New innovations in single-use bronchoscopes are bringing added safety to patients and clinicians and extending the device’s utilization into new areas.
Inspired by increasing awareness of reprocessing challenges and their role in infection control, new technology has advanced both the acceptance and reach of single-use devices.
In the case of the Ambu aScope 5 Broncho HD, its breakthrough technology helped earn the device transitional pass-through (TPT) payment status, which helps facilitate Medicare beneficiary access to the scope based on it being identified as a “substantial clinical improvement” over existing technologies.
The Ambu scope received TPT payment status due to its:
- High-definition (HD) chip on scope
- Compatibility with high-frequency tools (APC, cryo, ND:YAG Laser)
- Superior articulation with tool
The aScope 5 received the TPT payment category and a new HCPCS C code effective Jan. 1, 2024, for use in the hospital outpatient department, to remain in effect for 24 to 36 months.
‘Exciting Surge in Research and Innovation’
There’s been “an exciting surge in research and innovation” in the field of single-use flexible bronchoscopes, researchers from Cleveland Clinic and Cork University Hospital in Cork, Ireland, concluded in a recent review.
They noted that growing awareness of challenges related to infection control and reprocessing, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted single-use bronchoscope technology to progress beyond the ICU setting and into the bronchoscopy suite.
“Not only does SUFB technology provide a portable and immediately accessible bronchoscope for procedures in the ICU and endoscopy suite, it also is a sterile option for standard bronchoscopy procedures,” researchers wrote.
Single-Use Value on Display
Even before the global pandemic, there was mounting evidence of infection risk following bronchoscopy procedures, with the leading causes being scope damage and inadequate cleaning, the researchers added. The arrival of the pandemic put the value of single-use bronchoscopes on full display accenting their portability, accessibility, sterility and the fact that staff does not need to prepare or clean the scopes.
Ambu developed the first single-use bronchoscope in 2009, and the med-tech has since added to its portfolio with the Ambu aScope 5 Broncho HD, designed to handle advanced procedures in the bronchoscopy suite. It is compatible with both the full-HD Ambu aBox 2 display designed for OR integration, and the full-HD aView 2 Advance 2nd Generation portable display.
Ambu also was first to market an Ultrathin bronchoscope equipped with a working channel. In addition, Ambu’s thin bronchoscope features a regular-sized working channel.
