Technological advances in single-use or disposable bronchoscopy: an evaluation of the Innovative Ambu® aScope™ 5 in a quaternary referral bronchoscopy unit.

Abstract

Background: Single-use flexible bronchoscopes (SUFBs) offer various advantages over reusable bronchoscopes (RBs) including portability and cost-effectiveness, and potentially reduced infection transmission. Our study aimed to review the performance of the Ambu^® aScope™ 5 Broncho suite in Cork University Hospital.

Methods: Following ethical approval, data was collected prospectively on procedures performed with the Ambu^® aScope™ 5 in Cork University Hospital. Data included patient demographics, procedure details (location, indication, SUFB size, procedures, complications), and user satisfaction and demographics.

Results: There were 98 procedures performed with the Ambu^® aScope™ 5, all in the endoscopy suite. There were 42 female patients (42.9%) and 56 male (57.1%). Various sized models were used-2.7/1.2 (n=3), 4.2/2.2 (n=4), 5/2.2 (n=60), 5.6/2.8 (n=31). Infection was the most common indication while others included malignancy, haemoptysis, sarcoidosis, and asthma. The most commonly performed procedure was airway inspection (n=98), while bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (n=84), brushings (n=3), endobronchial biopsies (n=5), transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) (n=1), and argon plasma coagulation (APC) (n=1) were among others. The average user satisfaction rating (from one to five in ascending order of satisfaction) was 4.8 [5 (n=85), 4 (n=9), 3 (n=1), 2 (n=3), 1 (n=0)]. The most common reason for user dissatisfaction was related to suction (n=3). Conversion from single-use to RB was not required in any case. There were no bronchoscope-related patient complications.

Conclusions: Within this cohort of patients, the Ambu^® aScope™ 5 was both safe and versatile with a high level of user satisfaction.