The FDA awarded the Pentax Medical Video ED34-i10T2 duodenoscope — which has a sterile, disposable elevator component — FDA 510(k) clearance, Medscape reports.
What you should know:
1. The disposable component reduces the number of parts practices have to clean and reprocess, cutting down on potential instances of cross-contamination.
2. Physicians can use the duodenoscope to help visualize and access the upper gastrointestinal tract.
3. To prevent instances of cross-contamination, the FDA recommended facilities begin using duodenoscopes with disposable components. Regular duodenoscopes have multiple small parts that are hard to properly clean and sanitize.