Portable Endoscopic Camera System Using Modified Action Camera for Endoscopic Sinunasal Examination

This study is designed to compare two methods for performing a nasal endoscopic examination used in the evaluation of excessive watering or tearing of the eyes. The purpose of the study is to determine whether a new, smaller, modified camera system can produce images of the inside of the nose that are as clear and useful as those produced by the standard endoscopic camera system currently used in clinics.

The study seeks to answer the question of whether a compact, easy-to-store camera system can provide similar diagnostic image quality to the traditional, larger tower-based system. The clinical steps of the nasal examination remain the same; the only difference is the type of camera system used to capture the images.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Nasolacrimal Tract Obstruction; Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
• Intervention / Treatment: Device: Modified Portable Endoscopic Camera

Detailed Description

This study evaluates two imaging systems used during routine nasal endoscopy performed for assessment of epiphora and related nasolacrimal or sinonasal concerns. The protocol involves conducting a standard nasal endoscopic examination with the conventional full-size tower-mounted camera system typically utilized in ophthalmology and otolaryngology outpatient settings, followed by a second examination using a modified compact camera system. Both examinations use the same endoscope and follow identical clinical steps.

The modified camera system attaches at the usual hand-position point on the endoscope and is designed to reduce equipment footprint, increase portability, and simplify storage. The second examination adds an estimated 3-5 minutes to the clinical encounter and does not introduce additional maneuvers or diagnostic procedures.

The primary objective is to compare image quality between the standard system and the compact system. Secondary objectives include assessments of device usability, handling characteristics, and overall feasibility of integrating the compact system into routine clinical workflow.

This evaluation aims to determine whether the compact camera system can provide imaging performance comparable to the traditional tower-based system while offering potential operational benefits. These benefits may include improved flexibility in space-constrained environments, reduced dependence on fixed equipment, and expanded opportunities for nasal endoscopy in clinics with limited infrastructure. Findings may inform future decisions regarding endoscopic equipment selection across various clinical settings.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 40

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Omar Solyman, MD; Phone Number: 501-296-1156; Email: omsolyman@uams.edu
• Study Contact Backup: Name: Sajida Chauhan, BA; Phone Number: 501-296-1156; Email: schauhan@uams.edu

Study Locations

• United States
  • Arkansas
    • Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 72205
      • Recruiting
      • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
      • Contact: Sajida Chauhan, BA; Phone Number: 501-296-1156; Email: schauhan@uams.edu
      • Principal Investigator: Omar Solyman, MD

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adults receiving care in the ophthalmology or otolaryngology outpatient clinics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) who present with sinonasal or lacrimal tearing symptoms and require nasal endoscopic evaluation as part of routine clinical care. Potential participants will be identified only during their scheduled clinic visits, and no individuals will be contacted in advance. Eligibility confirmation will be based solely on information already available in the medical record during standard outpatient workflow. Individuals who meet eligibility will be approached in person during the clinic visit and invited to participate.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (18 years and older) presenting with tearing suggestive of nasolacrimal drainage obstruction
• Adult patients presenting with sinunasal disease with clinical findings on endonasal examination.
• Adult patients who require a clinically ordered nasal endoscopic exam.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children (Under the age of 18)
• Patients with over secretory tearing.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort

Intervention / Treatment

Modified Portable Endoscopic Camera

Device: Modified Portable Endoscopic Camera; The Sony Action Camera was modified to allow direct coupling with a standard rigid nasal endoscope: The native 180° wide-angle lens was replaced with a narrow-field 31° lens, enabling full-frame capture of the endoscopic image without peripheral distortion.; The camera housing was adapted by attaching a ¾-inch water pipe end connector, serving as a secure and stable mount for the endoscope eyepiece. The modified system captures both video and still images.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Image Quality Score of Modified Portable Endoscopic Camera System	Image quality of the modified portable endoscopic camera system will be evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale assessing resolution, clarity of anatomical structures, and overall clinical utility. Three attending physicians will independently grade anonymized images from each nasal anatomical site. Scores will be compared with those obtained from the standard endoscopic tower.	Grading completed within 3 months of enrollment completion.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Image Quality Score of Standard Endoscopic Tower System	Image quality of the standard endoscopic tower will be evaluated using the same 5-point Likert grading scale and process applied to the modified system. These scores will serve as the comparator for paired analysis.	Grading completed within 3 months of enrollment completion.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Arkansas
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Omar Solyman, MD, University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences, Jones Eye Institute

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): December 16, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): November 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: December 4, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 4, 2025
• First Posted (Estimated): December 17, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): January 8, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 5, 2026
• Last Verified: November 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Eye Diseases; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases; Lacrimal Duct Obstruction
• Other Study ID Numbers: 299385

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: Yes