Integrated Endoscopy, Inc. demonstrated its nuvis™ Single-Use
Arthroscope at the 2015 AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses)
Surgical Conference and Expo, March 7–11, 2015, in Denver. The company
claims that the device is the only single-use rigid endoscope commercially
available in the United States. An endoscope is a slender and tubular optical
viewing system for examining the human body’s interior for biopsy or
surgery.
George Wright, president and CEO of Integrated Endoscopy pointed out that
the introduction of the nuvis™ Single-Use Arthroscope comes during a time
of heightened awareness about the risk of infection transmission related to
endoscopic procedures. Wright noted that bacteria build-up in
difficult-to-clean endoscopes has lead to a number of recent high-profile
outbreaks.
“There is rapidly growing concern about the risk of transmission
of infectious diseases and dangerous bacteria due to inadequately cleaned and
sterilized reusable endoscopes,” Wright said. “The nuvis™
Arthroscope’s innovative single-use design eliminates this risk, as well
as staff exposure to reprocessing chemicals. As a result, it supports
utilization of single-use instruments in ORs and surgery centers based on its
improved safety, excellent optics, and ability to provide first-time quality
for every procedure.”
The nuvis™ Single-Use Arthroscope received 510(k) clearance from the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2014. Its integrated optical design
employs 12 molded-glass lenses compared with the 32–56 expensive ground
glass lenses that ar typically integrated into reusable arthroscopes. The company
indicated that the endoscope’s high-quality molded lenses are made with the
same technology and low-temperature glass used to mass produce high-definition,
low-cost optics for smart phone cameras. The nuvis™ Arthroscope also
features patented LED technology that delivers improved white light at
significantly lower temperatures than the fiber optic illumination from
conventional endoscopes.
Wright said the nuvis™ Arthroscope also eliminates key cost issues
associated with reusable endoscopes such as the need for reprocessing between
use, scope damage and repair, operating room downtime, and inventory logistical
issues. “The affordable nuvis™ Single-Use Arthroscope compares
favorably to reusable endoscopes when a full assessment of total cost of
ownership is made,” he said.
Integrated Endoscopy reports that the company is currently gearing up
production of the nuvis™ Arthroscope, and it will be available nationwide
during the third quarter of 2015. The company plans to market the device
through a combination of distributors and direct sales.
