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

The Olympus bronchoscope is equipped with an insertion tube rotation function; however, data on its usefulness are currently limited. Here, we evaluated the amount of body and wrist movement required by bronchoscopists, the operability of the bronchoscope, and its ease of use with and without the insertion tube rotation function.

This study was performed on 10 bronchoscopists using 2 cadaveric bodies. The primary endpoint was the amount of movement exerted by the bronchoscopist, which was evaluated using motion capture. We also assessed the deepest bronchial generations that could be reached by the bronchoscope and the time required for insertion. Immediately after the procedures, the bronchoscopists completed a questionnaire to evaluate their perceived difficulty level.

The bronchoscopists achieved a 33.5% reduction in wrist rotation (67.8 vs. 110.2 degrees, P<0.05) and a 23.9% reduction in body rotation (17.2 vs. 24.4 degrees, P<0.05) using the insertion tube rotation function for all segmental bronchi. During forceps insertion to simulated lesions, the bronchoscopists' body movement was reduced by 65.1% (11.6 vs. 33.9 degrees, P<0.05), and wrist rotation by 47.6% (63.5 vs. 122.7 degrees, P<0.05). Furthermore, bronchoscopists experienced significantly reduced difficulty inserting biopsy forceps toward simulated target lesions (3.9 vs. 3.2 points, P<0.05) and required less assistance (4.0 vs. 2.0 points, P<0.05) when using the insertion tube rotation function.

The insertion tube rotation function of the bronchoscope facilitated its insertion and improved operability.