TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF BRONCHOSCOPY
Background. In order to improve the efficiency of the vacuum circuit during bronchoscopy the authors improved the design of bronchoscope suction valves in two ways. Materials and methods. On the one hand, the researchers prevented "jamming" of the suction valve cap in the lower position. Another line of work was a set of measures to improve the mechanical durability of the suction valve in places most prone to fatigue breakdowns. Thereafter, modernized and convenient aspiration valves were compared in terms of operational capability. Results. The authors have achieved a significantly extended active operation period of aspiration valves and positive changes of structural defects. Conclusions. The modernization of aspiration valves provided a more reliable performance of the vacuum contour during bronchial intervention and increased the efficacy of bronchoscopy as a whole.