Medigus, a leading developer of endoscopic and visualisation medical devices, and Tower Semiconductor, a leading global speciality foundry, have launched the sampling of a new disposable miniature CMOS imager.

The new medical devices camera, the smallest of its kind in the world, is designated to be incorporated into disposable endoscopes or used in various diagnostic and surgical medical applications, said a statement.

First product samples have been shipped to end customers and mass production of the camera is expected to commence in mid-2010.

The camera sensor will be manufactured in Tower's Fab2 using its 0.18-micron CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor process and will be integrated into the camera which will be produced in Medigus' manufacturing facilities.

The CMOS imager offers a high performance product at a low cost and combines superb sensitivity, resolution and dynamic versatility, allowing customers a variety of potential medical applications in growing markets such as gastroenterology, natural orifice transluminal endoscopy surgery, bronchoscopy, orthopaedics and ENT.

The new camera encompasses tiny electronics and objective lenses developed by Medigus, along with Tower's CMOS imager measuring only 700 x 700 microns.

The imager was developed using Tower's advanced sensor design and production technologies, while the camera was developed using Medigus' electronic, optic and integration platform technologies.

The camera features dedicated bio-compatible components suitable for medical device applications and will enable new medical diagnostic and therapeutic markets in which the use of current video cameras is not feasible due to their size.

The miniature camera's outer diameter size, which includes a special housing, is only 1.2 mm x 5 mm long. In addition, it is completely disposable, eliminating the very costly sterilisation process commonly associated with endoscopic procedures.

"We are proud to advance our visualisation capabilities with Tower, the leading specialty semiconductor manufacturer and foremost CMOS image sensor provider," said Dr Elazar Sonnenschein, CEO for Medigus.

“The new camera and its unique imager represent a dramatic breakthrough in the endoscopic medical field; it opens a wide hatch to new markets, medical applications and customers, and at the smallest size ever accessible, it will allow procedures not previously achievable,” Dr Sonnenschein added.

“Medigus' innovative cameras will support an important unmet market need, giving both physicians and patients the most cost-effective level of technology, without compromising the quality of treatment which they deserve."

Dr Avi Strum, vice president and general manager, specialty business unit at Tower, said: “We are very excited to work with a leader in the miniature diagnostic and surgery tools fields to jointly develop a breakthrough camera solution for the medical market.”

"Our cutting-edge sensor and customised design technology combined with Medigus' expertise in the miniaturisation of diagnostic and surgical tools is key to enabling the industry's lowest cost high performance camera,” Dr Strum added.

“Our extraordinary sensor design capabilities, along with best in class pixel performance, have allowed us to get into this very high margin market which will be sustainable for many years." – TradeArabia News Service