Endoscopic Sheaths Better at Preventing Infection than Germicides

A new study suggests that sterile barrier sheaths have distinct advantages over germicidal immersion processes commonly used to prevent contamination of flexible ear, nose, and throat (ENT) scopes.

Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine (MA, USA) conducted microbial studies of the Medtronic (Minneapolis, MN, USA) Slide-On EndoSheath system, a sterile, disposable cover for fiberoptic naso-pharyngo-laryngoscopes that provides a latex-free barrier between the scope and the patient. The study results showed that the sterile disposable sheaths, when used with endoscopes, are as effective as using a liquid germicidal system for disinfecting scopes between patient procedures, providing protection against cross-contamination, reducing patient contact with organic debris, and decreasing staff exposure to hazardous chemicals. The study was presented at the combined sections meetings of the Triological Society, held during February 2010 in Orlando (FL, USA).

An added benefit of the Slide-On Sensory Sheath is the ability to perform Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing (FEESST) procedures simply and efficiently, without incurring the cost of buying a procedure-specific endoscope. The sensory sheath design allows for air pulse delivery through the sterile sheath, enabling the practitioner to use conventional, visual-only ENT scopes. The sheath slides onto the conventional ENT scope prior to the procedure, and is easily removed and discarded when the procedure is finished.

"The EndoSheath System is designed to allow physicians to cover the insertion tube of the flexible ENT scope with a sterile microbial barrier when performing endoscopy procedures in the clinic and office environments,” said Janis Saunier, marketing director for the ENT division at Medtronic, commenting on the results of the study. "We believe the use of a sterile sheath on a nasopharyngoscope combined with enzymatic detergent cleaning and disinfection with 70% alcohol can provide a reliably decontaminated, patient-ready instrument, providing an acceptable alternative to high-level disinfection of endoscopes.”

The FEESST exam is an alternative to the modified barium swallow studies, allowing direct evaluation of the sensory and motor aspects of swallowing. FEESST enables the practitioner to accurately diagnose, treat, and manage patients with swallowing disorders with an emphasis on decreasing the risk of choking, coughing, or aspirating food and liquids which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. The sensory portion of the exam works by endoscopically directing air pulses in the larynx to elicit an airway protective reflex. The practitioner then assesses which areas of the larynx are sensory impaired.

Related Links:
Boston University School of Medicine
Medtronic