IEC 60601-2-18:20 09建立了内窥镜设备的特定基本安全和基本性能要求。本特定标准中规定的最低安全要求被认为提供了内窥镜设备操作中的实际安全程度。IEC 60601-2-18:20 09修订和补充了IEC 60601-1:20 05。第三版取消并取代了1996年出版的第二版及其修正案1（2000）。本版本构成技术修订版，已与IEC 60601-1:20 05保持一致或协调。与上一版相比的主要变化包括: -要求与IEC 60601-1:20 05保持一致； -列入基本业绩要求； -将通过第二次和后续穿刺使用的通电内窥镜和通电内治疗装置纳入标准范围；-参考IEC 60601-2-2进行HF激励内治疗器械的介电强度测试，而不是定义不同的测试。

IEC 60601-2-18:2009 establishes particular basic safety and essential performance requirements for endoscopic equipment. The minimum safety requirements specified in this particular standard are considered to provide for a practical degree of safety in the operation of endoscopic equipment. IEC 60601-2-18:2009 amends and supplements IEC 60601-1:2005. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 1996, and its Amendment 1 (2000). This edition constitutes a technical revision and has been aligned or harmonized with IEC 60601-1:2005. The main changes with respect to the previous edition include:
- alignment of requirements with IEC 60601-1:2005;
- inclusion of essential performance requirements;
- the inclusion of energized endoscopes and energized endotherapy devices used through second and subsequent punctures within the scope of the standard;
- reference to IEC 60601-2-2 for the dielectric strength testing of HF energized endotherapy devices, rather than defining different tests.