Medtronic announced that NVIDIA will integrate its AI technologies into the GI Genius intelligent endoscopy module, developed and manufactured by Cosmo Pharmaceuticals.
GI Genius, which is distributed by Medtronic, is an AI-assisted colonoscopy tool that helps physicians detect polyps, which may lead to colorectal cancer, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It is said to be the first and only commercially available computer-aided detection (CADe) system that uses AI technology to identify colorectal polyps.
The module is compatible with any colonoscope video, and provides physicians with a powerful new solution in the fight against colorectal cancer.
Medtronic Gastrointestinal business president Giovanni Di Napoli said: “The possibility for GI Genius to host multiple real-time AI applications is a game-changer for physicians performing gastrointestinal procedures.
“With the launch of our AI Access platform, we are now able to support developers everywhere and accelerate the creation of real-time AI applications.
“This technology may allow us to offer clinicians expanded access to these tools, potentially improving patient outcomes.
“Our ongoing strategic partnership with Cosmo Pharmaceuticals and the integration of cutting-edge NVIDIA AI technologies have made this platform a reality.
“We believe that the AI Access platform may be a critical tool for advancing medical AI innovation and improving patient care in the years to come.”
The GI Genius module uses advanced AI to highlight the presence of precancerous lesions with a visual marker in real time, serving as an ever-vigilant second observer.
It processes images using advanced algorithms that can identify abnormalities consistent with polyps, including small flat polyps, which may go undetected to the naked eye.
According to studies, a second observer can increase polyp detection rates and every 1% increase in adenoma detection rate (ADR) reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 3%.
The use of its GI Genius module showed a 14% absolute increase in ADR compared to colonoscopy alone for both flat and polyploid lesions, thus increasing accuracy and reducing the risk of interval cancers which can occur between colonoscopies.
Medtronic exclusively distributes the GI Genius module worldwide.
In addition to the US, the company is offering the module in Europe and select markets in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
