Workflow efficiencies for flexible cystoscopy: comparing single-use vs reusable cystoscopes.

BACKGROUND: Flexible cystoscopy is a common procedure to diagnose and treat lower urinary tract conditions. Single-use cystoscopes have been introduced to eliminate time-consuming reprocessing and costly repairs. We compared the hands-on labor time differences between flexible reusable cystoscopes versus Ambu's aScope™ 4 Cysto (aS4C) at a large urology Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). METHODS: Reusable and single-use cystoscopy procedures were shadowed for timestamp collection for setup and breakdown. A subset of reusable cystoscopes were followed through the reprocessing cycle. T-tests were calculated to measure the significance between groups. RESULTS: The average hands-on time necessary for reusable cystoscope preparation, breakdown, and pre-cleaning was 4'53″. Of this, 2'53″ were required for preparation, while 2'0″ were required for breakdown and pre-cleaning. The average hands-on time for reprocessing for reusable was 7'1" per cycle. The total time for single-use scopes was 2'22″. Of this, 1'36″ was needed for single-use preparation, and 45 s for breakdown. Compared to reusable cystoscopes, single-use cystoscopes significantly reduced pre and post-procedure hands-on labor time by 2'31", or 48%. When including reprocessing, total hands-on time was 80% greater for reusable than single-use cystoscopes. CONCLUSION: Single-use cystoscopes significantly reduced hands-on labor time compared to reusable cystoscopes. On average, the facility saw a reduction of 2'31″ per cystoscope for each procedure. This translates to 20 additional minutes gained per day, based on an 8 procedures per day. Utilizing single-use cystoscopes enabled the facility to reduce patient wait times, decrease turnaround times, and free up staff time.

Time Efficiency and Performance of Single-Use vs Reusable Cystoscopes: A Randomized Benchtop and Simulated Clinical Assessment.

Introduction: A flexible cystoscope is an indispensable tool for urologists, facilitating a variety of procedures in both the operating room and at bedside. Single-use cystoscopes offer benefits including accessibility and decreased burden for reprocessing. The aims of this study were to compare time efficiency and performance of single-use and reusable cystoscopes. Methods: Ten new Ambu® aScope™ 4 Cysto single-use and two Olympus CYF-5 reusable cystoscopes were compared in simulated bedside cystoscopy and benchtop testing. Ten urologists performed simulated cystoscopy using both cystoscopes in a randomized order. Times for supply-gathering, setup, cystoscopy, cleanup, and cumulative time were recorded, followed by a Likert feedback survey. For benchtop assessment, physical, optical, and functional specifications were assessed and compared between cystoscopes. Results: The single-use cystoscope demonstrated shorter supply-gathering, setup, cleanup, and cumulative times (824 vs 1231 seconds; p < 0.05) but a comparable cystoscopy time to the reusable cystoscope (202 vs 212 seconds; p = 0.32). The single-use cystoscope had a higher image resolution, but a narrower field of view. Upward deflection was greater for the single-use cystoscope (214.50° vs 199.45°; p < 0.01) but required greater force (2.5 × ). The working channel diameter and irrigation rate were greater in the reusable cystoscope. While the single-use cystoscope lacked tumor enhancing optical features, it had higher Likert scale scores for Time Efficiency and Overall Satisfaction. Conclusion: The single-use cystoscope demonstrates comparable benchtop performance and superior time efficiency compared to reusable cystoscopes. However, the reusable cystoscope has superior optical versatility and flow rate. Knowledge of these differences allows for optimal cystoscope selection based on procedure indication.

