Endoscopy
Advancing endoscopy through collaboration
Collaboration and partnerships are increasing, and the field of endoscopy is no exception. PENTAX Medical and UV Smart have joined forces to address the evolving demands of the sector, including the need for greener endoscopy.
In recent years, endoscopy has seen significant innovation in device design and process improvements. Consider, for example, advances in enhanced imaging that have enabled detection of GI lesions and provided digital image enhancement for real-time view of mucosal and vascular patterns. Overall, the field has been marked by ample change and innovation – in many cases fuelled by collaboration between medical device manufacturers and other industry players. To remain competitive in the dynamic healthcare market, as well as meet the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers need to continuously enhance and strengthen their portfolios. In many cases they are doing this within their own resources. However, the market’s dynamic nature and the evolving healthcare standards pose challenges. So, how can they keep up with the rapid evolution of medical technology? Partnerships often emerge as the catalyst for
innovation and agility, enabling manufacturers to address gaps in their product offerings and to navigate complex, regulatory frameworks – with the end objective to swiftly respond to market demands. By entering strategic collaborations, manufacturers can leverage the expertise and resources of external partners, to develop and deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of healthcare providers and patients alike.
Developing people-centric solutions Firstly, collaboration with healthcare professionals is paramount for developing patient-centric solutions that effectively address clinical needs. By leveraging their expertise and insights, manufacturers can ensure that innovations align closely with real-world healthcare challenges and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. It is well-known that healthcare professionals face numerous challenges, including staff
shortages, insufficient time to dedicate to patients, and extended consultation hours. Innovations serve as pivotal in mitigating these challenges. However, beyond developing new innovations, it is equally crucial to look at other innovations across the industry. Are there innovations that could be adapted for use in reprocessing rooms? Consider UV Smart, for example. The Dutch
company initially focused on disinfecting phones and tablets within the healthcare sector. However, after extensive research and user interviews with end users and partners, it became evident that there was a significant demand for the disinfection of medical equipment. This is how the UV Smart D60 was conceived and, shortly after, a collaboration with PENTAX Medical was formed. PENTAX Medical is firmly committed to upholding hygiene standards in endoscopy.
“We have defined what we call the ‘power of choice’, meaning we offer healthcare providers a range of solutions to minimise contamination risks, optimise reprocessing outcomes, and collaborate with key scientific societies on hygiene and reprocessing standards,” Michael Unger, General Manager Business Development at PENTAX Medical EMEA, explains. “We continually engage in discussions across various regions, including within our own team, to assess achievements, analyse situations, and, when necessary, adapt strategies or processes.”
Innovative solutions in practice As part of a long-term partnership, PENTAX Medical and UV Smart convene regularly to exchange best practices and to evolve together as providers of sustainable hygiene solutions. The Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland,
Rotterdam, was the first hospital in the Netherlands to install the UV Smart D60 through PENTAX Medical. Unger comments, “The D60 provides highly efficient and fast disinfection solution for hospitals. It accommodates the disinfection needs of channel-less ENT- endoscopes, and TEE-probes. This addition significantly enhances our hygiene and reprocessing portfolio, providing physicians with a practical solution to streamline their daily practice and improve patient care.” The hospital has now used this device for
channel-less endoscopes in the ENT department for almost two years, and the impact has been remarkable. Anke van Rosmalen, expert sterile medical
devices and endoscopes at the Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, elaborates: “These types of innovations offer significant time-saving benefits, as they make work easier and faster. With this device, channel-less ENT-endoscopes can be reprocessed and ready for use in around 10 minutes, compared to more than one hour with other methods. “This not only improves device availability for subsequent patients but also optimises
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