Development of a new peroral cholangioscope (FDS-CP).

We have developed a new fibercholangioscope (FDS-CP), which is introduced into the common bile duct via the sphincterotomized papilla of Vater under the rope-way guidance of a balloon catheter. The scope was successfully inserted into the common bile duct in all 12 cases tried and was proved efficient for clinical use. The time required for introduction was 5 min on the average for a balloon catheter and 8 min for the scope to be introduced into common bile duct. The instrument has made it possible to perform precise observations and accurate biopsy of the common bile duct and parts of the main hepatic duct. It is also possible to perform therapeutical trials of removing stones located in the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts.