The mobile bronchoscope is a dedicated device that enables bronchoscopy to be performed outside the traditional endoscopy department setting, such as on the ward, in the ICU or in the emergency room. Ideally a mobile suction unit is available where mobile bronchoscopy is undertaken. Usually the mobile bronchoscope is transported in a dedicated cart to maintain its hygienic safety and to allow safe transport back to the reprocessing unit after the procedure. The bronchoscope is considered a contaminated medical device after the procedure and requires a covered container.

Mobile bronchoscopy on the ward is often required for diagnostic procedures like BAL or brushing and it is an increasingly used tool for sputum removal. The high acceptance of bronchoscopy on pulmonary wards is largely due to the ability to monitor the image on an attached tiltable LCD screen and also due to the integrated lightsource in the endoscope handle, which facilitates easy handling.

Bronchoscopists and anaesthesiologists often deliver intubation or conduct placement/exchange of intubation tubes or cannulae in patients in the ICU. With its compact design, the mobile bronchoscope (MAF-TM) can be easily brought to the ICU and its strong suction performance is ideal for placing and replacing tubes and cannulae. The all in one concept provides ease of use in difficult settings such as the ICU and provides image/movie storage for documentation of the status before and after an intervention.

With a set of dedicated endotherapy devices, the mobile bronchoscope is also suitable for use in the emergency room, for example for foreign body removal, haemoptysis tamponade or local anaesthetics of the upper and lower airways.

With the placement of a blocking balloon, large bleeds can be controlled. With the monitor attached to the mobile bronchoscope, constant monitoring of the proximal side of the blocking device is possible and the videoscope can remain with the patient even when further transport within or outside the hospital is required.