ISO 8600-2:2015

Overview

ISO 8600-2:2015 - “Endoscopes - Medical endoscopes and endotherapy devices - Part 2: Particular requirements for rigid bronchoscopes” - specifies safety, dimensional and performance requirements for rigid bronchoscopes and their endoscopic accessories used in anaesthesia and medical endoscopy. The standard focuses especially on the ventilatory function of rigid bronchoscopes (ventilation and jet-ventilation), manufacturing tolerances, testing methods, marking, instructions and packaging.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and terminology: Defines rigid bronchoscope types (rigid, rigid ventilation, rigid jet-ventilation) and related terms such as ventilation connector, end-cap and jet-injector.
• Dimensions and tolerances:
  • Working length: manufacturer-stated length ± up to 10 mm (actual must be at least as long as stated and no more than 10 mm longer).
  • Total length: ±10 mm of stated length.
  • Maximum insertion portion width: ±1 mm of stated value.
• Ventilatory features:
  • Rigid ventilation bronchoscopes must have an integral ventilation connector and a removable end-cap; the end-cap shall not detach at airway pressures below 4.0 kPa (40 cmH2O).
  • Ventilation connectors must allow to-and-fro ventilation and meet requirements for 15 mm male conical connectors per ISO 5356-1 (no reduced lumen).
  • Rigid jet-ventilation bronchoscopes must be provided with a jet-injector suitable for intermittent jet ventilation.
• Testing methods (specified reference procedures):
  • Pressure-drop testing (airflow resistance)
  • Security of attachment test for jet-injectors
  • Container pressure test with open-ended jet-injector bronchoscopes
  • Minimum instrument channel width verification
• Product information: Requirements for marking, user instructions and packaging to ensure safe clinical use.

Applications and Who Uses This Standard

• Medical device manufacturers: design, test and certify rigid bronchoscopes and accessories for clinical use and regulatory approval.
• Regulatory bodies and notified/certification bodies: evaluate conformity for market clearance and device audits.
• Clinical engineering and hospital procurement: specify product acceptance criteria, ventilation compatibility and safety features for operating rooms.
• Testing laboratories: apply the specified test methods (pressure drop, attachment security, channel dimensions) as reference procedures.
• Anaesthetists and bronchoscopists: rely on compliant devices for safe ventilation during airway procedures.

Related Standards

• ISO 8600-1:2013 - General requirements for medical endoscopes and accessories (normative reference).
• ISO 5356-1:1996 - Anaesthetic and respiratory equipment - Conical connectors (15 mm connection details).
• Other parts of the ISO 8600 series (Parts 3–7) cover optics, dimensions, resolution, vocabulary and water-resistance requirements.

Keywords: ISO 8600-2:2015, rigid bronchoscopes, medical endoscopes, jet ventilation, ventilation connector, end-cap, endoscopic accessories, bronchoscopic standards, device testing, anaesthesia equipment.