Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and advancements in the high-end endoscope market, highlighting the shift from reliance on foreign brands to the emergence of domestic companies in China, particularly in the development of 3D endoscopes. Group 1: Domestic Breakthroughs - Domestic endoscope companies are moving beyond mere replacement of foreign products to developing their own core components, imaging algorithms, and clinical applications, gradually building their technological capabilities [2] - The transition from electronic endoscopes to 4K technology has been marked by significant breakthroughs in optical structure, image processing chips, and color restoration algorithms [2] - The complete supply chain for core modules such as light sources, image processing chips, and lens materials is increasingly being replaced domestically, leading to a significant reduction in supply chain costs and making high-end technology commercially viable [2] - There is a growing clinical demand for early cancer screening, intraoperative localization, and complex cavity treatments, which necessitates advanced spatial judgment and identification of small lesions, making 3D spatial imaging a necessity [2] - Policy support and funding, as outlined in the "14th Five-Year Plan for Medical Equipment Industry Development," are encouraging domestic medical device companies to innovate [2] Group 2: Technical Challenges - Transitioning from 2D to 3D imaging involves a comprehensive technical challenge across optics, electronics, algorithms, and materials, where each detail's breakthrough is crucial for the clinical application of 3D soft endoscopes [4] - In optical design, achieving dual optical path imaging in a compact head end while ensuring uniform light transmission and precise focusing is essential [4] - High-performance, low-power imaging chips are required to handle real-time processing and transmission of multiple signals [5] - Software algorithms must be developed for high-speed 3D image reconstruction and real-time fusion to ensure that imaging during surgical operations is free from delays and distortions [6] Group 3: Benchmark for Domestic Breakthroughs - Aohua Endoscopy represents a benchmark for domestic endoscope companies, showcasing the transition from follower to innovator, with its 3D ultra-high-definition soft endoscope system AQ-400 marking a significant milestone [9] - The product iteration path from the launch of the AQ-100 in 2013 to the upcoming AQ-400 in 2025 illustrates the continuous breakthroughs in domestic innovation [11] - The success of the 3D soft endoscope transcends being just a new product; it signifies a shift from merely filling gaps to creating new standards, redefining "precise diagnosis and treatment" in endoscopy [13] - The narrative of domestic endoscopes has evolved from being locked out of the market to leading innovation with 3D technology, challenging the notion that high-end endoscopes must be imported [13] - As 3D technology becomes more widespread and more domestic innovations are realized, "Made in China" is expected to occupy a more central position in the global high-end medical device sector [13]

Core Viewpoint - The advancement of 3D imaging technology in endoscopy represents a significant evolution in medical diagnostics, enhancing the ability to detect and treat diseases more accurately and safely [2][6][14] Group 1: Limitations of Traditional Endoscopy - Traditional 2D imaging in endoscopy has limitations, such as difficulty in identifying subtle lesions on mucosal surfaces, which can lead to missed diagnoses [3][4] - The lack of depth perception in 2D images complicates surgical procedures, making it challenging for less experienced doctors to accurately judge the distance between instruments and tissue layers [3][4] Group 2: Advantages of 3D Endoscopy - The introduction of 3D endoscopy allows for clearer visualization of lesions, improving early cancer detection rates by making subtle changes more apparent [6][7] - 3D imaging enhances the precision of biopsy procedures by providing clear spatial relationships, reducing unnecessary adjustments and minimizing tissue damage [7][9] - In complex surgeries, 3D visualization helps surgeons avoid critical blood vessels and reduces the risk of complications such as perforation and bleeding [7][9] Group 3: Technological Innovations - The development of the AQ-400, the first domestic 3D ultra-high-definition soft endoscope by Aohua, marks a significant milestone in China's high-end endoscopic equipment [6][14] - Aohua's 3D endoscope integrates dual imaging systems within a flexible design, overcoming significant technical challenges and enhancing clinical capabilities [6][9] - The AQ-400 maintains 4K ultra-high-definition quality while providing a clear, sharp, and shadow-free 3D view, allowing for detailed visualization of anatomical structures [11][12] Group 4: Future Implications - The emergence of 3D soft endoscopy is not just a technical upgrade but a redefinition of endoscopic diagnostic logic, paving the way for more precise and safer medical interventions [6][14] - The advancements in 3D imaging technology are expected to lead the Chinese endoscopy market towards a new era characterized by improved accuracy and safety in patient care [14]