Efficiency and productivity of a sheathed fiberoptic sigmoidoscope compared with a conventional sigmoidoscope

Disposable sheath that facilitates endoscopic Raman spectroscopy

In vivo endoscopic Raman spectroscopy of human tissue using a fiber optic probe has been previously demonstrated. However, there remain several technical challenges, such as a robust control over the laser radiation dose and measurement repeatability during endoscopy. A decrease in the signal to noise was also observed due to aging of Raman probe after repeated cycles of harsh reprocessing procedures. To address these issues, we designed and tested a disposable, biocompatible, and sterile sheath for use with a fiber optic endoscopic Raman probe. The sheath effectively controls contamination of Raman probes between procedures, greatly reduces turnaround time, and slows down the aging of the Raman probes. A small optical window fitted at the sheath cap maintained the measurement distance between Raman probe end and tissue surface. To ensure that the sheath caused a minimal amount of fluorescence and Raman interference, the optical properties of materials for the sheath, optical window, and bonding agent were studied. The easy-to-use sheath can be manufactured at a moderate cost. The sheath strictly enforced a maximum permissible exposure standard of the tissue by the laser and reduced the spectral variability by 1.5 to 8.5 times within the spectral measurement range.

Microbiologic assessment of disposable sterile endoscopic sheaths to replace high-level disinfection in reprocessing: a prospective clinical trial with nasopharygoscopes

BACKGROUND

Conventional reprocessing of endoscopes with high-level disinfection is labor intensive, expensive, delays the turnover of instruments, and involves potential exposure of personnel to toxic chemicals. We report a prospective clinical trial with rigorous microbiologic assessment of a novel disposable, sterile, polyurethane sheath, which can be easily and snugly applied over a nasopharyngoscope before performing the endoscopic procedure, with enzymatic cleansing and disinfection of the instrument with 70% ethanol following the procedure to determine whether the use of the novel sheath can provide reliable protection against bacterial contamination and obviate the need for routine high-level disinfection in reprocessing.

METHODS

Baseline cultures were obtained at 3 time periods from the control heads and insertion shafts of nasopharyngoscopes used in 100 clinical examinations: before application of the protective sheath and execution of the procedure; immediately after the procedure and removal of the sheath; and after enzymatic cleaning, disinfection with 70% ethanol, and drying. All 100 used sheaths and 20 unused sheaths were subjected to high-pressure leak testing to assess barrier integrity.

RESULTS

Bacteria were detected on 16 control heads and 6 shafts prior to the procedure; from 13 heads and 1 shaft immediately following the nasopharyngoscopic procedure and sterile sheath removal; and none of the instruments following cleaning, ethanol disinfection, and drying. No sheath showed loss of barrier integrity on leak testing.

CONCLUSION

Use of a high-quality, snugly fitting, sterile, disposable polyurethane sheath on a nasopharyngoscope during a clinical examination, combined with enzymatic detergent cleaning and disinfection with 70% ethanol, can provide a reliably decontaminated, patient-ready instrument, eliminating the need for high-level disinfection of endoscopes.

Exogenous endoscopy-related infections, pseudo-infections, and toxic reactions: clinical and economic burden

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics and costs of exogenous endoscopy-related infections, pseudo-infections, and toxic reactions in the US.

METHODS

A systematic review of the scientific literature published between 1966 and 2005 was conducted in Medline. Data collection was based on a prospective protocol developed by the authors.

RESULTS

The literature review included 70 outbreaks described in 64 scientific articles. Bronchoscopy accounted for half of all reported outbreaks. Inadequate decontamination practices were the leading cause of contamination; equipment malfunction became the second leading cause of contamination during the period 1990-2004. More than 91% of the infections identified could be prevented by health care providers if quality control systems are improved and implemented. The available economic information concerning exogenous endoscope related events is very limited. A model for the analysis of the economic burden of exogenous endoscopy-related events is proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Proper decontamination practices, the use of protective sheaths, and the improvement of surveillance systems could reduce the clinical and economic burdens associated with exogenous endoscopy-related events.

Reprocessing of flexible endoscopes

Proper reprocessing of endoscopes prevents the risk of transmission of infection between patients. Meticulous mechanical cleaning is the most important step as it removes the majority of the contaminating bacteria. It should be performed before manual or automatic disinfection. High-level disinfection involves total immersion of the endoscope in a liquid chemical germicide (LCG) at a preset temperature and concentration for a pre-determined period of time. Subsequent rinsing and drying are essential steps to remove the chemical solution and prevent bacterial colonization during storage. Endoscopy units that are used for more than 50 procedures per week may benefit from cleaning in an automatic endoscope reprocessor (AER). This allows automated exposure of the endoscope to the LCG with subsequent flushing and drying of the channels, and minimizes staff exposure to the LCG. Reprocessing should be performed by trained and accredited personnel according to written guidelines or standards of practice as defined by professional societies. Regular monitoring of the reprocessing process is important for quality control and in ensuring patients' safety.

Disposable-sheath, flexible gastroscope system versus standard gastroscopes: a prospective, randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Endoscopically transmitted infections due to inadequate disinfection are rare but well-recognized complications. A new prototype of a flexible, fiberoptic endoscope has been developed that uses a disposable sheath to cover and protect all working surfaces of the endoscope from contamination. The present study investigated the function, reprocessing, and hygienic status of this endoscope system in comparison with standard systems.

METHODS

In a prospective, randomized trial, 100 upper endoscopic procedures (50 standard, 50 sheathed) were performed. Analog rating scales were used to evaluate endoscopic performance and reprocessing. Reprocessing time, procedure duration, insertion depth, total instrument downtime, and problems occurring during the procedure were recorded. Microbiologic swabs were obtained from each endoscope.

RESULTS

Mean procedure duration was slightly longer with the sheathed system than with standard endoscope (9.9 vs. 8.4 min). Set up and reprocessing times, however, were significantly shorter with the Endosheath (8.9 vs. 48.4 min with the standard endoscope). The disposable-sheath endoscope system permits the rate of performance of procedures to be increased by a factor of up to 3.0. Both endoscopists and reprocessing personnel preferred the standard endoscope. No post-procedure sheath leakage or rupture was seen.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the "disposable endoscope" may have important advantages in terms of decreased instrument turn-around time and potentially improved safety.