A Noncontact Operating System Using Motion Sensors for Image Display to Avoid Communication Errors in Gastrointestinal Fluoroscopy

In endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, an endoscope is used to insert a catheter into a small area to enable examination and confirm previously obtained images. The endoscopist wears clean gloves, necessitating assistance to operate the image-display system. However, communication errors can hinder the selection of appropriate images from the extensive stored data, potentially prolonging the examination. This study evaluates a noncontact operating system using motion sensors for image display, allowing endoscopists to manage image operations independently during gastrointestinal fluoroscopy. Sixteen operators participated, utilizing both the noncontact operation system and the conventional method. The average image-display operation times for the two methods were compared. The mean image-display completion time was 15.8±3.9 s with the noncontact system and 19.9±9.1 s with the assisted conventional method. The developed system enabled endoscopists to independently operate the image-display system, improving efficiency.