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. 2022 May 12;22(1):189.
doi: 10.1186/s12890-022-01982-4.

Performance of a new single-use bronchoscope versus a marketed single-use comparator: a bench study

Carla R Lamb  1   2 , Ekaterina Yavarovich  3 , Vincent Kang  3 , Elliot L Servais  4 , Lori B Sheehan  5   6 , Sara Shadchehr  3   6 , James Weldon  7 , Matthew J Rousseau  7 , Gregory P Tirrell  7
Affiliations

Performance of a new single-use bronchoscope versus a marketed single-use comparator: a bench study

Carla R Lamb et al. BMC Pulm Med. .

Abstract

Background: Single-use flexible bronchoscopes eliminate cross contamination from reusable bronchoscopes and are cost-effective in a number of clinical settings. The present bench study aimed to compare the performance of a new single-use bronchoscope (Boston Scientific EXALT Model B) to a marketed single-use comparator (Ambu aScope 4), each in slim, regular and large diameters.

Methods: Three bronchoscopy tasks were performed: water suction and visualization, "mucus" mass (synthetic mucoid mixture) suctioned in 30 s, and "mucus" plug (thicker mucoid mixture) suction. Suction ability, task completion times, and subjective ratings of visualization and overall performance on a scale of one to 10 (best) were compared. All bronchoscopy tasks were completed by 15 physicians representing diversity in specialization including pulmonary, interventional pulmonary, critical care, anesthesia, and thoracic surgery. Each physician utilized the six bronchoscope versions with block randomization by bronchoscope and task.

Results: Aspirated mean mass of "mucus" using EXALT Model B Regular was comparable to that for an aScope 4 Large (41.8 ± 8.3 g vs. 41.5 ± 5.7 g respectively, p = 0.914). In comparisons of scopes with the same outer diameter, the aspirated mean mass by weight of water and "mucus" was significantly greater for EXALT Model B than for aScope 4 (p < 0.001 for all three diameters). Mean ratings for visualization attributes were significantly better for EXALT Model B compared to aScope 4 (p-value range 0.001-0.029).

Conclusion: A new single-use bronchoscope provided strong suction capability and visualization compared to same-diameter marketed single-use comparators in a bench model simulation.

Keywords: Bronchoscopy; Disposable equipment; Interventional pulmonology; Medical technology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Lamb reports a consulting relationship with Boston Scientific Corporation. Dr. Yavarovich, Dr. Kang, Dr. Servais, Dr. Sheehan and Dr. Shadchehr report no disclosures. Mr. Weldon, Mr. Rousseau and Mr. Tirrell are full-time employees of Boston Scientific Corporation.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
EXALT Model B single-use bronchoscope tested in the current study. Yellow arrow shows the working channel diameter
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Bronchoscopy bench simulation. Investigators clear a “mucus” plug (a) and view “bronchi” (b and c) during bench model simulation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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