Operator Perception of a Single-Use Flexible Bronchoscope: Comparison With Current Standard Bronchoscopes

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Medical Devices
• Endoscopy

Background:

• Single-use flexible bronchoscopes offer advantages but have limitations.
• The Vathin H-SteriScope is a novel single-use flexible bronchoscope designed to address these limitations.
• Reusable bronchoscopes remain a benchmark for performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate operator perception of the Vathin H-SteriScope.
• To compare the H-SteriScope against current single-use and reusable bronchoscopes.
• To assess performance in terms of overall assessment, scope quality, handling, maneuverability, tool interaction, and image quality.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with experienced bronchoscopy operators.
• Operators evaluated the H-SteriScope, current single-use, and reusable bronchoscopes on a model.
• Rankings were based on a 0-100 scale for multiple performance parameters.

Main Results:

• The H-SteriScope and reusable bronchoscopes were rated significantly higher than current single-use bronchoscopes across all assessed parameters (P < .001).
• H-SteriScope demonstrated maneuverability comparable to reusable bronchoscopes (P = .86).
• No significant differences in performance perception were found between training and non-training interventional pulmonology subgroups for any bronchoscope type.

Conclusions:

• The H-SteriScope shows promise, offering maneuverability similar to reusable bronchoscopes.
• Both H-SteriScope and reusable bronchoscopes provide superior performance compared to existing single-use options.
• Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the H-SteriScope's practicality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.