Paul J Caesar
PENTAX Medical EMEA, Germany
Title: Endoscope reprocessing: Future has already started
Biography
Biography: Paul J Caesar
Abstract
In todays medical world flexible endoscopes are important medical devices for diagnose and treatment of various medical diseases. Although sterile single use flexible endoscopes have been introduced, most flexible endoscopes are still reusable. As reusable flexible endoscopes are defined as semi-critical devices. After each use reprocessing of the flexible endoscope is needed to have a clean and safe endoscope for the subsequent paptient. The reprocessing process is a multi-step process, consisting of several steps from bedside cleaning to high level disinfectioen, which must all be performed consequently. Although some steps are done manually, last decades many improvements have been made to improve the reprocessing process, like automated endoscope reprocessors and drying cabinets. Even with the introduction of an automated endoscope reprocessor, the manual cleaning should never be neglected to guarantee a successsful next disinfection step. Many studies have indicated human factors as a risk in successful manual cleaning. Also many studies indicate not all health-care facilities dry their endoscopes after reprocessing in a sufficient way or do not dry them at all. So it is challenging to look for improvements and new techniques challenging to optimize reprocessing, minimizing the risk of infection and maximizing patient safety, espacially related to the manual cleaning step and drying and storage. Recently three novell techniques are introduced to improve the reprocessing process. The first one is a device that is an automated alternative to classical brushing and flushing. It will standardize the cleaning process, without the use of brushes and chemicals. The secondo ne is an alternative to the traditional drying- and storage cabine. Using an unique airflow technique, endoscope channels are dried in only a few minutes. Storing the endoscope afterwards in a special bag and inflating some ozone, the endoscope can be stored under dry, dust free, and aseptic conditions up to 31 days. Finally the third one, is an automated disinfection device that will channel-less endoscopes and TEE probes in only 60 seconds.
Introducing these novell techniques and products, infection risks will be minimized, workflow effciency will be improved, and – most important – patient safety will be maximized. When it comes to modern endoscope reprocessing, the future has already started.