4.4mm Ultra-Compact High-Definition Endoscope Module Empowers Cellular-Level Confocal Imaging Systems

4.4mm Ultra-Compact High-Definition Endoscope Module Empowers Cellular-Level Confocal Imaging Systems

In modern interventional medicine, achieving real-time, in-situ, high-magnification visualization at the cellular level within living tissue represents a revolutionary imperative for accelerating precision diagnosis and targeted therapy. Confocal laser endoscopy technology, exemplified by the Cellvizio system, is dedicated to pushing this boundary, enabling physicians to “directly observe” cellular dynamics. However, achieving this ambitious goal relies not only on advanced laser confocal optics but also on the critical carrier that successfully miniaturizes this precision optical system and delivers it stably to the target site—the ultra-miniature imaging probe at the front end. Our ultra-miniature high-definition camera module, specifically engineered for challenging endoscopic applications, delivers critical front-end form factor adaptation and foundational imaging capabilities for cutting-edge systems like Cellvizio. Its exceptionally slim physical dimensions, high-definition video output, wide field of view, and deep depth of field serve as the pivotal bridge connecting macroscopic interventional procedures with the microscopic cellular world.

I. Extreme Miniaturization Design: Enabling Non-Invasive Intervention Across Multiple Sites and Cellular-Level Access

The core value of the Cellvizio system lies in its ability to access nearly any part of the human body, including narrow bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, bronchi, and even blood vessels. This demands near-impossible requirements for the diameter of the front-end probe, making such ultra-minimally invasive or non-invasive interventions unattainable with traditional endoscope dimensions.

Our module achieves a major breakthrough in physical dimensions, with the core imaging probe measuring just 4.5mm in diameter and optimized to approximately 21.2mm in length. This pencil-tip-level miniaturization allows seamless integration into Cellvizio's ultra-thin fiber-optic catheters. It provides a stable front-end platform for transmitting confocal laser beams and receiving cellular reflected light without increasing overall invasiveness. It ensures the entire probe system can smoothly traverse natural body cavities or minimally invasive incisions, safely and non-invasively reaching deep target tissues—an indispensable physical foundation for achieving “cell-level access.”

II. High-Definition Video and Wide-Field Imaging: Providing Real-Time Navigation and Macro-Level Positioning Reference

Before performing cell-level confocal scanning, operators must first rapidly locate and observe the target area at the macro level to select the optimal scanning starting point and ensure the probe maintains appropriate distance and angle from the tissue surface. This requires the integrated front-end module to possess real-time video guidance capabilities.

This module incorporates a megapixel-grade sensor capable of outputting real-time video streams at 720P high-definition resolution. Utilizing MJPEG encoding, it delivers smooth 720P@30fps imagery, providing surgeons with a clear, real-time macro view of the tissue surface. Crucially, its optical lens features an ultra-wide field of view spanning 110° (diagonal). This expansive field of view allows physicians to observe a larger area within narrow cavities, rapidly identify anatomical landmarks, and avoid irrelevant regions. This enables efficient and accurate guidance of the confocal laser spot toward suspected lesions, significantly enhancing examination efficiency and success rates.

III. Fixed Focus and Large Depth of Field Design: Ensuring Clear and Stable Basic Imaging

During dynamic interventional procedures, the distance between the probe and tissue surfaces may fluctuate by micrometers. To ensure stable confocal signal acquisition, the baseline imaging must remain sharp across a defined distance range—requiring sufficient depth of field.

This module employs a fixed-focus design with a focal plane range set between 10mm and 100mm. This meticulously optimized focal range provides an exceptionally tolerant, high-definition imaging zone for procedures. This means that during confocal scanning near tissue surfaces, even minor hand tremors or cavity peristalsis won't cause the base navigation video to lose focus. The image remains sharp, preventing interference with the physician's spatial judgment. This stable baseline imaging capability is a prerequisite for successfully executing subsequent high-precision cellular-level scans.

IV. High-Reliability Design and Standard Interfaces: Meeting Stringent Medical-Grade Requirements

Medical devices, particularly interventional equipment, must meet the highest standards for reliability, biocompatibility, and electrical safety. They require stable operation at body temperature and must withstand sterilization and disinfection processes.

This module adheres to stringent medical product design specifications. Its electrical interface is simple and reliable, utilizing a standard USB bus for power supply and data transmission. With a wide operating voltage range of 3.6V to 5.5V, it ensures stable connectivity with host systems. Additionally, the product has passed a series of rigorous reliability tests, including high/low temperature cycling (-40°C to 85°C), high/low temperature storage and operation, mechanical vibration, drop testing, and thermal shock. Its operating temperature range spans -10°C to 50°C, fully meeting the demands of both the human body's internal environment and external operating conditions. This industrial-grade robustness and reliability provide the hardware foundation for the Cellvizio system's safe, stable, long-term, and high-frequency operation in clinical settings.

Summary：

In summary, this ultra-compact high-definition endoscopic camera module delivers an exceptional front-end integrated solution for the Cellvizio confocal laser endoscopy system. It achieves this through its ultra-slim dimensions enabling minimally invasive procedures, provides real-time navigation with high-definition wide-field-of-view video, ensures stable operation with a fixed-focus design offering wide depth of field, and meets medical standards for reliability and interfaces. Its deep integration enables cutting-edge cellular-level imaging technology to be applied clinically with unprecedented convenience and reliability. This advancement propels the observational dimension of interventional medicine directly from the tissue level to the cellular level, creating entirely new possibilities for real-time pathological diagnosis, precision treatment navigation, and immediate efficacy assessment. It stands as a key enabler propelling precision medicine toward the era of “cell visualization.”