Endoscopes and bronchoscopes are the medical devices most frequently associated with outbreaks of nosocomial infections due to difficulty in cleaning and disinfection . A large outbreak of P. aeruginosa infections related to bronchoscopy was apparently caused by a loose biopsy-port cap in the bronchoscopes, thus retaining water residue leading to the growth of this organism.

Instrument safety and surveillance methods for bronchoscopy must be improved. Our need statement is: A way to improve scope cleanliness for any patient undergoing a bronchoscopy in order to reduce infections due to insufficient cleaning and disinfection. Solutions could include a new scope design, scope cleaning protocols, and/or other solutions. 

Relevant links:

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/flexible-bronchoscopes-and-updated-recommendations-reprocessing-fda-safety-communication