Effects of flow rate accuracy in two-day anticancer drug infusion with disposable pumps on plasma drug concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Elastomeric pumps have a curved infusion rate profile over infusion time. Chemically driven pumps can overcome such limitations of elastomeric pumps and infuse constantly. However, studies on the pharmacokinetic benefit of chemically-driven pumps are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine effects of constant infusion with a chemically-driven pump on plasma drug concentrations compared to elastomeric pumps. METHODS: Infusion rate profiles of a chemically driven pump and two elastomeric pumps were measured in vitro tests under three height conditions of drug reservoir. Plasma drug concentrations were estimated using a pharmacokinetic model of 5-fluorouracil (5FU). RESULTS: The chemically-driven pump was more accurate than elastomeric pumps during the total infusion time (Root-mean-square-error (RMSE): 3% vs. 13%) which thus reduced its deviation of plasma 5FU concentration over time to one-fifth of that with an elastomeric pump. The chemically-driven pump had less than 5% of RMSE despite the influence of height difference. CONCLUSION: Although chemically-driven pumps maintained plasma 5FU concentration successfully and elastomeric pumps did not, both pumps were proper for 5FU infusion because the time-dependent changes in infusion rate did not affect the area under the curve. Chemically driven pumps would be more advantageous for drugs that are sensitive to their plasma concentrations.

Conversion to Disposable Cystoscopes Decreased Post-procedure Encounters and Infections Compared to Reusable Cystoscopes.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated for differences in post-procedure 30-day encounters or infections following office cystoscopy using disposable vs reusable cystoscopes. METHODS: Cystoscopies performed from June to September 2020 and from February to May 2021 in our outpatient practice were retrospectively reviewed. The 2020 cystoscopies were performed with reusable cystoscopes, and the 2021 cystoscopies were performed with disposable cystoscopes. The primary outcome was the number of post-procedural 30-day encounters defined as phone calls, patient portal messages, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or clinic appointments related to post-procedural complications such as dysuria, hematuria, or fever. Culture-proven urinary tract infection within 30 days of cystoscopy was evaluated as a secondary outcome. RESULTS: We identified 1,000 cystoscopies, including 494 with disposable cystoscopes and 506 with reusable cystoscopes. Demographics were similar between groups. The most common indication for cystoscopy in both groups was suspicion of bladder cancer (disposable: 153 [30.2%] and reusable: 143 [28.9%]). Reusable cystoscopes were associated with a higher number of 30-day encounters (35 [7.1%] vs 11 [2.2%], P < .001), urine cultures (73 [14.8%] vs 3 [0.6%], P = .005), and hospitalizations attributable to cystoscopy (1 [0.2%] vs 0 [0%], P < .001) than the disposable scope group. Positive urine cultures were also significantly more likely after cystoscopy with a reusable cystoscope (17 [3.4%] vs 1 [0.2%], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Disposable cystoscopes were associated with a lower number of post-procedure encounters and positive urine cultures compared to reusable cystoscopes.

Disposable versus reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes: a national survey of UK ENT surgical trainees and a single-centre cost-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study primarily assessed ENT surgical trainees' preferences for the qualities of disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes. Secondary aims included eliciting trainees' views on ENT surgery and climate change, and creating a single-centre per-use cost analysis for disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was formulated. An online survey consisting of multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions was distributed nationally. Cost analysis was performed using 2021-2022 data from the host institution. RESULTS: Twenty-four trainees responded. Data on disposable fibre-optic nasendoscopes showed no difference in overall satisfaction (p = 0.244). Reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes had a lower cost per use compared with disposable nasendoscopes at 5 years (4.7 per cent reduction) and 10 years (7.1 per cent reduction). Of the trainees, 79.2 per cent were supportive of climate-friendly initiatives within ENT surgery, and 25 per cent felt supported by their departments. CONCLUSION: Trainees' satisfaction with disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes is similar. Cost analysis favours reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes in the long term at the host institution. Empowering departments and trainees to pursue climate-friendly initiatives should be encouraged.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes between Single-Use and Reusable Flexible Ureteroscopes for Renal Stone Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Disposable flexible ureteroscopes have been widely used because of their cost-effectiveness and higher sterility potential compared with reusable flexible ureteroscopes. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes and complication rates in patients who undergo reusable or disposable flexible ureteroscopic stone surgeries (fURS) for urinary stone disease. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022331291). Clinical trials comparing reusable and disposable fURS for stone disease were found from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science up to March 2022. Participants were patients with upper urinary tract stones; the interventions were reusable or disposable fURS. Outcomes, including stone-free rate, operation time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate, were compared for analysis. Results: Overall, 111 studies were identified, but after removing duplicate studies, 75 studies remained. Thirty-two of these studies were excluded. Of the 43 screened studies, 11 met the eligibility criteria. There was no difference in the stone-free rate (SFR) between disposable and reusable fURS (p = 0.14; OR = 1.36; 95% CI, 0.9 to 2.04). For operation time, no difference was identified between reusable and disposable fURS groups (p = 0.12; MD = -5.31; 95% CI, -12.08 to 1.46). For hospital stay, there was also no difference between the two groups (p = 0.61; MD = -0.03; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.10). There was no significant difference in complication rate between the two groups (p = 0.85; OR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.61). Conclusions: There were no differences in the SFR, operation time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate between reusable and disposable fURS. Disposable fURS may be a comparable alternative to reusable fURS.

