Endoscope Sees Backward

A new imaging device used during colonoscopy provides an additional view that can reveal polyps, cancers, and other lesions that might be missed during a standard colonoscopy procedure.

The Third Eye Retroscope auxiliary endoscopy system is passed through the instrument channel of a standard colonoscope until it extends beyond its tip. As it emerges, the device automatically turns around 180o to aim back toward the tip of the colonoscope. Then, as the colonoscope is withdrawn, the Third Eye follows along to provide a continuous retrograde view of the colon. This retrograde view complements the forward view of the colonoscope and may reveal abnormalities that are hidden behind folds and flexures.

A laboratory bench study found that the device dramatically improved the ability of endoscopists to detect simulated polyps in anatomic models, and a pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of the device for use in humans. A larger clinical study to evaluate efficacy is currently in progress. The Third Eye Retroscope was developed by Avantis Medical Systems (Sunnyvale, CA, USA). The system has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"Because the Third Eye works in conjunction with a standard colonoscope, it simply takes the best existing technology and makes it even better,” said David Watts, M.D., a co-founder of the company and member of the Avantis scientific advisory board. "That means facilities don't need to make major capital outlays to replace existing equipment, and endoscopists have to make only minor adjustments to the techniques that they've used successfully for years.”

Colonoscopy is widely regarded as the gold standard for detection of abnormalities in the colon. However, research has shown that a significant number of polyps and cancers may be missed during colonoscopy. In about 2/3 of cases where abnormalities are missed, it is because they lie behind flexures (tight turns) or behind folds in the colon wall that hides them from the forward-viewing colonoscope.


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Avantis Medical Systems