Endoscope processing technology advancements

SP departments setting out on a journey to become a high-reliability organizations (HRO) should look to Ambu as an ideal process improvement partner. The company’s single-use endoscopy platform means:

·      Scopes are not delayed waiting to be cleaned

·       No need to incur courier costs to get scopes to and from outreach clinics

·       Avoid investments in expensive high-level disinfection equipment

·       Can reinvest resources for new service lines in patient communities 

ASP’s AEROFLEX Automatic Endoscope Reprocessor (AER) is an automated system designed for endoscope reprocessing that boasts a 22-minute complete cycle time.* The AER is equipped with an integrated minimum recommended concentration (MRC) monitor, eliminating the need for test strips. Its user-friendly interface can reduce human error. The ASP AEROFLEX AER features a space-saving design, making it an optimal choice where space is at a premium. 

*In countries where distributed. Includes wash, HLD, rinses, MRC testing, and alcohol flush. For all qualified endoscopes except duodenoscopes, which require additional time. Assuming nominal conditions for water pressure, flow rate, and temperature. 

Cygnus Medical’s Oasis flexible endoscope transport trays are designed for single-use and effectively eliminate the risk of cross-contamination, simultaneously streamlining labor efforts and minimizing space requirements. Oasis trays are made from a renewable resource and are biodegradable. 

Reusable transport containers are ideal in certain scenarios but present challenges in others. When it comes to transporting flexible endoscopes, the common practice involves cleaning reusable containers using surface disinfection wipes. When these containers are nested together, inadequate disinfectant contact time can transfer the viable contaminants from the interior of one container to the exterior of the container nested within it, creating a break in the infection control chain. 

Encore Medical Device Repair: “Endoscopes can cost $50,000 or more and require careful handling,” said Kevin Liszewski, CEO, Encore Medical Device Repair. “Historically, the instrument manufacturing and repair industries have failed to educate SP teams on how to treat these instruments as assets rather than basic reusables. Encore Medical Device Repair shifts this paradigm by providing holistic, transparent device lifecycle management, while reducing unrepairable rates to drive tremendous cost savings. 

The FIS-007 also offers users the option to document photos and videos of lumens and crevices not visible to the unaided eye (these features only available for the USB control box with FIS-007 software, which is included and installs on Windows 10 & 11 PCs). 

Medrica’s Tip Protectors are available in individually packaged sterile and non-sterile formats. The semi-rigid expandable mesh protects the tip/lens of endoscopes from front and side impact, including other sensitive surgical instruments. The Tip Protector also allows moisture to escape, eliminating potential bacteria growth (Pseudomonas species) that can occur with foam or solid protectors. It is not abrasive, will not scratch any part of the scope/lens, will fit many different sizes of instruments, and will not fall off during transport and storage. 

Ruhof Corporation’s Endozime SLR is the only multi-tiered enzymatic cleaner designed to molecularly displace synthetic lipids, allowing them to be rinsed off while dissolving blood, fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Synthetic lipids—including silicone, simethicone etc.—form an oily substance that coats the insertion tubes and internal channels of an endoscope. This oil does not break down during cleaning but redeposits itself in different areas becoming impossible to remove. Used as preventative maintenance or as needed, Endozime SLR stops synthetic lipid residues from accumulating on the outer sheath and inner channels of scopes, biopsy forceps and all surgical instruments. 

At each point of the workflow, from bedside pre-cleaning, leak testing, manual cleaning, brush selection, and the times and standards for each, the prescribed work and methodology is provided to the technician and the system records that the work is done properly and that the needed outcomes have been achieved. As a result, the system then provides electronic procedure- and audit-ready documentation of all activities related to reprocessing our flexible scopes. 

TBJ’s Model 30-96-2TB SPCS scope pre-cleaning sink is specifically designed for use in GI labs and SP departments for pre-cleaning flexible endoscopes. The unit includes two elongated trough-style sink bowls allowing for the extended linear positioning of endoscopes during the pre-cleaning process. AAMI guidelines suggest that endoscopes be positioned in the sink without tight coiling during the pre-cleaning process. TBJ’s trough-style sinks enable scopes to be positioned with little or no coil for less restrictions during the flushing process. Water and cleaning solutions are more effective during the flushing process when coiling is reduced or eliminated. The sink bowl depths are at an ergonomic 8” to 10” and the height adjustment feature of the sink allows each user to position the sink top at a height desirable to their specific comfort zone. 

Coming soon is Torvan Medical’s fully automated eSink, with automated endoscope flushing and programmable workflow software to help reprocessing technicians work faster, easier, and more accurately.