The carbon footprint of the operating room related to infection prevention measures: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Infection prevention measures are widely used in operating rooms (ORs). However, the extent to which they are at odds with ambitions to reduce the health sector's carbon footprint remains unclear. AIM: To synthesize the evidence base for the carbon footprint of commonly used infection prevention measures in the OR, namely medical devices and instruments, surgical attire and air treatment systems. METHODS: A scoping review of the international scientific literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The search was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles published between 2010 and June 2021 on infection prevention measures, their impact on the health sector's carbon footprint, and risk for surgical site infections (SSIs) were included. FINDINGS: Although hospitals strive to reduce their carbon footprint, many infection prevention measures result in increased emissions. Evidence suggests that the use of disposable items instead of reusable items generally increases the carbon footprint, depending on sources of electricity. Controversy exists regarding the correlation between air treatment systems, contamination and the incidence of SSIs. The literature indicates that new air treatment systems consume more energy and do not necessarily reduce SSIs compared with conventional systems. CONCLUSION: Infection prevention measures in ORs can be at odds with sustainability. The use of new air treatment systems and disposable items generally leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions, and does not necessarily reduce the incidence of SSIs. Alternative infection prevention measures with less environmental impact are available. Implementation could be facilitated by embracing environmental impact as an additional dimension of quality of care, which should change current risk-based approaches for the prevention of SSIs.

Performance of a new single-use bronchoscope versus a marketed single-use comparator: a bench study.

BACKGROUND: Single-use flexible bronchoscopes eliminate cross contamination from reusable bronchoscopes and are cost-effective in a number of clinical settings. The present bench study aimed to compare the performance of a new single-use bronchoscope (Boston Scientific EXALT Model B) to a marketed single-use comparator (Ambu aScope 4), each in slim, regular and large diameters. METHODS: Three bronchoscopy tasks were performed: water suction and visualization, "mucus" mass (synthetic mucoid mixture) suctioned in 30 s, and "mucus" plug (thicker mucoid mixture) suction. Suction ability, task completion times, and subjective ratings of visualization and overall performance on a scale of one to 10 (best) were compared. All bronchoscopy tasks were completed by 15 physicians representing diversity in specialization including pulmonary, interventional pulmonary, critical care, anesthesia, and thoracic surgery. Each physician utilized the six bronchoscope versions with block randomization by bronchoscope and task. RESULTS: Aspirated mean mass of "mucus" using EXALT Model B Regular was comparable to that for an aScope 4 Large (41.8 ± 8.3 g vs. 41.5 ± 5.7 g respectively, p = 0.914). In comparisons of scopes with the same outer diameter, the aspirated mean mass by weight of water and "mucus" was significantly greater for EXALT Model B than for aScope 4 (p < 0.001 for all three diameters). Mean ratings for visualization attributes were significantly better for EXALT Model B compared to aScope 4 (p-value range 0.001-0.029). CONCLUSION: A new single-use bronchoscope provided strong suction capability and visualization compared to same-diameter marketed single-use comparators in a bench model simulation.

