Evaluation of a Disposable Flexible Bronchoscope, aScope III



Status:Suspended
Conditions:Pneumonia, Cardiology, Pulmonary
Therapuetic Areas:Cardiology / Vascular Diseases, Pulmonary / Respiratory Diseases
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - 80
Updated:10/18/2018
Start Date:April 2015
End Date:December 2020

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Evaluation of a Disposable Flexible Bronchoscope, (aScope III) a Randomized, Controlled, Cross-over Trial

Flexible bronchoscopes are typically reusable and therefore need high level disinfection to
prevent inadvertent spread of microbial pathogens from patient to patient. The process of
disinfection is time consuming and expensive. Moreover, a bronchoscope being processed may
not be readily available for another patient. One solution to this problem was to use a
single use disposable sheath that covers a flexible bronchoscope protecting all surfaces of
the bronchoscope.(Colt, Beamis, Harrell, & Mathur, 2000). Another way to eliminate potential
hazards with a reusable bronchoscope is the use of a disposable bronchoscope. Such a
disposable bronchoscope has been developed (Ambu aScope, Ambu, Glen Burnie, MD) and has been
used successfully for intubations in manikins(Scutt et al., 2011) and patients. (Kristensen &
Fredensborg, 2013; Pujol, López, & Valero, 2010; Tvede, Kristensen, & Nyhus-Andreasen, 2012).
Further advancement in the imaging and handling of this disposable flexible bronchoscope now
allows for the purpose of bronchoscopy and broncho-alveolar lavage in critically ill patients
with pulmonary compromise. (FDA approval: 05-11-2013 date)

The aim of the study is to compare image clarity, suction capacity, and handling performance
of a reusable flexible bronchoscope to the disposable flexible bronchoscope. In addition, the
investigators intend to perform a cost analysis.

Description

Patients will be monitored by standard NIBP or invasive arterial lines, ECG and oxygen
saturation. All patients are intubated due to their respiratory insufficiency or for airway
protection. Patients will be anesthetized for the procedure. Anesthesia will be induced with
versed 2mg, fentanyl 100 µg and paralyzed with 0.1mg/kg vecuronium. Anesthesia will be
maintained with propofol infusion 50-150 µg/kg/min.

Study Procedures All patients will be under general anesthesia. Standard monitoring will be
applied. This includes a blood pressure cuff or an arterial line, EKG and a pulse-oximeter.
Patients will receive 2 mg/kg propofol, 1µg/kg fentanyl and 0.1mg/kg vecuronium for the
procedure. After induction of anesthesia the FiO2 will be turned to 1.0 and a bronchoscopy
adaptor will be interposed in the breathing circuit next to the endotracheal tube. Patients
will be randomized to receiving either the non-disposable bronchoscope (Storz 8402 2x, El
Segundo, CA) or the single use aScope 3 first. After randomization, bronchoscopy will be
started with an inspection of the trachea and carina. Next the right lung bronchial tree will
be inspected systematically beginning with the right upper lobe, following with the right
middle lobe and finishing with the right lower lobe. All segmental bronchi will be inspected
and cleaned by suction as deemed necessary. The bronchoscope will then be removed from the
bronchial tree and rinsed with saline Subsequently, the bronchoscope will be re-inserted and
advanced to the basal segmental bronchi of the right lower lobe. The tip of the bronchoscope
will be brought into wedge position in one of the basal segments for broncho-alveolar lavage
(BAL). A saline flush of 20 ml will be administered. The flow of saline will be observed at
the distal tip of the bronchoscope. After 10 seconds of maintaining a wedge position, gentle
suction will be applied to collect the lavage specimen in the collection trap. This step will
be repeated 4 more times (total of 80ml) to obtain an adequate specimen. The same procedure
will be repeated on the left lung using the alternate bronchoscope according to
randomization. At the end of the procedure, a chest radiograph will be obtained to rule out
pneumothorax.

Measurements

Before starting the procedure the set up time of each bronchoscope will be recorded. The
view, image, and light of each bronchoscope will be assessed, then the inspection of the
upper lobe segmental bronchi will be conducted. The time of lavage and suctioning until no
more specimen can be collected will be measured. The volume of the obtained specimen will be
measured. The specimen will be evaluated by a blinded observer after the procedure is
completed.(clear fluids, mucous secretions, viscous secretions, pus, blood etc). The blinded
observer will evaluate the quality and quanity of the sample for obtaining cultures.The
blinded observer will be an attending or resident from the infectious disease department.

The overall ease of handling will be rated directly after the procedure by the investigator.
All bronchoscopies will be taped and view-clarity, image and light-brightness will be
assessed by a second blinded observer. This blinder observer can be another investigator not
present during the procedure or an internist who was not present and is part of the study
team.

All assessments will be performed using a VAS scale of 0 to 10 cm as shown below. The
investigator will mark directly on the scale.

We will only enroll patients who were admitted to a critical care unit at the University of
Louisville and who are intubated.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult 18 years old and older

2. Capable of giving informed consent or have an acceptable surrogate capable of giving
legally authorized consent on the subject's behalf.

3. Indication of a diagnostic and or therapeutic bronchoscopy as determined by the
attending critical care physician

4. Being cared for in the critical care units at the U of L Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

1) Patient is moribund and a bronchoscopy is very unlikely to reduce impending mortality or
can avert death
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Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Phone: 502-852-3122
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