Extensive testing demonstrates the efficiency of the Pentax Medical PlasmaTyphoon™+

Patient safety is at the heart of every medical advancement, and technologies like endoscopes have been pivotal in transforming surgery by enabling minimally invasive procedures. This evolution has led to safer operations, reduced complications, and improved patient outcomes¹. However, these advancements depend on rigorous hygiene protocols for reusable medical equipment.

"After a procedure, healthcare professionals follow strict guidelines to reprocess endoscopic equipment, with drying being a key step. As emphasized by Michelle J. Alfa and Harminder Singh, biofilm maturation is moisture dependent. Inadequate cleaning and drying can lead to biofilm buildup in endoscope channels²," explains Dr. Florian Alexander Michael, Clinical Endoscopy Specialist at Frankfurt University Hospital.

To address the challenging drying process, Pentax Medical developed the PlasmaTyphoon™+, a revolutionary device designed to ensure thorough drying of endoscopes after disinfection. The PlasmaTyphoon™+ dries endoscope channels in few minutes, while the PlasmaBag™ Eco provides single-use storage, maintaining the disinfected state for up to 31 days³.

Traditional drying solutions require long cycles, leading to high electricity consumption and medical air usage. With the PlasmaTyphoon™+, we significantly reduced both energy and medical air consumption while improving overall efficiency
Mihaela Cirisan

Dr. Michael and his team conducted two extensive trials at Frankfurt University Hospital to evaluate the system’s performance. The first trial⁴ included 60 endoscopes, while the second expanded to 566. Using a laboratory scale to measure residual moisture for precise results, the endoscopes were stored for up to two weeks before bacterial sampling. The study confirmed that endoscope washer disinfectors (EWD) drying cycle is insufficient for all endoscope types. In contrast, the PlasmaTyphoon™+ demonstrated speed, convenience, and meticulous results⁵.

These outcomes are consistent with the results of an independent evaluation by Health Innovation Wessex, which assessed the PlasmaTyphoon™+ in a hospital setting. Conducted between November 2023 and May 2024, this study compared the device with traditional drying cabinets and Surestore system, focusing on energy consumption, plastic waste reduction, staff feedback, and workflow efficiency.

"Traditional drying solutions require long cycles, leading to high electricity consumption and medical air usage," says Mihaela Cirisan, Global Product Manager for PlasmaBiotics Products at Pentax Medical. "With the PlasmaTyphoon™+, we significantly reduced both energy and medical air consumption while improving overall efficiency. The PlasmaTyphoon™+ reduces drying and storage time from hours to just one to three minutes, with ‘zero-energy’ storage for up to 31 days – without electricity or medical air usage during storage."

The Health Innovation Wessex study found that the PlasmaTyphoon™+ used 22 times less energy than traditional drying cabinets. Annual electricity savings are equivalent to charging 123,989 smartphones or reducing a typical home's electricity usage by 37.1%⁶. Additionally, the use of the PlasmaBag™ Eco cut single-use plastic waste by 2,623.31 kg compared to Surestore system.

"At Pentax Medical, we are committed to sustainability at every level of our operations," adds Mihaela Cirisan. "From production to service, we develop innovative solutions that help healthcare facilities achieve their environmental goals. The PlasmaBag™ Eco is just one example, being carbon-neutral and made from 80% recycled materials."

The study also revealed that hospital staff were confident in using the PlasmaTyphoon™+ system, requiring minimal training. Users praised its speed and noted that the PlasmaBag™ Eco reduced hand strain during handling.

"Together, these studies underscore the PlasmaTyphoon™+'s exceptional drying performance, environmental benefits, and ease of adoption in clinical settings. Real-world hospital data and direct feedback from reprocessing staff highlight the system’s significant impact on efficiency, safety, and sustainability," concludes Mihaela Cirisan.

For more information on Pentax Medical’s PlasmaTyphoon™+ system, visit: https://bit.ly/4fNRTRQ.

Read the studies:


The American Journal of Gastroenterology	Health Innovation Wessex

References:

Minimally Invasive Surgery, Yale Medicine, https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/minimally-invasive-surgery
Alfa MJ, Singh H. Impact of wet storage and other factors on biofilm formation and contamination of patient-ready endoscopes: a narrative review. Gastrointest Endosc. 2020 Feb;91(2):236-247. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2019.08.043. Epub 2019 Sep 12. PMID: 31521779.
Validated for up to 744 storage hours (31 days) according to NF EN 16442 norm. The maximum storage time may be subject to local regulations on endoscope storage.
Michael FA, Jung M, Reimers, M et al. A New Drying Method of Thermolabile Flexible Endoscope Channels by Laminar and Turbulent Airflow: A Prospective, Randomized-Controlled, Single-Center, Proof-of-Concept Trial. The American Journal of Gastroenterology ():10.14309/ajg.0000000000003093, September 23, 2024. | DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000003093
Webinar on “Efficiency and Ergonomics in Reprocessing Workflow”, Pentax Medical EMEA & APAC YouTube Channel, 12 July 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYOgZioHnlo
Dr. Andrew Sibley, Health Innovation Wessex, 2024/05/31

Source: Pentax Medical

30.01.2025