Single Use (Disposable) Duodenoscope: Recent Development and Future.

Unlike simple forward-viewing endoscopes such as gastroscope or colonoscope, duodenoscope houses much more complex design to fulfil its function. This design differences leave duodenoscopes more prone to contamination from inadequate disinfection process and potential dissemination of pathogens. Recent reports on dissemination of infection through the duodenoscope mandated an overhaul of duodenoscope utilization including development of a disposable duodenoscope. This article reviews the current state of disposable duodenoscope development, including reported early efficacy as well as its future direction and utilization.

Disposable Fox Ruler: a proposal to avoid cross-contamination / Régua de Fox descartável: uma proposta para evitar a contaminação cruzada

ABSTRACT Numerous pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, can remain viable on surfaces over days, which favors cross-contamination. Preventive measures are essential to prevent infections and control the spread of COVID-19. Fox ruler is an essential device in the clinical planning of complete dentures and the contact with the patient's oral fluids during handling is unavoidable. Despite its importance, the conventional polycarbonate Fox ruler is easily damaged in the sterilization process. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to propose the use of a disposable Fox ruler. The confection is carried out in a simple way with wooden toothpicks joined by cyanoacrylate glue, following the same shape as the conventional one, but with the additional advantage of being made in an individual size according to the upper edge. The proposed disposable Fox ruler makes it possible to obtain the parallelism of the upper wax roller with the bipupillary line and with the Camper plane. Therefore, the disposable device described in this article was able to perform the same functions as the conventional one, in a practical way, without risks of cross contamination and with low cost.

RESUMO Vários patógenos, incluindo SARS-CoV-2, são capazes de permanecer viáveis em superfícies durante dias, o que favorece a contaminação cruzada. Medidas preventivas são essenciais para prevenir infecções e controlar a propagação da COVID- 19. A régua de Fox é um dispositivo essencial no planejamento clínico de próteses totais e é inevitável o contato com os fluidos orais do paciente, durante seu manejo. Apesar de sua importância, a régua de Fox convencional de policarbonato é facilmente danificada com o processo de esterilização. Portanto, o objetivo deste artigo é propor a utilização de uma régua Fox descartável. A confecção é feita de forma simples com palitos de madeira unidos por cola de cianoacrilato, seguindo o mesmo formato do convencional, mas com a vantagem adicional de ser produzida em tamanho individualizado de acordo com o rebordo superior. A régua Fox descartável proposta permite obter o paralelismo do rolete de cera superior com a linha bipupilar e com o plano de Camper. Portanto, o dispositivo descartável descrito neste artigo foi capaz de desempenhar as mesmas funções do convencional, de forma prática, sem riscos de contaminação cruzada e com baixo custo.

Paciente com câncer colorretal em quimioterapia adjuvante: evidências para os cuidados com estoma e equipamentos coletores / Patient with colorectal cancer in adjuvant chemotherapy: evidence for the stoma care and collectors equipment

