BACKGROUND:  Fiberoptic and video endoscopes are important but very delicate instruments that require special care for handling and storage. A fiberoptic endoscope is long, thin, and has fragile glass bundles or video chips and control levers that can easily be damaged during everyday use and storage. It is estimated that the Department of Anesthesiology at UCLA spends $30,000 annually on endoscope repairs. The only known protective transportation accessory for the endoscope is a rigid tube attached to a bronchoscopy cart. As built in O.R. video equipment and systems begin to replace such carts, the problem of endoscope damage will be even more prevalent and costly at hospitals. An accessory device or equipment, which offers reliable protection, easy handling and storage of the endoscope, will be in high demand at hospitals.

INNOVATION:  Researchers at UCLA have invented an accessory device for a standard bronchoscope/endoscope. The device serves three major roles: 1) a fiberscope ergonomic mount and protector designed for use in the procedure suite or operating room, 2) a transport device designed to protect the delicate device during movement between locations, 3) a long-term storage device.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Accessory devices for bronchoscopes used at hospitals

ADVANTAGES

• Multi-functions: protection, transportation and storage
• First such device that addresses the long-felt need at hospitals

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  A prototype has been used at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2009-584