The shift toward single-use flexible ureteroscopes is gaining momentum, particularly in kidney stone treatment.
Ambu is committed to enhancing patient care, and our single-use ureteroscope, the Ambu® aScope™ 5 Uretero, underscores this dedication. Here are six advantages of single-use ureteroscopes over their reusable counterparts:
- Efficiency Boost
A study from the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), published in Value in Health Journal, shows that the pre-market aScope 5 Uretero outperformed current reusable and single-use ureteroscopes. This study highlights its ability to streamline workflows, eliminate repair costs, and deliver reliable performance without the degradation that can occur in reusable scopes.
Additionally, a BioMed Central (BMC) LTD study found that single-use ureteroscopes offer shorter operation times and higher stone clearance rates. Both studies emphasize their efficiency, safety, and effectiveness in clinical settings.
- Improved Surgical Outcomes
Research shows that single-use ureteroscopes have higher lithotripsy success rates, shorter operation times, and a higher stone-free rate compared with reusable scopes. Their design minimizes fiber displacement, enhancing control and visibility during procedures, particularly in complex cases, allowing surgeons to operate with greater precision.
- Safety Benefits
A study published in the African Journal of Urology examined the effectiveness and safety of single-use ureteroscopes in treating upper urinary tract stones in children.
Key benefits included low complication rates, ensured sterility, minimized trauma, and quick recovery, with most patients discharged within one to two days.
- Convenient and Cost-Effective
Single-use ureteroscopes eliminate maintenance costs. A 2024 review published in Current Opinion in Urology highlights that single-use flexible ureteroscopes improve workflow efficiency and reduce infection risks. Their sterile design helps lower overall costs by eliminating the need for reprocessing and repairs. These findings align with Ambu's goal to optimize efficiency and improve patient safety.
- Reduced Surgeon Fatigue
Single-use ureteroscopes are lighter, improving surgeon comfort during long procedures. A study published in the British Journal of Urology International (BJUI) highlighted the ergonomic benefits of single-use scopes, which reduce fatigue, enhance precision, and contribute to shorter operation times.
The aScope 5 Uretero ensures easier maneuverability, making it ideal for procedures requiring precision and stamina.
- Consistent Quality and Performance
Single-use ureteroscopes are manufactured under strict quality control, offering consistent performance standards and minimizing risks of wear and tear or incomplete sterilization seen in reusable devices.
Research confirms that they maintain their quality throughout their lifecycle, providing a safer option for patient care. With total value stream ownership — from design to supply chain resiliency — Ambu ensures consistent performance, reinforcing our commitment to excellence.
Elevating Outcomes, Streamlining Procedures
Single-use flexible ureteroscopes offer advantages over reusable ones in terms of efficiency, safety, surgical outcomes, convenience, and reduced surgeon fatigue.
Switching to Ambu’s single-use ureteroscopes advances efficiency and safety, reinforcing our commitment to transforming healthcare. Consider adopting single-use ureteroscopes in your practice to elevate patient outcomes and streamline procedures.