A Quimioterapia antineoplásica (QtA) adjuvante para câncer colorretal (CCR) traz consequências fisiológicas e psicossociais como os eventos adversos (EA) gastrintestinais e dermatológicos, que podem trazer dificuldades na utilização de equipamentos para os pacientes com estomia intestinal. Este estudo teve por objetivos analisar a produção científica nacional e internacional sobre os EA gastrintestinais e dermatológicos para pacientes com CCR em QtA adjuvante; e estabelecer as recomendações em relação à indicação de equipamentos coletores e adjuvantes para os pacientes com estomia intestinal por CCR, assim como para os cuidados com a estomia intestinal e o manejo destes equipamentos durante a QtA, com base nas evidências científicas. Trata-se de uma Revisão Integrativa, fundamentada na Prática Baseada em Evidências, cuja pergunta formulada foi: Quais os EA gastrintestinal e dermatológico decorrentes da quimioterapia adjuvante em pacientes com câncer colorretal? Os descritores utilizados para as buscas foram Neoplasias Colorretais, Quimioterapia, Toxicidade, Efeitos adversos, nas bases de indexação eletrônica PubMed, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), e Excerpta Médica (EMBASE), mediante os critérios de inclusão: estudos que abordassem a ocorrência e o tratamento de EA gastrintestinais ou dermatológicos em pacientes com CCR em QtA adjuvante; e estudos publicados em inglês, português ou espanhol, sem corte temporal de publicação; obtidos na íntegra via Biblioteca Central do Campus de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo; e os critérios de exclusão que foram estudos em modelo animal e modelo in vitro; estudos sobre metástases associadas ao tumor primário colorretal. Do total de 4.021 artigos científicos, resultantes das buscas, foram selecionados mediante os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 20 estudos que constituíram a amostra final, sendo que todos foram publicados em inglês, com níveis de evidência pouco fortes em 65% (IV e VI) e cujos aspectos abordados foram categorizados em quatro temáticas: Diarreia e demais EA gastrintestinais; Diarreia e EA Gastrodermatológicos; EA Gastrintestinais; e EA Dermatológicos. No tema Diarreia e demais EA gastrintestinais evidenciou-se diarreia, náusea, perda de apetite e constipação, vinculados à QtA adjuvante com 5-FU, capecitabina e irinotecano. No tema Diarreia e EA Gastrodermatológicos evidenciou-se síndrome palmar-plantar, outras afecções cutâneas (eritema, úlcera, descamação, prurido, eritema, bolha), estomatite, edema das mãos/face/boca, e hipersensibilidade por capecitabina e oxaliplatina. No tema EA Gastrintestinais verificamos que náusea e vômito foram mais frequentes e relacionados à oxaliplatina. No tema EA Dermatológicos, evidenciou-se rash cutâneo, rubor, prurido, reações alérgicas, síndrome palmar-plantar nos esquemas com 5-FU, capecitabina, oxaliplatina e irinotecano. Considerando estas evidências e a necessidade de utilização de equipamentos coletores do paciente com estomia intestinal por CCR em QtA adjuvante, a assistência de enfermagem especializada deve assegurar a demarcação de estoma, ensino do autocuidado sobre EA e seu manejo, indicação e fornecimento de equipamentos coletores e adjuvantes, que atendam as suas necessidades, assim como o desenvolvimento de protocolos para avaliação dos EA gastrintestinais e dermatológicos durante a QtA adjuvante

The antineoplastic chemotherapy for adjuvant colorectal cancer (ACC) brings physiological and psychosocial consequences such as gastrointestinal and dermatologic adverse events (AE), which can cause difficulties in using equipment for patients with ostomy. This study aimed to analyze the national and international scientific literature on the gastrointestinal and dermatological EA for patients with CRC in adjuvant chemotherapy; and establish recommendations regarding the indication of equipment supplies and also aid for patients with ostomy by CRC, as well as for ostomy care and management of this equipment during the chemotherapy, based on scientific evidence. This is an integrative review, based on the evidence-based practice, whose question was: What are the gastrointestinal and dermatological EA resulting from adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer? The descriptors used for the search were Colorectal neoplasms, Drug therapy, Toxicity, and Adverse effects, in electronics PubMed indexing bases, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) and Excerpta Medical (EMBASE) by the inclusion criteria: studies that addressed the occurrence and treatment of gastrointestinal or dermatological EA in patients with CRC in adjuvant chemotherapy; and studies published in English, Portuguese or Spanish, without temporal cutting time publication; obtained in entirety at Ribeirão Preto Campus Central Library of the University of São Paulo; and the exclusion criteria were studies in animal models and in vitro model; studies on colorectal metastases associated with primary tumor. Of the total of 4,021 scientific articles resulting from the searches, they were selected by the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 studies which formed the final sample, all of which have been published in English, with little strong evidence levels 65% (IV and VI) and whose addressed aspects were categorized into four themes: Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal EA; Diarrhea and gastrointestinal and dermatologic EA; Gastrointestinal EA; Dermatologic EA. In the subject Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal EA became evident diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite and constipation linked with adjuvant 5-FU, capecitabine, and irinotecan. On the topic diarrhea and Gastrointestinal and dermatologic EA showed up hand-foot syndrome, other skin disorders (erythema, ulcers, peeling, itching, erythema, and bubble), and stomatitis, swelling of the hands / face / mouth, and hypersensitivity oxaliplatin and capecitabine. On the topic Gastrointestinal EA were found that nausea and vomiting were more frequent and related to oxaliplatin. On the topic of Dermatological EA, evidence of skin rash, redness, itching, allergic reactions and palmar-plantar syndrome in the schemes with 5-FU, capecitabine, oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Considering this evidence and the need for equipment supplies in patients with ostomy by CRC in chemotherapy, specialized nursing care to ensure the demarcation of stoma, self-care education on EA and its management, display and supply collectors equipment and adjuvants that meet their needs, as well as the development of protocols for evaluation of gastrointestinal and dermatological EA during adjuvant chemotherapy

