P125

AM. Sweeneya (Dr), G. Kavanagha (Dr), K. Deasya (Dr), H. Danisha (Dr), M. Kennedy*a (Dr)

a Cork University Hospital, Cork, IRELAND

* kenne036@gmail.com

Background

The development of single use flexible or disposable bronchoscopes (SUFBs) has accelerated in recent years, with the reduced risk of infectious transmission and reduced need for endoscopy staffing particularly advantageous in the COVID-19 pandemic era. The object of this study was to assess the performance of a novel single use bronchoscope in an academic quaternary referral centre with on-site interventional pulmonology program.

Methods

With ethical approval in a quaternary referral centre, we prospectively collected data on sequential bronchoscopy procedures using The Surgical Company Broncoflex© range of SUFBs. Data collected included demographic, procedural, scope performance, user satisfaction and complication parameters.

Results

139 procedures were performed by five pulmonology faculty from January to July 2021. The majority were carried out for infection (45%) and malignancy (32%). Most were performed in the endoscopy suite and 8% were COVID positive or suspected. Most procedures reported the highest score in satisfaction (83%) with complications related to equipment reported in 15% (predominately related to scope suction or inadequate image quality) reverting to a reusable scope in 3%.

Conclusion

In our subset of patients in a bronchoscopy unit, SUFBs are safe and both routine and advanced bronchoscopy procedures can be performed with high satisfaction reported.

Disclosure of funding source(s):

Dr Kennedy has received speaker fees and equipment for training from The Surgical Company