Medtronic has announced the launch of its new GI Genius technology, an intelligent endoscopy module. The module is the first system worldwide using artificial intelligence to detect colorectal polyps, providing physicians with a “powerful” new solution in the fight against colorectal cancer.
The company says that the module uses advanced artificial intelligence to highlight the presence of pre-cancerous lesions with a visual marker in real-time, serving as an “ever vigilant second observer.”
Studies have shown that having a second observer can increase polyp detection rates; every 1% increase in adenoma detection rate reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 3%.
Medtronic has also announced a worldwide distribution agreement with Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, in order to bring the technology to the market. GI Genius does not have FDA clearance, but is available in select European markets so far.
“One of the key factors to maximising the prevention of colorectal cancer is the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence into daily practice. The use of artificial intelligence in gastroenterology ushers in a new era of diagnostic endoscopy that can improve the quality of colonoscopies,” explained Professor Alessandro Repici, head of gastroenterology at Humanitas Hospital in Rozzano.
He continued, “In my experience, the GI Genius module can be extremely precise in identifying lesions in the colonic mucosa that can be difficult to detect and may have been missed. This change in daily practice has the potential to improve diagnosis and overall outcomes for patients that may have colorectal cancer.”
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common form of cancer globally with 1.8 million new cases every year.
