In
clinical settings, certain high-risk procedures have the potential to transmit
viruses to healthcare personnel and nosocomial diseases to patients via
different mechanisms like contamination of medical devices. Amidst the
coronavirus pandemic, the sterilization process and infection control have
become of utmost value, especially when it comes to bronchoscopy procedures.
Since the coronavirus mostly targets the pulmonary glands, bronchoscopy
procedures performed with reprocessed bronchoscopes in the infected patients
could increase the risk of cross-contamination for both the patients and
healthcare personnel involved. Improperly cleaned reusable bronchoscopes have
remained a major cause for high mortality rates, but even after fully
disinfecting the fragile device with a high-level disinfection process, there
is always a high risk of contamination by human protein, DNA, and harbour
infection, which can cost patient’s lives. Due to the sterility factor,
single-use flexible bronchoscopes (SUFB) are rapidly replacing the traditional
reusable bronchoscopes to eliminate the transmission of infectious particles.
Earlier the use of SUFB was limited to emergencies for the management of unanticipated
difficult airways, but they are more rapidly being adopted for clinical
pulmonary settings to reduce post-procedural side-effects.
Addressing
the growing demand for SUFBs, Olympus launched a premium range of single-use
bronchoscopes, the H-SteriScopes to
enable advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with enhanced
functionality. Introducing a line of five premium disposable endoscope models,
Olympus intends to provide physicians the flexibility to choose the right tools
for delivering on-demand convenience along with premium features. The robust
bronchoscopy portfolio streamlines workflow, fulfils the need for urgent
procedure preparation, and addresses other procedure-specific requirements. The
bronchoscopes are engineered to achieve faster transitions for diagnosing and
treating patients, thus improves the quality of patient care and enhances the
productivity of operations.
The
single-use bronchoscopes are ready to use, deliver high image quality, and
lowers the risk of contamination. The H-SteriScope bronchoscope portfolio
includes models ranging from Zero to Extra with an outer diameter range
of 2.2 mm
to 6.2 mm and a working channel range of 1.2mm-3.2 mm. However,
each model consists of common features such as controlled insertion tube
rotation up to 90 degrees (left and right) and angular tip that reaches up to
210 degrees (up and down). Delivered in sterile packaging, the H-SteriScopes
are portable and do not require reprocessing or repair. The freshly modeled
bronchoscopes are particularly suitable for supporting tissue biopsy, foreign
body retrieval, and other advanced lung interventions.
Key
Features of H-SteriScope Bronchoscope Portfolio
No Cross-Contamination
The single-use flexible
bronchoscopes (SUFBs) eliminate the need for reprocessing procedures opted for
reusable bronchoscopes. Bronchoscopy is an aerosol-generating diagnostic
procedure that involves contact of the fragile medical device with the mucous
membrane so any form of contamination can lead to adverse effects both for the
patient and healthcare personnel involved. However, there is no risk of
exogenous infection or cross-contamination with the use of SUFB as the device
is discarded right after every procedure. Also, SUFBs are not designed to be
reprocessed like conventional bronchoscopes and are appropriate for single-use
as opposed to single-patient use.
Wider
Angulation
With greater upward tip
flexibility up to 210 degrees, the bronchoscope supports smoother insertion
into the lobe bronchi, enabling higher endurability provided by the same as the
reusable ones. The wider the angular tip of the bronchoscope, the more flexible
is the device. The enhanced flexibility allows more visualization of the
nasopharynx, oropharynx, trachea, and other divisions for therapeutic and
diagnostic purposes. The distal tip flexion of 210 degrees further improves
scope handling and enhances the user to enter the segments requiring a large
amount of angulation.
Rotation
Function
The new generation of
bronchoscopes incorporates a rotation function that rotates the distal end of
the scope left or right up to 90 degrees. Simply turning a ring, the distal end
of the bronchoscope can be manually rotated or maintained straight in the
neutral position. Thus, the device offers great manoeuvrability to
bronchologists with the least possible wrist movement, fatigue, or discomfort.
Also, the novel technology allows the physicians to hold the scope in a comfortable
position and access difficult-to-reach segments easily.
Passive
Bending
When the bronchoscope
encounters resistance, the pressure is equally redistributed in a way that the
insertion tube bends according to the contours of the colon. Thus, the devices
help to reduce patient discomfort, enhance procedural efficiency as well as
allow ease of insertion and greater operator control.
