Evaluation of Arclight Frugal Smartphone Video Otoscopy.

IF 2.2 3区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL

Laryngoscope Pub Date : 2025-03-06 DOI:10.1002/lary.32106

Christoph R Buhr, Katharina Bahr-Hamm, Christopher Seifen, Johannes Pordzik, Jonas Eckrich, Thomas Murray, Christoph Matthias, Andrew Blaikie

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Frugal innovations are essential in low-resource settings to provide cost-effective medical solutions without compromising functionality. The Arclight is a robust, solar-powered device that functions as both an ophthalmoscope and an otoscope, priced at approximately 12€ in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Objectives: This study evaluates the Arclight's potential as a video otoscope when attached to smartphones, aiming to enhance telemedicine capabilities in ear examinations.

Methods: Twenty otorhinolaryngology (ORL) specialists rated the standalone Arclight as well as its attachment to an iPhone 12 and a Samsung Galaxy A14 for ear examinations at the University Medical Centre in Mainz, Germany.

Results: The standalone Arclight received the highest ratings overall, followed by the Arclight attached to a Samsung Galaxy A14. Attached to the Samsung Galaxy A14, the Arclight demonstrated significantly higher performance regarding ease of focus (p < 0.01), quality of view (p < 0.05), and zoom capabilities (p < 0.05) compared to the iPhone12 attachment. The iPhone12 setup performed lowest in all categories.

Conclusion: The Arclight is an effective, low-cost tool for ear examinations in low-resource settings. While smartphone integration enhances its potential for telemedicine, performance varies depending on the smartphone used. The Samsung Galaxy A14 proved to be a more reliable option for tele-otoscopy than the iPhone 12. Further optimization is needed to improve smartphone integration and address identified limitations, enhancing the Arclight's utility in telemedicine applications.

Level of evidence: NA.

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来源期刊

Laryngoscope 医学-耳鼻喉科学

CiteScore

6.50

自引率

7.70%

发文量

500

审稿时长

2-4 weeks

期刊介绍： The Laryngoscope has been the leading source of information on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck disorders since 1890. The Laryngoscope is the first choice among otolaryngologists for publication of their important findings and techniques. Each monthly issue of The Laryngoscope features peer-reviewed medical, clinical, and research contributions in general otolaryngology, allergy/rhinology, otology/neurotology, laryngology/bronchoesophagology, head and neck surgery, sleep medicine, pediatric otolaryngology, facial plastics and reconstructive surgery, oncology, and communicative disorders. Contributions include papers and posters presented at the Annual and Section Meetings of the Triological Society, as well as independent papers, "How I Do It", "Triological Best Practice" articles, and contemporary reviews. Theses authored by the Triological Society’s new Fellows as well as papers presented at meetings of the American Laryngological Association are published in The Laryngoscope. • Broncho-esophagology • Communicative disorders • Head and neck surgery • Plastic and reconstructive facial surgery • Oncology • Speech and hearing defects