Exalt Single-use Duodenoscope Vs Reusable Scope, a Randomized Controlled Trial

To ensure a safe and high-quality endoscopy, there are multiple disinfection protocols for endoscopes. Side-viewing duodenoscopes with an adjustable accessory device (elevator) contain potential blind spots for debris and bacteria that require specialized cleaning and disinfection methods beyond standard protocols for other endoscopes. It is thought that the duodenoscope's design, persistent postprocedural microbial contamination and biofilm formation make it more prone to cross-contamination5. Gromski et al, found there are documented pathogenic transmissions, which led to harm in multiple patients and centers3. Infection control was likely related to two major components, reusable duodenoscopes and procedural factors related to how the reusable duodenoscopes were reprocessed3. Multidrug-resistant organisms, such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, that were associated with reusable duodenoscopes lead the FDA to mandate the transition to improved cleaning and disinfection methods or single-use platforms to eliminate infection transmission. One such single-use platform is the Exalt Model D (Boston Scientific, Marlboro, MA), which received FDA approval in 2020 for use of single-use duodenoscopes. Early iterations of the Exalt were used on a case-by-case basis per institution-specific protocols, mainly due to the learning curve involved with using the scope. A new version of Exalt has been released to market in 2023 with modifications that may make it more feasible to use in all settings requiring a duodenoscope. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) is designed to evaluate the new generation Exalt Model disposable duodenoscope compared to the reusable scope in terms of feasibility, ease of use, adverse events, number of crossover events, and infection rates.

Inclusion criteria

• All patients > 18 years old who have biliary or pancreatic duct disorder, based on clinical symptoms and radiological findings at CT or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
• Native papilla

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with altered pancreaticobiliary anatomy
• Pregnancy
• Patients with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage
• Prior history of ERCP
• Inability to provide informed consent