Analysis of Core Advantages of Side-View Endoscope Camera Module in Hysteroscope Applications

As a minimally invasive device for diagnosing and treating uterine diseases such as endometrial polyps, submucous myomas, and uterine structural abnormalities, hysteroscopes have a core requirement for "precise visualization in narrow spaces"—they need to fit into the cervical canal (3-5mm in diameter) and the limited space of the uterine cavity, cover lateral lesion areas such as the uterine horns and uterine cavity sidewalls, capture lesion details in low-light environments, and avoid damaging uterine tissue. Side-view endoscope camera modules represented by the model SF-C016USB-D1.2, with their parameter design of "ultra-micro size + side-view field of view + precise imaging", perfectly meet the diagnostic and therapeutic needs of hysteroscopes. Compared with traditional front-view modules, they significantly improve diagnostic efficiency and safety. The specific advantages are integrated and analyzed as follows:

The primary challenge in hysteroscope operation lies in the "compatibility between device size and the space of the cervical canal and uterine cavity". If the diameter of traditional front-view modules exceeds 2mm, cervical dilators are required to dilate the cervix, which easily causes patient pain, cervical damage, or even intrauterine adhesions. However, the SF-C016USB-D1.2 module, with an overall diameter of 1.2mm (camera module only 0.9mm, outer diameter 1.4mm), can directly enter the uterine cavity through the natural passage of the cervical canal, eliminating the need for cervical dilation. This is particularly suitable for postmenopausal patients with poor cervical elasticity, greatly reducing the risk of intraoperative tissue damage.

Meanwhile, its ultra-small size is compatible with the working channel of hysteroscopes (usually 1.5mm), without occupying the operating space of instruments such as polyp forceps and myomectomy knives. This meets the diagnostic and therapeutic requirement of "visualization + instrument coordination" and avoids operational limitations caused by device volume.

Uterine lesions are mostly concentrated in "non-forward areas" such as the uterine cavity sidewalls and uterine horns. Traditional front-view modules, whose field of view is aligned with the lens axis, require repeated adjustments of the hysteroscope angle to observe lateral areas. This not only prolongs operation time but also may scratch the uterine endometrium. In contrast, this side-view module features a 120° diagonal field of view (120° × 88.8° horizontal × vertical), with its field of view directly pointing to lateral areas. After entering the uterine cavity, it can cover 1/3 of the uterine cavity sidewall area at one time without frequent device rotation, and achieve full coverage of the uterine cavity sidewall with slight movement.

This design specifically addresses the clinical problem of "missed diagnoses of cornual polyps". Traditional front-view modules require 5-8 angle adjustments to examine both uterine horns, while the side-view module can clearly observe both uterine horns with only 2 movements, reducing the missed diagnosis rate by approximately 40% and minimizing friction damage to the uterine endometrium caused by instruments.

Details such as the boundary of the endometrial polyp base and the adhesion degree between myomas and the myometrium (mostly 3-10mm in size) directly determine the accuracy of diagnosis and the formulation of surgical plans. The 3mm-50mm focus range of the SF-C016USB-D1.2 module can flexibly adapt to different observation needs: close-range (3-10mm) observation can clearly show the vascular distribution at the base of polyps and the fibrous structure of myoma stalks, helping doctors judge the nature of lesions; medium-range (20-50mm) observation can display the overall shape of the uterine cavity to detect structural abnormalities such as uterine septum, without frequent focus adjustments that interrupt the operation.

In response to the low-light environment in the uterine cavity (with no natural light), the module is equipped with 4 adjustable LED fill lights, which can flexibly supplement light according to the brightness of the lesion area. For example, when removing large submucous myomas, the shadow caused by myoma obstruction can be eliminated by increasing the fill light brightness, clearly distinguishing the boundary between the myoma and the normal myometrium, and reducing the risk of intraoperative bleeding. Combined with the OCHTA10 sensor and 200×200 resolution, it can accurately transmit the texture characteristics of lesions, providing clear imaging basis for pathological diagnosis and avoiding misdiagnosis.

Hysteroscope operations typically last 15-60 minutes, requiring high "stability" and "corrosion resistance" of the device. This module adopts a USB2.0 UVC protocol interface, which is seamlessly compatible with hysteroscope imaging systems (supporting Windows/Android systems). It supports plug-and-play without the need for additional driver installation, avoiding imaging interruptions caused by interface compatibility issues during surgery. The optional durable steel sleeve can resist corrosion from uterine secretions and uterine distension fluid (normal saline), extending the service life by 2-3 times compared with ordinary modules and reducing equipment maintenance costs.

In addition, the 2-meter-long cable can meet the distance requirement between the operating table and the imaging device (usually 1.5-2 meters), and the highly flexible cable does not restrict the operating angle of the hysteroscope, further improving the smoothness of the operation.

The application advantages of side-view endoscope camera modules in hysteroscopes essentially stem from the "deep alignment between their parameters and clinical needs"—the 1.2mm size solves the problem of minimally invasive access in narrow spaces, the 120° side-view field of view breaks through lateral blind spots, and the 3mm-50mm focus range plus LED fill lights ensure detailed imaging. Ultimately, they achieve the goal of "minimally invasive, precise, and efficient" hysteroscope diagnosis and treatment. Not only do they reduce patient pain and surgical risks, but they also improve the diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency of doctors, providing core equipment support for the clinical promotion of gynecological minimally invasive technology.