Medtronic launches AI endoscopy system to detect colorectal polyps

Medtronic has launched the GI Genius intelligent endoscopy module, a system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect colorectal polyps. It provides physicians with a solution in the fight against colorectal cancer.

The GI Genius module uses AI 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%. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common form of cancer globally with 1.8 million new cases every year.

Professor Alessandro Repici, head of gastroenterology at Humanitas Hospital in Rozzano (Milan), said: “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. 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.”

To bring this technology to market, Medtronic entered a worldwide distribution agreement with Cosmo Pharmaceuticals. Cosmo Pharmaceuticals is the sole manufacturer of the artificial intelligent software and device. GI Genius intelligent endoscopy module is CE-marked and is available in select European markets. GI Genius intelligent endoscopy module does not have FDA clearance and therefore is not available for sale in the United States.

Giovanni Di Napoli, vice president and general manager of the Gastrointestinal & Hepatology business, which is part of the Minimally Invasive Therapies Group at Medtronic, said: “Medtronic is focused on preventing colorectal cancer by early detection of pre-cancerous polyps with AI-assisted technologies. The GI Genius module automatically detects polyps, including small flat polyps that may go undetected thus increasing accuracy and reducing the risk of interval cancers which can occur between colonoscopies.”