In a similar vein, as it were, endoscopic surgery is becoming increasingly popular.

ECONOMIST: Japanese medical suppliers

They're also developing LEDs for use in endoscopic surgery to replace the xenon lights currently in use, which are bulky and don't last long.

FORBES: Lighting's Eye-Popping Future

During standard endoscopic sinus surgery, bone and tissue are removed in order to open the passageways, and this can result in scarring and a recurrence of sinusitis in one-quarter of patients.

FORBES: Balloon Therapy