Israel21c is reporting about a novel colonoscopy system from G.I. View Ltd., which boasts a 360-degree view of colon, “including inside hard-to-see folds where polyps tend to grow.”
Here is how the company describes the operation of its self-propelling, self navigating, disposable product:
Introduction into the rectum
The operator introduces the Aer-O-Scope into the rectum, and presses the forward button on the control panel. First the rectal balloon is inflated and then the scanner balloon with the embedded electro optical capsule is inflated.
Forward Motion – Towards the Ceacum
Once both balloons are inflated, CO2 is used to insufflate the space between them. Because the rectal balloon is anchored against the anus and cannot be moved, the scanner balloon is propelled forward along the colon by the air pressure building up between the two balloons.
Pressure sensors within the workstation continuously measure the pressure inside, in front of and behind the scanner balloon. The workstation automatically controls the pressure in all three compartments and ensures that the balloon moves forward at the lowest possible pressure. In addition, three safety mechanisms limit pressure build up within the colon in compliance with the pressure levels previously approved by the FDA for insufflating the colon during CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).
Backward Motion – Towards the Rectum
Once the Aer-O-Scope reaches the cecum, the operator presses the scan button on the control panel, the CO2 behind the scanner balloon is vented out through the rectum, and CO2 is used to insufflate the space between the scanner balloon and the bottom of the cecum. The workstation now establishes higher pressure levels in front of the scanner balloon, thus propelling the balloon and capsule back towards the rectum. This “reverse motion” may be supplemented by the operator gently pulling on the supply cable.
Backward Motion – Towards the RectumCurious? Check out the product page or video of the system…