Bronchoscopy with the Vision Sciences BF100 disposable-sheath device: French experience after 328 procedures.
BACKGROUND
In spite of adhesion to recommended disinfection procedures, the transmission of infections by bronchoscopes is a permanent problem.


OBJECTIVE
The new device may prevent nosocomial infections because it consists of two parts: a specific bronchoscope Vision Sciences BF100 and a single-use protective sheath for each procedure. The aim of this paper is to report our practice and the difficulties encountered when using this system.


METHODS
We report our experience from 1997 to 2002 after 328 elective and emergency endoscopic procedures with the BF100 device. In a retrospective study, we describe the population and the incidents during procedure. We discuss the impact of the use of BF100 on the cost of bronchoscopies.


RESULTS
The major constraint is the care required in assembling the optical device and disposable sheath. The intrinsic qualities of the optics are confirmed; any sample may be taken although image quality and suction capacity are inferior to videoscopes. Maneuverability is inferior to videoscopes, but improves with a short experience. In addition, this device is expensive.


CONCLUSIONS
The technical performances of the BF100 device are inferior to those of videoscopes but the concept of sterile single-use sheaths is able to prevent the nosocomial infections related to bronchoscopes. Because of the cost, examination with the BF100 should be reserved to patients with proved or suspected infection (multiresistant bacteria, tuberculosis, hepatitis C and B virus, HIV, prions) and immunosuppression (hematologic diseases).
Margery
Jacques
J
Service des Maladies Respiratoires, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées PERCY, Clamart, France. j.margery@wanadoo.fr
Vaylet
Fabien
F
Guigay
Joël
J
Grassin
Frédéric
F
Dot
Jean-Marc
JM
Morel
Vincent
V
Vaures
Evelyne
E
Marotel
Claude
C
Demuys
Christelle
C
L'Her
Pierre
P
D001207:Asepsis / Q000379:methods; D020680:Bronchoscopes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004209:Disposable Equipment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies