Fujifilm names UK & Ireland distributor of endoscopy solution

Healthcare 21 Group will distribute Fujifilm’s new artificial intelligence-based endoscopy solution to the UK and Ireland markets.

Earlier this year, Fujifilm Europe revealed its new AI platform used for the real-time detection of colonic lesions and polyps during colonoscopy, known as CAD EYE. This software uses the company’s REiLI medical artificial intelligence technology and is compatible with the company’s Eluexo 7000 system, currently supplied to the UK health market by Aquilant – acquired by the HC21 Group in late 2018.

By helping clinicians to visualise lesions, CAD EYE system helps to support the detection and early treatment of potentially cancerous polyps in the bowel. Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer worldwide and second most common cause of cancer deaths.

CAD EYE is automatically activated when a polyp is detected during an endoscopic procedure. A box appears on the endoscopist’s interface, which is designed to be user-friendly without compromising the image quality, and an audible sound alerts the specialist to the area of concern.

Through its acquisition of Aquilant, HC21 will be at the forefront of bringing this exciting new technology to health care organisations throughout the UK.

HC21 group chairman Owen Curtin, said: “This is a truly exciting development from Fujifilm and we’re proud to be bringing CAD EYE to the UK market on their behalf. Aquilant and Fujifilm have proved to be a formidable partnership, and we’re looking forward to continuing this.

“Healthcare is constantly evolving, with patient needs becoming increasingly varied. Through CAD EYE, we hope that endoscopy clinicians will be able to identify and treat more lesions at an earlier stage, improving patient care, and reducing the cost burden associated with the treatment and aftercare required when a cancerous polyp been missed and allowed to develop.”