Shielding device for endoscopic procedures during lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infection Control
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for enhanced infection control in endoscopic practices.
• Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy poses risks of infectious substance dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the usefulness of a novel infection control device, STEP-L, for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• To assess the impact of STEP-L on reducing contamination during colonoscopies.

Main Methods:

• STEP-L, a device wrapping around the patient's buttocks and covering the endoscope, was tested.
• Three endoscopists performed 18 colonoscopies on training models, with and without STEP-L.
• Endoscopic insertion times and the area of contamination on gloves and diapers were compared.

Main Results:

• Endoscopic insertion to the cecum was feasible in all procedures.
• No significant difference in endoscopic insertion time was observed between groups.
• STEP-L significantly reduced the contaminated areas on gloves (39,108.0 vs 2,610.5 pixels) and diapers (2,280.9 vs 138.0 pixels).

Conclusions:

• STEP-L is technically feasible and does not increase endoscopic procedure time.
• The device effectively minimizes the spread of infectious materials during lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• STEP-L demonstrates significant utility as an infection control measure in endoscopic settings.