Ambu aScope 4 RhinoLaryngo for visualising upper airways during rhinolaryngoscopy

The technology described in this briefing is Ambu aScope 4 RhinoLaryngo. It is used for visualising upper airway anatomy during rhinolaryngoscopy procedures in adults.

The innovative aspect is that it is a single-use rhinolaryngoscope and so reduces the risk of cross-infection and removes the need for reprocessing, as done with reusable rhinolaryngoscopes.

The intended place in therapy would be as an alternative to reusable rhinolaryngoscopes in adults needing a diagnostic or therapeutic rhinolaryngoscopy procedure.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 3 studies (including 1 non-blinded prospective single-arm evaluation and 2 surveys). These include a total of 59 investigators and approximately 218 procedures in the UK, US and Germany. The studies show that there is potential for this technology to be easier to use and cost saving compared with existing rhinolaryngoscopes in adults.

Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that there is a lack of clinical evidence, including comparative evidence and patient-related outcomes, as well as evidence on the environmental impact, of the Ambu aScope 4 RhinoLaryngo.

Experts advised that the technology is already used extensively in practice. They also noted some possible adoption issues, specifically around potential environmental impact and uncertainty about overall costs.

The cost of Ambu aScope 4 RhinoLaryngo Slim is £105 per unit (excluding VAT). The cost of Ambu aScope 4 RhinoLaryngo Intervention is £179 per unit (excluding VAT). The cost for the reusable aView 2 Advance monitor is £4,000.