FDA approves duodenoscope with disposable distal cap

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first duodenoscope with a disposable distal cap in an effort to improve the cleaning and reprocessing of such scopes and reduce the risk of infections. In its announcement, the FDA reminded healthcare facilities to carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection of the devices and noted that they continue to encourage companies to “pursue innovations that will help reduce the risk to patients.”