Use Patterns, Technical Challenges and Patient Selection Associated With Single Use Duodenoscopes & Duodenoscopes With Single Use Endcaps In The United States & Canada.

Abstract

Background & aims: The extent of adoption, patient selection and use patterns of single use duodenoscopes and duodenoscopes with single use endcaps have not yet been characterized, nor have large scale assessments of endoscopist-reported function and challenges.

Methods: An anonymous 6-minute electronic survey assessing use and experience with single use duodensocopes and duodenoscopes with novel design features was distributed to US and Canadian endoscopy centers and responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The survey was notable for a 70.2% response rate, with representation from academic (68.9%), community (18%) and veterans affairs (8.2%) centers. Most institutions use standard reprocessable duodenoscopes and duodenoscopes with single use endcaps (34.4%), or a mix of standard reprocessable duodenoscopes, duodenoscopes with single use endcaps and single use duodenoscopes (29.5%). No center used only single use duodenoscopes (0%). 10.3% planned to transition to the duodenoscope with a single use endcap, 10.3% to a mix of single use duodenoscopes and duodenoscopes with single use endcap, and 1.7% to single use duodenoscopes alone. Challenges were reported with each type of novel duodenoscope and selection patterns for use were characterized.

Conclusions: This first-of-its-kind large scale survey of use patterns and functionality of newly introduced duodenoscopes is notable for fairly widespread use of the duodenoscopes with single use endcaps and more limited use of the single use duodenoscope. Both novel duodenoscope designs are associated with mechanical limitations that respondents indicate represent challenges to successful completion of ERCPs.