The development of the LUMINA SL endoscopes with their rod lens systems and high light transmitting capacity at the end of the '70s and beginning of the '80s, played a decisive role in the ascendancy of photographic and film documentation in medical endoscopy. The arrival and increasing importance of video documentation in the '80s brought about the development of a new generation of endoscopes to meet the demands of video with a high, consistent transmission of light and perfect sharpness right up to the edge of the image. The answer to these demands was provided by the PANOVIEW endoscopes.

The improvement in the quality of the optical systems made it possible to match the performance data to extreme demands. Two of the most outstanding examples are the PANOVIEW PLUS and the PANOVIEW 3. The advantages of the various PANOVIEW systems compared with older endoscope endoscopes will form the remainder of this discussion.

The brightness of endoscope endoscopes deteriorates towards the edge of the image. This loss of brightness can be compensated visually since the pupil of the eye compensates for fluctuations in brightness. However, the sensitive layer of chemical recording systems (photography, film) can only accept slight fluctuations in brightness. Video systems, because of the electronic recording technique, are affected even more by differences in brightness in the field of view. The reduction in the brightness of endoscopic endoscopes is caused by the inversion system. Even the achromatic endoscopes of the LUMINA system from the '60s was an improvement compared with simple achromatic systems.

Simple photographic documentation was possible in suitable situations. The introduction of rod lenses, particularly the LUMINA SL system with its efficient light transmitting qualities, reduced the loss of brightness at the edge to an acceptable degree.The differences in brightness were within the bandwidth of the chemical recording medium. However, the increasing use of video documentation meant that new efforts had to be made to increase the brightness at the edge. The answer was provided by the rod lenses of the PANOVIEW system with their efficient and consistent light transmitting characteristics.

• New design in standard- and wideangle version
• Digital saphir glass, increase scratch resistance.
• Soldered distally and proximally window glas, for less wear and tear from sterilisation
• 30° angle of view instead of previous 25°
• Set back distal glass leaf  to reduce the risk of distal damage and improve service friendliness
• Light connector labelled to indicate ideal light cable diameter
• All external parts made of Nirosta, for less wear and tear during cleaning and disinfection
• The optical parameter remain unchanged
• Compatibility to the previous sheaths and trocars are guaranteed