Cost-Effective
Besides the initial costs,
reusable flexible bronchoscopes (RFBs) require a significant number of resources
for reprocessing such as the supply of disinfectants, enzyme reagents,
detergents, and additional costs for training of personnel designated for
cleaning scopes. Moreover, reusable bronchoscopes require high maintenance due
to repair costs and service agreements. On the contrary, the SUFBs are more
economical and do not require repair and reprocessing costs.
Safer
Alternative
The SUFBs are safer
alternatives for immunocompromised patients, rare cases of transmissible
spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or patients with high-risk cases of
pneumonia. Also, the use of SUFB significantly reduces the risk of transmission
to healthcare professionals from patients with asymptomatic or atypical
infections.
Other
Alternative for Single-Use Bronchoscopes
Ambu
aScope 4 Regular Disposable Flexible Bronchoscope
In 2017, Ambu launched
single-use bronchoscopes with an aim to provide better image quality and take
mechanical efficiency of the device to next level. The fourth generation of
aScope is a high-tech single-use device, designed to improve workflow at
hospitals along with reducing the contamination associated with reusable
endoscopy solutions. aScope disposable flexible bronchoscopes include
advancements such as improved adaptive light control, increased sensitivity,
and depth of field to present better outcomes without putting patients or
healthcare personnel involved in the procedure at risk. The equipment brings
overall general satisfaction with enhanced ease of operation, image quality,
and robustness to maintain functionality. However, the physicians might face
difficulty with maneuverability using the device for diagnostic and therapeutic
interventions.
GlideScope
BFlex
Verathon, a global leader
in airway management devices introduced a single-use flexible bronchoscope,
GlideScope BFlex in 2019. The device offers optimal visibility and
maneuverability for bronchoscopy procedures. The portable and easy-to-use
device is ready to use as needed, without any downtime associated with reprocessing
or repair. The sterile bronchoscopes are safe and reduce the risk of
infections. The healthcare facilities can adapt this device to treat the
patients faster and diagnose more patients every day eliminating the
reprocessing part altogether. GlideScope BFlex portfolio of single-use
bronchoscopes consists of three models with different working channels and
insertion tube diameters. Moreover, the GlideScope BFlex system includes Dynamic
Light Control that adjusts visibility around the sharp corners and
image brightness.
Conclusion
The launch of a premium
range of disposable H-SteriScopes ushers a new era in endoscopy that integrates
single-use and traditional scopes for a complete and customizable endoscopy
operation. Reducing costs related to trauma repairs, ease of compliance with
disinfection regulations and reduced risk of cross infections are some of the
advantages of single-use disposable bronchoscopes over reusable counterparts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SUFBs serve as the ideal alternative to create
safe work environments. But one of the factors that must be taken into account
is the ecological impact of the single-use bronchoscopes as they are made out
of plastic.
According to TechSci
research report on “India
Bronchoscope Market By Type (Flexible Bronchoscope, Rigid Bronchoscope,
Others) By Working Channel Diameter (2.8mm, 2.2mm, 3.0mm, Others) By Usability
(Reusable v/s Disposable) By Application (Bronchial Diagnosis v/s Bronchial
Treatment) By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Care Centers,
Others) By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, FY2027”, India
bronchoscope market is anticipated to register a formidable growth during the
forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the increasing number of
patients suffering from breathing disorders, and the rising number of
urbanization practices. Besides, increased pollution due to the toxic
environment has led to breathing disorders and created the need for
bronchoscopy procedures.
According to another TechSci research report on
“Global Medical
Imaging Monitor Market By Device (Mobile, Desktop, All-in-one), By Panel
Size (Under-22.9-inch Panels, 23.0–26.9-inch Panels, Above-42-inch Panels), By
Type (Diagnostic Monitors, Surgical Monitors, Clinical Monitors, Others), By
Display Color (Monochrome v/s Colored), By Purpose (Doppler, Encoding, Others),
By Technology (LED-Backlit LCD, OLED, CCFL-Backlit LCD), By Application
(Digital Pathology, Radiology, Endoscope, Mammography, Others) By Modality
(X-Ray plain film,CT, MRI, Others), By Resolution (Up to 2 MP, 2.1-4 MP, 4.1-8
MP, Above 8 MP), By Grade (Surgical, Diagnostic), By Region, Competition,
Forecast & Opportunities, 2025”, the global medical imaging monitor market
is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10% to reach a market value of USD3.06
billion. The growth can be attributed to the rising incidences of diseases and
rising demand for healthcare services with growing infrastructure. Moreover,
continuous advancements in technologies are further boosting the growth of
global medical imaging monitor market during the forecast period.