The device provides a 360-degree view of the colon, even helping to see behind folds that conventional colonoscopes simply pass by. The propulsion system relies on positioning and inflating one balloon just inside the anal sphincter and inflating another balloon that sits just behind the camera, creating an airtight region between the two balloons. By pumping carbon dioxide into this region and raising its air pressure, the distal balloon is pushed forward and the camera advances along as well. The moving balloon is designed to inflate and deflate while moving through the colon, adjusting as necessary to allow it to propel forward while maintaining a proper air seal. Once the camera reaches the end, the carbon dioxide is “vented” out the anus. To remove the device, carbon dioxide is pumped into the region in front of the camera, creating a pressure region that pushes the colonoscope back out.
“Aer-O-Scope provides reliable and safe colorectal cancer screening. It also has the potential to increase the adenoma detection rate and concurrently help to prevent cancer,” said Erwin Santo M.D., head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and principal investigator of the most recent Aer-O-Scope clinical trial.
Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer death in most countries in the western world. This type of cancer almost always can be prevented by early detection and removal of polyps, which if left untouched, can develop into colorectal cancer over a five- to 10-year period. More than 500,000 people worldwide die from colorectal cancer annually, industry statistics estimate.
“Aer-O-Scope is the only colorectal screening product that is single use, self-propelled and has 360-degree omni-directional visualization. This enables the physician to observe all the mucosa of the colon, including behind folds, which is critical for a complete colonic assessment. If a polyp is there, Aer-O-Scope will allow the physician the best possible chance of finding it,” said Tal Simchony, Ph.D., CEO of GI View.
The Aer-O-Scope's soft multi-lumen tube is designed to significantly reduce pressure on the colon wall, which in turn, increases patient safety. Also, because the colonoscope is disposable, there is no risk of disease transmission from it, company executives said.
Like other colonoscopes, Aer-O-Scope also provides insufflation, irrigation and suction.
Headquartered in Ramat Gan, Israel, GI-View develops endoscopy products. The company has 24 granted patents and its investors include Israel HealthCare Ventures Ltd., Ziegler Meditech Equity Partners and Kemper Insurance.