims to represent a novel closed-form solutions method based on the product of the exponential model to solve the inverse kinematics of a robotic manipulator. In addition, this method is applied to master–slave control of the minimally invasive surgical (MIS) robot.

For MIS robotic inverse kinematics, the closed-form solutions based on the product of the exponential model of manipulators are divided into the RRR and RRT subproblems. Geometric and algebraic constraints are used as preconditions to solve two subproblems. In addition, several important coordinate systems are established on the surgical robot and master–slave mapping strategies are illustrated in detail. Finally, the MIS robot can realize master–slave control by combining closed-form solutions and master–slave mapping strategy.

The simulation of the instrument manipulator based on the RRR and RRT subproblems is executed to verify the correctness of the proposed closed-form solutions. The fact that the accuracy of the closed-form solutions is better than that of the compensation method is validated by the contrastive linear trajectory experiment, and the average and the maximum tracking errors are 0.1388 mm and 0.3047 mm, respectively. In the animal experiment, the average and maximum tracking error of the left instrument manipulator are 0.2192 mm and 0.4987 mm, whereas the average and maximum tracking error of the right instrument manipulator are 0.1885 mm and 0.6933 mm. The successful completion of the animal experiment comprehensively demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of the master–slave control strategy based on the novel closed-form solutions.

The proposed closed-form solutions are error-free in theory. The master–slave control strategy is not affected by calculation error when the closed-form solutions are used in the surgical robot. And the accuracy and reliability of the master–slave control strategy are greatly improved.

This article aims to describe the effect of an endoscope and heat transfer on the peristaltic flow of a Jeffrey fluid through the gap between concentric uniform tubes.

The mathematical model of the present problem is carried out under long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations. Analytical solutions for the velocity, temperature profiles, pressure gradient and volume flow rate are obtained.

The results indicate that the effect of the wave amplitude, radius ratio, Grashof number, the ratio of relaxation to retardation times and the radius are very pronounced in the phenomena. Also, a comparison of obtaining an analytical solution against previous literatures shows satisfactory agreement.

Analytical solutions for the velocity, temperature profiles, pressure gradient and volume flow rate are obtained. Numerical integration is performed to analyze the pressure rise and frictional forces on the inner and outer tubes.

Aims to report on a new trend of research and development in the wireless capsule endoscope.

Presents a conceptual design of a wireless capsule endoscope having new features like navigation control, self‐propulsion, higher rate image transmission, acquisition of samples, application of medications and so forth.

The basic principle has been verified by experiments. Seems promising.

Yet to need a lot of effort for commercialization.

If successful, it will provide another way of least invasive medical treatment that must reduce pain of patients drastically.

Taking advantage of the state‐of‐the‐art micro‐technology it suggests a further step beyond the current wireless capsule endoscope.

NEW MINIATURE closed‐circuit television camera equipment introduced by Ernest Ireland, (Electronics) Ltd of Bath, England, is designed to reduce aircraft engine inspection time and maintenance costs.