Endoscopy Tower Components: Modules, Roles and Set-Up

What an endoscopy tower is

An endoscopy tower, also called an endoscopy cart or column, houses the electronic equipment for endoscopic surgery on a wheeled frame or a ceiling boom. For a laparoscopic tower the stack usually holds the camera controller, light source, insufflator and recording device, with the monitor on top or on an arm.

Specialty towers differ in details: an ENT or urology tower may add a pump or an energy generator, while a gynaecology tower typically includes a fluid pump. The idea is the same, a compact, standardised stack that can move between rooms.

The imaging chain: camera controller, head and monitor

The camera head attaches to the eyepiece of the telescope and converts the optical image to an electrical signal. The camera control unit (CCU), also called the controller, processes that signal, adjusts white balance, exposure and image modes, and outputs video to the monitor and recorder.

Richard Wolf's ENDOCAM Logic 4K pairs a camera controller with an autoclavable camera head with a replaceable cable, and provides native 4K output and image storage to USB. ENDOCAM Logic HD brings an LED light source, light cables, monitors and a choice of camera heads together as an all-in-one imaging system. The monitor should be medical grade and match or exceed the camera resolution.

Light source and telescopes

The light source feeds white light through a fibre-optic cable to the telescope. In integrated systems, the camera can regulate the light automatically. The telescope itself is not a tower module but defines the image: diameter, viewing angle and optical quality all affect what reaches the sensor.

Make sure cable ports, adapters and telescopes match across the set, because mixed connectors are a common cause of poor brightness.

Insufflator, pump and energy

For laparoscopy the CO2 insufflator inflates the abdomen and holds pressure; the full explanation is in how a CO2 insufflator works. In hysteroscopy, urology or arthroscopy, an irrigation and suction pump replaces it or works alongside it. Many towers also host an electrosurgical generator, a smoke evacuator or a shaver console.

Each module has its own power, safety class and tubing or cable connections. Together they must meet IEC 60601-1 as a medical electrical system, which is one reason to buy and install the stack through a supplier who can document the configuration.

Recording, cart and set-up

Recording devices store images and video for the patient record, either on USB or through a hospital network. The cart or boom should offer a stable base, brakes, adequate ventilation for the stacked devices and cable management with an equipotential connection where your hospital policy requires it.

A typical set-up sequence is: position the cart, connect power and protective earth, connect video and data cables, attach light and camera cables to the sterile field, power on, white-balance the camera and check each module's self-test before the patient enters. Further selection guidance is in the laparoscopic tower buying guide.

Ask Beckfinity

Beckfinity can specify and install towers from the Richard Wolf range for hospitals and clinics in the UAE. Send us your procedure list through the contact page and our specialists will propose a configuration.