Boston Scientific receives FDA clearance for EXALT Model B Single

The EXALT Model B Bronchoscope can be used for a wide range of bronchoscopy procedures such as secretion management, airway intubation, percutaneous tracheostomy, double lumen endotracheal tube placement and biopsies. The device is offered in three sizes – slim, regular and large – each designed to deliver superior suction performance and direct, precise imaging.

"To effectively diagnose and treat disorders in the lungs and air passages, physicians require devices that provide high-quality imaging and visualization into a patient's anatomy," said Carla R. Lamb, MD, director, Interventional Pulmonary Medicine and director, Interventional Pulmonary Fellowship Program, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. "In my view, this device represents a scientific advancement in single-use bronchoscopes which could improve patient care."

Throughout the United States, more than 1.2 million bedside procedures involving a bronchoscope are performed in ICU and OR settings each year, and more than 3 million are performed worldwide. While infrequent, there have been reports of patient infections linked to contamination of reprocessed flexible bronchoscopes, even when device cleaning and disinfection practices aligned with safety guidelines. In situations where there is increased risk of spreading infection or when there is no support available for immediate reprocessing of a reusable bronchoscope, the FDA recommends health care providers consider using a single-use bronchoscope. Additionally, when treating patients with COVID-19, the American Association for Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology recommends use of a single-use bronchoscope when possible.

"To further increase patient safety and improve operational efficiencies within the hospital setting, many physicians have been making the transition to single-use scopes, which eliminate both the risk of infection associated with reusable devices, as well as time-intensive scope reprocessing," said Dave Pierce, executive vice president and president, MedSurg and president, Endoscopy, Boston Scientific. "Developed with physician needs and varying patient anatomies in mind, the EXALT Model B Bronchoscope was designed to bring a new level of suction and imaging performance to single-use scopes and offers a familiar design and feel to that of a reusable device."

The EXALT Model B Bronchoscope is the latest device to join the company's single-use imaging portfolio alongside the EXALT Model D Single-Use Duodenoscope, LithoVue Digital Flexible Ureteroscope, SpyGlass DS Direct Visualization System and SpyGlass Discover Digital Catheter. The company announced completion of CE Mark for the EXALT Model B Bronchoscope in May 2021. Limited market release of the device in the U.S. will begin in the coming weeks.