Comparison of pre- and post-surgical images of reusable and single use flexible ureteroscopes: a qualitative analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Given the fragility of reusable ureterorenoscopes, many single use instruments have appeared on the market. Unfortunately, reuse of these scopes occurs in undeveloped countries in order to cut costs. This raises safety concerns for the patient.The aim of this article was to macroscopically evaluate the changes that single use flexible ureterorenoscopes (su-fURS) suffer after a retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), and to compare them to reusable fURS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pre and post-operative images of the instruments used in 23 RIRS were obtained. All the cases had renal calculi of the inferior calix between 10-15 mm, and all of them were treated with Holmium laser. The ureterorenoscopes used were: Storz® Flex X2, Storz® Flex XC, Pusen® 3022, OTU® Wiscope, AnQIng® Innovex and Boston Scientific® LithoVue. Qualitative comparisons of these were made. RESULTS: After su-fURS usage, significant damage was observed, especially on the distal tip. Deflection was not compromised. Reusable fURS did not sustain any damage after their use. CONCLUSIONS: fURS are delicate equipment, especially if they are of single use. The considerable damage sustained by single use scopes could mean that reuse of these instruments is dangerous and should be avoided.

Moving towards green anaesthesia: Are patient safety and environmentally friendly practices compatible? A focus on single-use devices.

OBJECTIVE: Discuss if the use of disposable or reusable medical devices leads to a difference in terms of hospital-acquired infection or bacterial contamination. Determine which solution is less expensive and has less environmental impact in terms of carbon footprint, energy and water consumption and amount of waste. METHODS: We carried out a narrative review. Articles published in English and French from January 2000 to April 2020 were identified from PubMed. RESULTS: We retrieved 81 articles, including 12 randomised controlled trial, 21 literature reviews, 13 descriptive studies, 6 experimental studies, 9 life-cycle studies, 6 cohort studies, 2 meta-analysis, 4 case reports and 8 other studies. It appears that pathogen transmission in the anaesthesia work area is mainly due to the lack of hand hygiene among the anaesthesia team. The benefit of single-use devices on infectious risk is based on weak scientific arguments, while reusable devices have benefits in terms of costs, water consumption, energy consumption, waste, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. CONCLUSION: Disposable medical devices and attire in the operating theatre do not mitigate the infectious risk to the patients but have a greater environmental, financial and social impact than the reusable ones. This study is the first step towards recommendations for more environmental-friendly practices in the operating theatre.

Disposable versus Reusable Cystoscopes: A Micro-Costing Value Analysis in High-Volume and Low-Volume Urology Practices.

