ENDOSCOPICS MAKES A TINY BREAKTHROUGH

     Two Israeli companies working together have succeeded in producing the world’s smallest video camera, reports Globes.

     Specialty foundry Tower Semiconductor and endoscope developer Medigus have successfully tested the second generation of Tower Jazz’s CMOS imager that serves in Medigus’ line of disposable miniature cameras.  It is the first video camera in the world with a diameter smaller than one millimeter.

     Tower Jazz said that the low cost image sensor combines high sensitivity and resolution with dynamic versatility for a range of potential medical applications, including cardiology, bronchoscopy, gastroenterology, and orthopedic and robotic surgery.  Furthermore, the use of disposable cameras eliminates the need for the very expensive and time consuming sterilization process related with endoscopic procedures.

     Tower Jazz will manufacture the camera sensor at its facility in the northern Israeli town of Migdal HaEmek and the sensor will then be integrated into the camera manufactured by Medigus.

     Medigus will begin supplying samples of the camera to customers in Japan and in the U S for cardiology procedures.  The camera will be integrated in Medigus’ other endoscopy products and will also be sold to third party medical equipment manufacturers.