Revolutionising GI Endoscopy: Embracing Single-Use Scopes for Enhanced Patient Care Podcast

The Advantages of Ambu's GI Range:

Since joining Ambu, Andy has witnessed the tremendous impact of Ambu's GI range on the market. Over the past six months, their focus has been on market development, introducing their gastroscopes and Duodenoscopes. By launching these products and obtaining regulatory approvals, Ambu aims to get their scopes into the hands of doctors and improve patient outcomes. The initial feedback from doctors has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the flexibility, image quality, and ease of handling of Ambu's scopes. This positive response has given the team confidence to explore broader applications for the scopes across different hospital departments.
 

Differentiating Factors: Single-Use vs. Reusable Scopes:

One of the most noticeable differences between Ambu's scopes and traditional reusable scopes is their striking white color. However, the distinctions go beyond aesthetics. Ambu's scopes are sterile and come in single-use packaging, eliminating the need for complex decontamination processes associated with reusable scopes. These differences have significant implications for workflow efficiency and offer new options for overcoming barriers in traditional endoscopy practices. Moreover, Ambu's scopes present an opportunity to challenge the status quo in endoscopy provision, not only within the endoscopy department but also in areas like theaters and ICU. The potential benefits extend to addressing challenges related to decontamination and sustainability, driving innovation in treatment pathways.
 

The Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Milestones:

Ambu's GI range has reached significant milestones, with over 500 cases completed across Europe for both ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) and gastroscopy. The UK and Ireland team has successfully conducted trials in approximately 30 hospitals, generating excellent feedback from doctors. While there have been challenges, particularly in adapting to different trial settings, the innovative nature of Ambu's scopes has allowed endoscopy to expand beyond traditional boundaries. The team's dedication to sustainability is evident in their recycling pilot studies and the forthcoming integration of bioplastics derived from renewable sources, reducing the environmental impact of single-use scopes.
 

The Importance of Sustainability:

Sustainability is a key aspect of Ambu's approach, addressing the environmental impact of endoscopy practices. Traditional reusable scopes contribute significantly to plastic waste through various components involved in their cleaning processes. Ambu's single-use scopes provide an opportunity to minimise plastic consumption associated with decontamination, reducing the burden on water treatment systems and optimizing waste management. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of Ambu's scopes and their ability to address backlogs in endoscopy services align with the challenges faced by healthcare systems, offering improved patient care and earlier diagnoses.
 

Future Outlook and Collaboration:

The conversations surrounding Ambu's GI range and its potential to reshape services are still in the early stages. Regulatory approval has been achieved, and clinical trials and customer adoption are underway. Ambu aims to gather more clinical evidence and solidify the case for single-use scopes. With the demand for endoscopy services surpassing capacity in the UK, these scopes offer.