INTRODUCTION: Disposable single-use cystoscopes have become increasingly available, demonstrating comparable quality to reusable cystoscopes while eliminating the need for reprocessing and repairs. However, high costs remain a concern. To clarify the role for these scopes, we performed a cost analysis comparison between the single-use Ambu® aScope™ 4 cystoscope and reusable Olympus® CYF-VHR and V2 cystoscopes in 2 clinical settings: a high-volume multi-provider practice and low-volume single-provider practice. METHODS: The number of cystoscopies at each center was recorded between January and December 2019. Elements in the micro-costing analysis included the original purchasing price of the cystoscopes plus accessory equipment, sterilization supplies, repair costs, and personnel. Costs were amortized over 5 or 10 years and calculated on a per-case basis. An annual total cost analysis was performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each device for each facility. RESULTS: In 2019, 1,984 and 245 cystoscopic procedures were performed at the high and low-volume clinics, respectively. At the high-volume multi-provider practice, per-case cost for reusable cystoscopy amounted to $65.98 compared to $227.18 for single-use cystoscopy, with reusable equipment more cost-effective after 294 cystoscopies. At the low-volume single-provider practice, the per-case cost for reusable cystoscopy was $232.62 compared to $461.18 for single-use cystoscopy, with reusable equipment more cost-effective after 19 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this micro-costing analysis, per-case costs favor reusable cystoscopes. While single-use cystoscope pricing may be prohibitive for large and small facilities at this present time, these instruments are powerful adjuncts to urologists' armamentaria when portability and efficiency are prioritized.

Qualidade e segurança no uso da insulinoterapia pela população idosa / Calidad y seguridad en el uso de la insulinoterapia por parte de la población de edad avanzada / Quality and safety in the use of insulin therapy by the aged population

Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade e segurança individual e coletiva no uso de insulina pela população idosa em um município de grande porte do sul do Brasil. Método: estudo transversal de base populacional realizado em 2016-2017 com idosos de 68 anos ou mais. As entrevistas foram realizadas nos domicílios dos idosos. O desfecho foi medido pela forma de utilização e descarte das seringas e agulhas. Realizou-se análise descritiva mediante cálculo das proporções e projeções dos dados para os idosos do município. Resultados: foram entrevistados 735 idosos. A prevalência de diabetes foi de 20,0%, e 13,8% faziam uso de insulina injetável. A reutilização das seringas e agulhas foi relatada por 55,0% e 65,0% referiram descartar o material direto no lixo comum. Conclusões: a qualidade e a segurança dos idosos em insulinoterapia estão comprometidas, sendo necessário implementar estratégias de educação em saúde que visem melhorar o conhecimento e acesso as orientações adequadas.

Objective: to evaluate individual and collective quality and safety in the use of insulin by the aged population in a large city of southern Brazil. Method: a cross-sectional population-based study conducted in 2016-2017 with older adults aged 68 and over. The interviews were conducted in the older adults' homes. The outcome was measured by the way in which syringes and needles were used and disposed of. Descriptive analysis was performed by calculating the data proportions and projections for the older adults in the municipality. Results: 735 older adults were interviewed. The prevalence of diabetes was 20.0%, and 13.8% made use of injectable insulin. Syringes and needle reuse was reported by 55.0%, and 65.0% mentioned discarding the material directly in regular garbage. Conclusions: the quality and safety of the older adults in insulin therapy are compromised, and it is necessary to implement health education strategies aimed at improving knowledge and access to the appropriate guidelines.

Objetivo: evaluar la calidad y la seguridad individual y colectiva en el uso de insulina por parte de la población de edad avanzada en un importante municipio del sur de Brasil. Método: estudio transversal de base poblacional realizado en 2016-2017 con ancianos de al menos 68 años de edad. Las entrevistas se realizaron en los domicilios de las personas de edad avanzada. El resultado se midió considerando la forma de utilización y descarte de las jeringas y agujas. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo mediante el cálculo de las proporciones y proyecciones de los datos para los ancianos del municipio. Resultados: se entrevistó a un total de 735 personas de edad avanzada. La prevalencia de diabetes fue del 20,0%, y el 13,8% utilizaba insulina inyectable. El 55,0% indicó que reutilizaba las jeringas y agujas y el 65,0% mencionó que desechaba el material directamente en la basura común. Conclusiones: la calidad y la seguridad de las personas de edad avanzada sometidas a insulinoterapia están en riesgo, por lo que resulta necesario implementar estrategias de educación en salud que tengan por objetivo mejorar el conocimiento y el acceso a las pautas adecuadas.

