4 Misconceptions about the Environmental Impact of Single-use Bronchoscopes

Misconception #1: Single-use bronchoscopes create greater landfill waste than reusable bronchoscopes.

The waste generated from reprocessing endoscopes is often overlooked, as reprocessing usually occurs in a separate department.  One study showed that 337 grams of PPE² can end up in the trash after reprocessing one endoscope. Although that number can be cut down by reprocessing more than one scope at a time, it doesn’t account for the chemicals, additional equipment, or staff time that is also required for reprocessing. Furthermore, costs associated with treating infections from inadequately processed bronchoscopes³ can also add to the environmental impact of using reusable bronchoscopes. 

Misconception #2: All single-use scopes contribute the same amount of waste to landfills.

The BFlex™ 2 bronchoscope was designed with the environment in mind by keeping the cable between the scope and monitor reusable. By making the cable reusable, BFlex 2 cuts landfill waste up to half⁴ compared to other single-use bronchoscopes on the market.

Misconception #3: Single-use bronchoscopes can’t be recycled.

Many single-use medical devices are composed of hard-to-recycle plastics. Because of this, finding recycling solutions can be problematic. That’s why Verathon has partnered with Sharps Compliance’s TakeAway Recycle System. Their process uses plastics as a fuel source for generating electricity, in a process known as waste-to-energy conversion. By keeping single-use devices out of the landfill, you can provide the best of both worlds to your patients – reducing cross-contamination while creating less waste for our planet.  Learn more about the program here.  

Misconception #4: Two separate systems must be purchased and maintained for bronchoscopy and video laryngoscopy.

By combining bronchoscopy and video laryngoscopy in one system, the Total Airway Solution by Verathon offers two systems in one, which means fewer systems to purchase, maintain, and dispose of at end-of-life, resulting in a lower impact to the environment.  

Now is the time to learn how BFlex 2 single-use bronchoscopes can reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Contact Verathon for more information.

^{*1.    https://practicegreenhealth.org/topics/waste/waste-0
2.    Sørensen, B. L., Grüttner H. 2018. “Comparative Study on Environmental Impacts of Reusable and Single-Use Bronchoscopes”. AJEP, 2018; 7(4) 55-62. http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfojournalid=163&doi=10.11648/j.ajep.20180704.11 
3.    Terjesen, C.L., et al. “Early Assessment of the Likely Cost Effectiveness of Single-Use Flexible Video Bronchoscopes.” PharmacoEconomics (2017). 1:133-141.
4.    Data on file per DR-TRM-0154 / REV-00. Comparison of packaged weight of 3 single-use scope models.}