Verathon GlideScope BFlex
Verathon · Model GlideScope BFlex
Magnetic Glidescope QuickConnect technology Centralized suction Convenient ET tube retainer Working channel Reinforced, steady insertion tube Visible measurement markers for positional accuracy and clinical reference Wide range of articulation Internal camera offers excellent image clarity.
Key tips
- ·A failed leak test means the scope does not get reprocessed or used - send it for repair, full stop.
- ·A shortened reprocessing cycle is a real infection-control failure, not a minor deviation - follow AAMI ST91 exactly.
- ·Track light-source lamp-hours against the manufacturer's limit rather than running to failure.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Fails the leak test
HighSymptoms: The manual or automated leak test fails; bubbles from the bending section, insertion tube, or a channel port.
Root cause: A pinhole in the bending-rubber, a channel breach, or a damaged distal cap - fluid invasion risk.
Poor or lost image
HighSymptoms: Blurred, dark, spotty, half-image or no image; colour cast that will not white-balance.
Root cause: Fluid invasion into the CCD / fibre bundle, a broken image bundle, or lens-surface damage / adhesive fog.
Angulation / bending-section fault
MediumSymptoms: Up/down or left/right angulation is loose, will not hold, over-tight, or limited range.
Root cause: Stretched or broken angulation wires, a worn brake, or bending-section damage.
Channel blockage / air-water or suction fault
MediumSymptoms: Poor suction, no or weak air / water, will not pass a cleaning brush.
Root cause: Debris or a kink in the channel, a worn air/water or suction valve seat, or a crushed channel.
Light-guide / connector fault
MediumSymptoms: Dim or no illumination from the scope with a known-good light source.
Root cause: Broken light-guide fibres or a damaged light-guide connector.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Bending-rubber / distal cap
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Angulation wires / brake assembly
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Air/water & suction valves / seats
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Easy
Image bundle / CCD repair (OEM/3rd-party)
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$$R&R Expert-level
Light-guide bundle / connector
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bending-rubber / distal cap | Frequent wear item | $$ | Moderate |
| Angulation wires / brake assembly | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
| Air/water & suction valves / seats | Frequent wear item | $ | Easy |
| Image bundle / CCD repair (OEM/3rd-party) | Periodic replacement | $$$$ | Expert-level |
| Light-guide bundle / connector | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Leak testing before each reprocessing cycle
- ·Scope reprocessing per AAMI ST91
- ·Light source lamp-hour tracking
- ·Annual full PM
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Fails the leak test
- Repeat the leak test, watching where the bubbles originate (bending section, insertion tube, channel ports).
- Confirm the leak tester / connector itself holds pressure.
- Quarantine the scope immediately - do not reprocess a leaking scope in fluid.
- Send it for channel / bending-section repair.
- Re-leak-test and re-image after repair before returning to service.
Symptom: Poor or lost image
- Confirm the processor, light source and monitor with a known-good scope.
- Inspect the distal lens for scratches, chips or adhesive fog.
- Check for fluid droplets behind the lens (fluid invasion).
- White-balance and check all channels.
- Send for image-bundle / CCD repair if the fault is in the scope.
Symptom: Angulation loose / will not hold / limited range
- Check the angulation locks / brakes.
- Assess up/down and left/right range against a new scope of the same model.
- Do not force a tight bending section.
- Send for angulation-wire / brake service.
- Re-check range and image after repair.
Symptom: Poor suction / no air-water / channel blockage
- Fit fresh air/water and suction valves and confirm they seat.
- Flush and brush all channels; confirm a cleaning brush passes.
- Check the light-source air pump and the water bottle seal / pressure.
- Inspect for a crushed or kinked channel.
- Send for channel repair if a channel will not clear.
Technical Specs
- KEY SPECIFICATIONS
- BFlex 3.8 BFlex 5.0 BFlex 5.8
- Insertion tube outer diameter (mm)
- 3.85.05.8
- Working channel diameter (mm)
- 1.22.23.0
- Minimum endotracheal tube size (mm)
- 5.06.07.0
- Maximum accessory width (mm)
- 1.02.02.6
- Minimum DLT size
- 35FrNANA
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Endoscopy suite / GI lab
- Operating Room
- Bronchoscopy suite
Documents & Manuals
Safety & Recalls
Synced live from the FDA openFDA API.
- RECALL
Due to software issues, their is the potential for loss of image or a degradation of the image when using the monitor with other connectable devices.
- RECALL
Handheld video monitor failed to meet the labeled IP67 rating which may allow fluid ingress into the monitor resulting in loss of functionality.
- RECALL
When video laryngoscopy system users apply, twisting motions while connecting the blade in the HDMI port, or excessive torsion to the connection port, this force is transferred to the HDMI PCB, which may result in video synchronization interruption, loss of live image/blank screen, no cameras connected monitor warning, may present risk to patients, in which time to intubation is more critical.
- RECALL
A typographical error in the Operations & Maintenance Manual incorrectly identifies the use of low level disinfection for the reusable video laryngoscope, specifically for the Titanium Blades.
- RECALL
The firm has become aware of the potential for disruption (flickering) in the video laryngoscopy image when GlideScope Titanium SU laryngoscope blades are in use. Video "flickering" appears as the intermittent break-up of the on-screen video image, appearing as either distorted horizontal or vertical bars of displaced video signal.
- RECALL
Certain models and serial numbers of GlideScope GVL and AVL laryngoscope blades may separate, due to inadequate bonding of the silicone adhesive affixing the halves of the blade. The potential for blade separation may not be readily visible during routine inspection before or after intubation.
- RECALL
Re-usable video laryngoscope blades of the GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 were recalled due to potential cracking.
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