Single-Use (Disposable) Flexible Bronchoscopes: The Future of Bronchoscopy?

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Disease Control
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need to minimize occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
• Reusable flexible bronchoscopes (RFBs) pose transmission risks due to handling during reprocessing after aerosol-generating procedures.
• Nosocomial infections can be transmitted via RFBs, even after reprocessing, due to residual biological material.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of single-use flexible bronchoscopes (SUFBs) in respiratory settings.
• To assess SUFBs as a strategy for enhancing occupational safety during bronchoscopy.
• To explore the integration of SUFBs into modified bronchoscopy protocols post-pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on SUFB efficacy, primarily from anesthetic settings.
• Analysis of the reprocessing challenges associated with RFBs in the context of infectious disease transmission.
• Discussion of potential applications of SUFBs in complex respiratory procedures.

Main Results:

• SUFBs eliminate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission associated with RFB reprocessing.
• SUFBs address concerns regarding nosocomial infection transmission linked to residual contaminants on RFBs.
• Bronchoscopy units have adapted protocols due to the pandemic, creating opportunities for SUFB adoption.

Conclusions:

• SUFBs offer a viable solution to mitigate occupational exposure risks and nosocomial infections in bronchoscopy.
• Further research is needed to confirm SUFB performance in complex respiratory interventions like transbronchial biopsies and cryotherapy.
• SUFBs represent a valuable tool for improving safety in respiratory procedures during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.