Current Disposable Ureteroscopes: Performance and Limitations in a Standardized Kidney Model.

Objectives: Due to the increasing fragility of the instruments and rising concerns about the sterility of reprocessable scopes, several single-use devices for flexible ureteroscopy have been introduced. In this study, we compare currently available disposable digital and fiberoptic flexible ureteroscopes with a contemporary reusable fiberoptic device. Materials and Methods: LithoVue™, Pusen Uscope® (UE3011, UE3022), Flexor®Vue™, and a reusable fiber optic flexible ureteroscope (BOA vision®) were tested in kidney models. The setup included (1) visualization of all calices (correct assignment of colored pearls) and (2) the extraction of human calculi with a standard disposable extraction device (NGage®). We documented the effective visualization, stone extraction, and times to completion. In addition, the surgeons' workload and performance were determined using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index. Results: In visualizing and identifying calices, the LithoVue and both generations of the Uscope performed similarly, but time to completion was significantly longer for all single-use devices in comparison with the Boa Vision. LithoVue retracted stones almost as well as the reusable scope (97% vs 95%/82%/96% stone clearance), while accessibility was impeded using Uscope UE3011, as reflected by the retrieval time per stone (73 vs 102 seconds/stone). This disadvantage has, however, been overcome with the new Uscope Generation UE3022, showing a retrieval time of only 65 seconds per stone, excelling over the reusable scope in this category. The Uscope UE3022 image quality was also rated best, but showed no significant difference. Conclusions: In comparison with disposable ureteroscopes available, LithoVue offers performance and characteristics similar to a reusable device, while the FlexorVu's performance does not yet yield satisfactory results for clinical use. The first generation of Uscope exhibits potential, but requires further technical improvements to match the performance of a reusable device. With the new-generation UE3022, Pusen has made significant improvement and offers a quality comparable with the LithoVue's.

Quantitative assessment of required separator fluid volume in multi-infusion settings.

BACKGROUND: Administering a separator fluid between incompatible solutions can optimize the use of intravenous lumens. Factors affecting the required separator fluid volume to safely separate incompatible solutions are unknown. METHODS: An intravenous tube (2-m, 2-mL, 6-French) containing methylene blue dye was flushed with separator fluid until a methylene blue concentration ⩽2% from initial was reached. Independent variables were administration rate, dye solvent (glucose 5% and NaCl 0.9%), and separator fluid. In the second part of the study, methylene blue, separator fluid, and eosin yellow were administered in various administration profiles using 2- and 4-mL (2 × 2 m, 4-mL, 6-French) intravenous tubes. RESULTS: Neither administration rate nor solvent affected the separator fluid volume (p = 0.24 and p = 0.12, respectively). Glucose 5% as separator fluid required a marginally smaller mean ± SD separator fluid volume than NaCl 0.9% (3.64 ± 0.13 mL vs 3.82 ± 0.11 mL, p < 0.001). Using 2-mL tubing required less separator fluid volume than 4-mL tubing for methylene blue (3.89 ± 0.57 mL vs 4.91 ± 0.88 mL, p = 0.01) and eosin yellow (4.41 ± 0.56 mL vs 5.63 ± 0.15 mL, p < 0.001). Extended tubing required less separator fluid volume/mL of tubing than smaller tubing for both methylene blue (2 vs 4 mL, 1.54 ± 0.22 vs 1.10 ± 0.19, p < 0.001) and eosin yellow (2 vs 4 mL, 1.75 ± 0.22 vs 1.25 ± 0.03, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The separator fluid volume was neither affected by the administration rate nor by solvent. Glucose 5% required a marginally smaller separator fluid volume than NaCl 0.9%, however its clinical impact is debatable. A larger intravenous tubing volume requires a larger separator fluid volume. However, the ratio of separator fluid volume to the tubing's volume decreases as the tubing volume increases.