Olympus AI enhances colonoscopy results, while Medtronic sets ambitious future course

MedTech & Diagnostics News: In a pioneering move towards improving colonoscopy outcomes, several hospitals have integrated artificial intelligence (AI) technology into clinical practice. The innovative approach aims to elevate key quality indicators in colonoscopy procedures, particularly in the early detection of polyps and adenomas.

Olympus’ AI-driven technology, Endo-AID, was introduced to Cura Day Hospitals Group in 2021. A substantial investment of $500,000 facilitated the integration of this system, which was first implemented at QLD’s Chermside Day Hospital and Toowoomba Surgicentre. These institutions marked a milestone as the pioneering users of this AI technology within the Asia-Pacific Region.

Functioning as a computer-assisted imaging system, the AI technology has exhibited improved efficacy in identifying early signs of bowel cancer. Since its successful implementation in Cura’s Queensland-based hospitals, it has been employed in numerous procedures, consistently exhibiting its value in enhancing clinical outcomes.

Dr James Riddell, gastroenterologist at Cura’s ACT Endoscopy, underscored the significance of the Olympus CV-1500 series processor and scopes combined with the Endo-AID. He highlighted their role in amplifying image quality, focal field depth, and overall enhancements.

“The quality image endoscope works in combination with AI polyp detection. This has shown improved detection of polyps and may contribute to the overall improvement of clinical outcomes including detecting other abnormalities,” Dr Riddell noted.

Supporting the efficacy of AI-assisted colonoscopy, a real-world study conducted in New Zealand using the Olympus Endo-AID technology yielded similar results. The study demonstrated a 59% relative increase, translating to an absolute increase of 9.4%, in the adenoma detection rate (ADR) compared to conventional colonoscopy methods. This pivotal advancement was seen in adenoma detection rates between the AI-assisted colonoscopy group and the conventional colonoscopy group, with figures of 47.9% and 38.5%, respectively (p=0.03). However, there were no differences between the polyp detection rates between the two groups, (70% vs 70%; p=0.79).

Medtronic, on the other hand, underscores the significance of its GI Genius as the pioneering AI-assisted colonoscopy tool, instrumental in facilitating the identification of polyps with potential implications for bowel cancer. The architect behind this innovation is Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, renowned for its role as the developer and manufacturer of GI Genius. On a global scale, Medtronic exclusively retains the distribution rights for this cutting-edge solution.

By strategically integrating Nvidia’s Holoscan and IGX technologies, Medtronic aims to propel the module’s AI capabilities to new heights. The Innovation Centre website is strategically positioned to provide third-party developers with a robust platform for refining and validating their AI models. The overarching objective of this initiative is to facilitate the dissemination of these refined models through the newly established AI Access platform, seamlessly integrated within the framework of GI Genius.

Andrew Currie, CEO of Cura Day Hospitals, expressed his optimism that the successful implementation of Olympus’ Endo-AID would inspire and motivate other medical facilities to adopt similar technological advancements in bowel cancer diagnosis.

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