Whether single-use or reusable, the high quality of our products remains consistent. This allows healthcare partners to work with confidence, regardless of which option best suits their needs. 

For patients at increased risk of infection, single-use endoscopes offer the advantage of significantly reducing the potential for cross-contamination. Reprocessing reusable endoscopes is a demanding process, but advanced sterilization methods and strict reprocessing protocols help ensure that these devices meet rigorous safety standards. By offering both single-use and reusable solutions, healthcare providers can select the most appropriate option for different clinical situations while maintaining high standards of patient safety. 

The environmental impact of flexible endoscopes does not depend on the product alone. It is influenced by the broader context, including frequency of use, reprocessing requirements, transportation, material consumption, product lifespan, and repairability. 

For this reason, broad statements such as "single-use is better" or "reusable is better" oversimplify a complex issue. Only by considering the specific use case can healthcare providers determine which solution is both clinically appropriate and environmentally advantageous. 

Economic considerations are also important. While reusable endoscopes generally require a higher upfront investment, their longevity and lower cost per use can make them economically attractive when used frequently. 

A model-based life cycle assessment was conducted for the FLEX-XC video ureterorenoscope and the FLEX XC-1. Under the defined assumptions, the analysis shows: 

Reusable FLEX-XC 

• One-time manufacturing and transportation impact at the beginning of the product lifecycle 
• Approximately 1.1 kg CO₂e per reprocessing cycle¹ 
• Particularly advantageous when used regularly within established reprocessing workflows 

Single-Use FLEX-XC1 

• Approximately 5.5 kg CO₂e per procedure¹ 
• No reprocessing required 
• Consistent device condition through replacement after each use 

Under the defined model assumptions, the reusable system begins to deliver environmental advantages after only a few applications. The analysis indicates that the reusable system has a lower carbon footprint after six uses and lower material consumption after four uses compared with the single-use alternative. This advantage increases with each additional use. 

Our strategy is based on providing choice. The optimal decision between reusable and single-use endoscopes depends on the specific clinical and operational circumstances at each healthcare facility. 

Reusable endoscopes may be particularly suitable where: 

• Case volumes are high or consistent 
• Established reprocessing processes are in place 
• Long-term use is expected 

Single-use endoscopes may be particularly suitable where: 

• Case volumes are lower 
• Infection-control requirements are especially demanding 
• Reprocessing infrastructure is limited 

Our technology enables both reusable and single-use endoscopes to be integrated into the same imaging platform. This provides healthcare partners with a modular solution that offers flexibility while maintaining system compatibility

Our life cycle assessments provide a robust basis for informed decision-making. They help identify which factors influence environmental impact and demonstrate how strongly outcomes depend on the assumptions used. 

Key influencing factors include: 

• Number of uses 
• Reprocessing processes 
• Transport routes 
• Material consumption 
• Packaging 
• Repairs and product lifespan 

This transparency makes it possible to evaluate different scenarios and select the most appropriate solution based on context rather than general assumptions. 

Through our hybrid strategy, we support healthcare partners in considering clinical requirements, operational realities, and sustainability aspects holistically: 

• Informed decision-making based on our own life cycle data 
• Flexible solutions for different clinical requirements 
• Greater transparency regarding environmental impacts 
• Support for more sustainable process design 
• Modular integration into compatible imaging systems