Patient safety is a top priority during a ureteroscopy. The Ambu®aScope™ 5 Uretero addresses issues seen with reusable devices and offers a safe option for patients.
Here are six ways Ambu’s disposable ureteroscopes enhance patient safety.
Cutting Down Infection Risks with Single-Use Ureteroscopes
Avoiding Cross-Contamination: Cross-contamination is a concern with reusable endoscopes, including ureteroscopes. Even after they have been thoroughly cleaned and sterilized, they can still contain harmful bacteria.
The chances of a urinary tract infection occurring after a ureteroscopy range between 3 to 18 percent when a reusable ureteroscope is used to remove kidney stones, according to a study. Ambu’s single-use ureteroscopes eliminate reprocessing, ensuring a sterile device for each procedure and reducing the of cross-contamination.
No More Biofilm: Reusable ureteroscopes can develop biofilm — a layer of microbes that makes reprocessing difficult, increasing the risk of infection. Flexible multichannel endoscopes are also prone to biofilm formation within their lumen if inadequately reprocessed, according to a recent study.
This highlights the importance of following strict reprocessing protocols to minimize infection risks. Single-use endoscopes, however, avoid this issue entirely. Because each scope is used only once, biofilm doesn’t form, ensuring a clean instrument for every procedure.
Boosting Procedural Efficiency with Single-Use Ureteroscopes
Ready When You Need It: Ambu single-use ureteroscopes are always available, eliminating the need for reprocessing and sterilization. This is very helpful in emergencies — the immediate availability of an aScope 5 Uretero ensures timely patient care, contributing to safer procedures and better outcomes.
Sharper Imaging for Better Outcomes: Disposable ureteroscopes contain advanced imaging technology, making it easier for doctors to diagnose and treat patients. Clear, detailed images help to identify and address issues, preventing complications and improving patient safety.
Compared with reusable ureteroscopes, disposable models offer consistently high image quality without the risk of degradation over time, ensuring optimal performance for each procedure. This reduces the need for maintenance and sterilization, further enhancing patient safety and operational efficiency.
Tackling Maintenance and Wear Issues
No Maintenance Headaches: Reusable ureteroscopes can be impacted by wear and tear, including scratches to the lens or damage to the working channel, which can compromise patient safety. They often need repairs after about 10 uses, leading to additional damage and impacting their performance, according to a recent study.
With Ambu single-use scopes, you get a new scope every time, avoiding maintenance and repair issues. This guarantees optimal performance for each procedure, further enhancing patient safety.
Enhanced Maneuverability: Single-use ureteroscopes offer enhanced deflection capabilities, allowing physicians to navigate the urinary tract more effectively and reach difficult kidney areas with precision.
Research shows that disposable ureteroscopes are faster, more effective at clearing stones, and provide superior maneuverability for reaching hard-to-access areas compared with reusable scopes.
The Bottom Line
Single-use ureteroscopes eliminate the risk of cross-contamination and biofilm. They are also always available and don't require maintenance or repairs. Disposable ureteroscopes such as the possess advanced imaging capabilities and better deflection.
For clinics, outpatient, or inpatient facilities looking to improve patient safety, single-use ureteroscopes offer a practical and effective solution.
