Duodenoscope using disposable distal cap with integrated elevator
Generally, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures remain very safe for patients and allow the least-invasive manner for diagnosis and treatment for many biliopancreatic disorders and conditions. Yet, post-ERCP infections typically range between 2% and 4%. In August of this year, the FDA recommended healthcare facilities and manufacturers to begin transitioning to duodenoscopes with disposable components to reduce the risk of patient infection. A solution to the risk of infection, is to modify current endoscopes so that they have disposable parts. Especially the parts that are most receptable to contamination. Another solution would be to have disposable endoscopes. This of course introduces questions about pricing and the environmental impact which need to be solved by manufacturers and medical facilities before this solution can be used in daily practice.
PENTAX Medical recently introduced two innovative product solutions that reduce the risk for infection transmission. The DEC Duodenoscope (ED34-i10T2) aims to achieve this by eliminating the riskiest components of the endoscope, the distal end and elevator, and replacing it by a single-patient use sterile, disposable distal cap with integrated elevator. Additionally, using the PlasmaTYPHOON to ensure the device is fully dry reduces the risk for microbial growth and subsequent potential con-
tamination that can result from moisture. Drying endoscopes after reprocessing is recognized to be crucial for reducing the risk of infection.
