Reusable Flexible Bronchoscopes Versus Single Use Bronchoscopes : a Satisfaction Survey

Reusable (RU) flexible bronchoscopes (FB) require intermediate level disinfection operations to prevent transmission of infectious agents from patient to patient. These operations have a significant material and human cost and impact their availability in case of emergency. One alternative is the use of disposable FB. The aim of the study is to evaluate the quality of FB during procedures carried out with each of the two solutions in intensive care unit (ICU), respiratory endoscopy (RE) and anesthesia (A) department. A prospective non-interventional and non-randomized monocentric study compare the operator satisfaction of therapeutic procedures performed with RU FB (EB FujifilmTM range, FB/FI PentaxMedicalTM range, StorzTM intubation FB) versus disposable FB (aScope 3® and aScope 4® (AmbuTM), Broncoflex® (AxessvisionTM). An evaluation form is completed by the operator at the end of procedure. Judging criteria, rated from 0 to 10, concern handling, ergonomics, image and suction quality.