Video otoscope

RE: Video otoscope

Andrew Henfrey — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 10:49:16 GMT

[quote userid="9239" url="~/001/veterinary-clinical/small-animal/dermatology/f/discussions/28845/video-otoscope/219091"]But yours can't be used easily to show the owner so very different scopes for different things.[/quote]

I agree for in consult room viewing. As working tool the rigid scope with channel is much better, and can rapidly pay for itself. We have done over 1000 otoscopies in the last 15 years.

RE: Video otoscope

patrick murphy — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 10:28:09 GMT

I agree with everything that you say. ear disease isone of the most misunderstood and untreated areas we see. I feel as messianic about otitis as most do about dentals.I have used the one you mention bur still think that for in consult room, rapid fire, show the client, but work out back and do all of the things you mentioned the the Med|Rx is a better tool. just my opinion.

RE: Video otoscope

Dinu Catilina — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 22:55:27 GMT

The firefly working channel is good enough for a grass seed but nowhere the quality of what you posted. But yours can't be used easily to show the owner so very different scopes for different things. I thought about buying one but we don't see that many severe ear cases to justify it. One day :) ...

RE: Video otoscope

Andrew Henfrey — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 20:26:34 GMT

It all depends on what purpose you wish for your scope. Do you just want to see the canal or do you want to be able to use it for access, to flush, obtain samples, biopsy, etc? If the latter, then you need a scope with a working channel. From what I can see the Firefly allows you to just see into the canal- might be wrong as I've not handled one!

I have used a Medit set for the past 15 years, [https://www.meditinc.com/veterinary-oto-endoscope-set], connected to a camera system I got from Freelance Surgical. I have had 5 otoscopic sheaths over the years as at times I could be performing 2-3 otoscopies in a day. The Medit set is similar to Storz but at much lower cost. It is excellent for flushing ears to examine tympanic membranes, remove biofilm, flush bullae, biopsy masses, remove foreign bodies, and I can even laser ablate masses. Even better the otoscope sheath can be swopped mid procedure for a rhinoscope sheath for really narrow ear canals. And you can use the same kit to do rhinoscopies!

I record the procedures and then take still images to show clients. I think newer camera systems will allow stills directly to USB. It is definitely useful to gain compliance from owners.

All otoscopies are done under full GA [dom/torb/propofo/isoflurane] as anything less and they move during the flushing.

Hope this helps.

RE: Video otoscope

patrick murphy — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 18:55:46 GMT

I have been doing a significant amount of my turnover on ears. I have had a Vetscope now marketed by Otopet-USA for at least 18 years. having attended and demonstrated at a number of wet labs and using other equipment from other manufacturers I am convinced as is Lou Gotthelf who pioneered ear disease along with video to involve the clients, as well as writing 2 books on ear disease in small animals. the vision and the operating channel I think are superior.

RE: Video otoscope

Sarah Keir — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 14:57:09 GMT

Maybe it is a XY gene thing but I didn't find the hand-eye coordination easy. It didn't help that the screen was set up so I had to look over a shoulder to see it!

RE: Video otoscope

Chris Geddes — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 14:49:54 GMT

I have also used, and would recommend, the Firefly. As others have said, great for client communication, even if it doesn't add a lot to the clinician compared to standard otoscope. I didn't find it difficult to use at all.

RE: Video otoscope

Sarah Keir — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 14:33:45 GMT

OK, it takes a few minutes if the screen/computer is not already switched on.

RE: Video otoscope

Dinu Catilina — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 13:18:22 GMT

We have Firefly. Image is excellent and it’s very easy to use. Turns on in about 30 seconds. Make sure you keep it in in your hand the same way each time and your coordination will improve fast. I love it.
buy the separate ends for removing foreign bodies.

Ours is installed on the consult room computer

RE: Video otoscope

Sarah Keir — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 11:25:37 GMT

I've used a Firefly before. Steep learning curve for the hand-eye coordination as you are looking at a screen rather than down at your hands. Also consider where you will mount a screen/TV also who will be responsible for charging it. It takes a few minutes to get switched on from completely off so this needs to be factored in, not suitable for a quick peak in a 10 minute consult. It is harder to use in wriggly/figetty dogs.

But showing the clients the problem you are seeing - priceless.