Ambu
aScope disposable
bronchoscope
A disposable broncho-
scope — the only one on
the market — could have
some real advantages
when it comes to unex-
pected emergencies.
Sterility and mobility are
the biggest, and the over-
all cost compared with traditional bronchoscopes could be favorable
when you consider not only the cost of reprocessing, but also the
cost of repairs.
"Bronchoscopes tend to be very fragile devices," says Dr. Baratta.
"Frequently we'll turn ours on and find that half the picture is out."
As far as mobility goes, "the bronchoscope carts we have are
massive and cumbersome to move about," she says. "Something
like this that's both disposable and easily portable could make
things a lot better when you're dealing with emergency airways."
There are 3 sizes of scopes: the aScope 3 Slim, for thoracic cases,
a standard size that fits down size 6 ET tube, and a recently FDA-
approved large size that fits down a size 7 ET tube and provides a
bigger working channel. It begins functioning the moment you turn it
on, says the company, and it can take both stills and videos, and take
them simultaneously.
Does it save money? "The reusable scopes do break frequently, and
the cleaning is costly," says Dr. Baratta. "Without knowing the exact
numbers, it seems like the cost comparison may be equivalent or
maybe even somewhat better. It's a really interesting product."
1 0 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6
• TWO ADVANTAGES Ambu's disposable bronchoscope is more mobile and eliminates
the need for reprocessing.
