Evaluating the Usefulness of the Insertion Tube Rotation Function of Bronchoscope in Cadaver Models

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Pulmonology
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Limited data exists on the clinical utility of the Olympus bronchoscope's insertion tube rotation function.
• Bronchoscopists' physical exertion and device operability are key factors in procedural success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the bronchoscope's insertion tube rotation function on bronchoscopist movement.
• To assess the impact of this function on the operability and ease of use of the bronchoscope.

Main Methods:

• 10 bronchoscopists performed procedures on cadaveric models.
• Motion capture technology quantified body and wrist movement.
• Deepest reachable bronchial generations and insertion times were recorded.
• Post-procedure questionnaires assessed perceived difficulty.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in bronchoscopist body rotation (23.9%) and wrist rotation (33.5%) were observed with the rotation function.
• Forceps insertion to simulated lesions showed further reductions in body movement (65.1%) and wrist rotation (47.6%).
• Bronchoscopists reported significantly less difficulty and required less assistance when using the rotation function.

Conclusions:

• The insertion tube rotation function of the bronchoscope demonstrably facilitates insertion.
• This feature significantly improves the overall operability and user experience during bronchoscopy.