Traditional video-endoscopies are carried out with reusable instruments that take a long time to decontaminate (It takes one and a half hours to sterilize an endoscope for a duration of only 12 hours) and incur high maintenance costs (2 to 3 breakdowns per year costing between €1,000 and €10,000). Although these precautions are taken, it has been estimated that 1% of patients who undergo video-endoscopies are at risk of getting an infection.

A French start-up company based in Tours has tried to tackle the problem of decontaminating reusable endoscopes and the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAI). "The section of the flexible endoscope that comes into contact with the patient is destroyed after each use," explains Olivier Fructus, the CEO of Axess Vision Technology.

Five years, an investment of €10 million and five patents have been necessary to develop this new technology. The 2.1 mm camera head offering a 120° wide angle vision has a moulded plastic optic inspired by technologies used in mobile phones.The device has a proprietary data acquisition card that enables to display images on any monitor. A patent has also been filed for the "Plug and Play" interface which enables the disposable part to be connected to the reusable handle.  Lastly, a traceability system ensures that endoscopes are not reused. Broncoflex Su is the first video bronchoscope of its kind to obtain CE marking. This single-use flexible video bronchoscope can be directed up and down at  angles of 180° and 130°. Its tip deflection radius is as low as 15 mm, the external diameter of the distal end at 5.5 mm and its useable length of 600 mm allows an optimal lung navigation. A new generation of Broncoflex Su with improved and simplified user interface will be launched at the coming SFAR (French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care) annual meeting in Paris on September 18, 2014.

The new-generation bronchoscope is marketed for under €300, which corresponds to the average cost per use of the traditional endoscopy. Delivered in a sterile blister and ready to use, this medical device is then destroyed like any other invasive waste. "Therefore, there is no decontamination or maintenance required. Moreover, the equipment is immediately available at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week" asserts Olivier Fructus.

Every year, more than 10 million bronchoscopies are performed worldwide, representing a market of €2.5 billion. This is why Axess Vision Technology is initially targeting the market for non-scheduled endoscopies and public hospitals, especially those encountering flow-related problems. The medical technology company does not intend to stop here and is developing a range of video-endoscopes for use in urology, gynaecology and gastroenterology. According to estimates, more than 50 million endoscopies are carried out every year worldwide so the company has very high hopes.