In the past two decades, there have been a rapid increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) rates, affecting not only the elderly but also the younger population. The surge in colon cancer among young patients can be attributed to sedentary lifestyles, a history of inflammatory bowel disorders, obesity, and/or genetic factors. Young people are presenting with more advanced stages of colon cancers because both doctors and patients are not taking symptoms seriously. Colonoscopy screening at the earliest stage possible is the key to save lives from deadly colon cancer. More than 50% of deaths can be prevented from colon cancer with early screening. However, fear of pain, discomfort, embarrassment, or loss of control affects the colonoscopy attendance rates. Therefore, major players operating in the endoscopy market are coming up with new innovative technologies that incorporate artificial intelligence and physical robotics to contribute towards making endoscopy interventions minimally invasive. 

Recently, Fujifilm partnered with SMART Medical Systems to develop a next-generation solution for colon endoscopy, G-EYE 700-series endoscope system. The unique innovation offers exceptional visualization capabilities and outstanding quality of diagnostic images. The new Fujifilm system is poised to better detect obscured polyps in a new generation of patients with its excellent detective abilit. G-EYE is superior to standard colonoscopy with a significantly lower adenoma miss rate. Moreover, combining G-EYE with Fujifilm’s ELUXEO Video Imaging System can support even more accurate delineation, detection of lesions and inflammation. 

The G-EYE balloon endoscopy system supports clinicians and enhances patients’ experience by allowing controlled withdrawal and providing improved stability of the colonoscope during the procedure. Besides, the inflated balloon reduces bowel slippage, centralizes optics, and assists in controlling the field of view during intubation. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to flatten colon topography, G-EYE improves the visibility of mucosal surface and opens the possibility for further improvement in detection and advance procedural efficiency. Gradually, the new FujiFilm device is setting the stage for optimal use of artificial intelligence in the field of endoscopy and other therapeutic interventions. 

How does G-EYE 700-series endoscope system work?

The endoscope is equipped with an inflatable, reusable, and re-processable balloon at the bending section, which clinicians can utilize to flatten the colonic walls for more advanced diagnosing. The inflatable balloon present at 1-2 cm near the distal end of the colonoscope can be inflated up to 60 mm diameter without any significant alteration to the outer caliber of the scope. The endoscopist utilizes a foot pedal to manipulate the dedicated inflation system (SPARK²C) for expanding the balloon once cecum intubation is achieved. The balloon mechanically straightens colonic folds and flexures and support the clinicians to detect abnormalities and it retains a constant pressure within the colon until withdrawal.

G-EYE bring mucosal surfaces behind haustral folds into the colonoscope’s field of view and allows clinicians the flexibility to immediately remove the detected polyps. Thus, the fold-flattening benefit of G-EYE increases the general detection efficacy as well as enables detection of significant lesions, both of which have a direct effect on colorectal cancer prevention. The G-EYE 700-series endoscope system consists of a dedicated software technology that continuously monitors and maintains balloon pressure as well as automatically inflates or deflates the balloon according to the local colon lumen diameter. Thus, the software ensures the safety of the endoscopy system. The balloon composed of latex-free and biocompatible polymer is durable for thousands of uses. 

Emerging Technologies in Balloon-assisted Colon Endoscopy

Third Eye® Retroscope®

The Third Eye® Retroscope® from Avantis Medical System utilizes optical technology to detect polyps located at the proximal folds and anatomical flexures of the colon. The disposable, and catheter-based camera provides physicians with a 180-degree view to complement the colonoscope’s forward view of the colon lining. It is the only technology approved by FDA that improves polyp detection by up to 25% when combined with a standard colonoscope. An LED attached with the camera provides illumination as it makes entry into the colon for a better view. 

Fuse® Full Spectrum Endoscopy® colonoscopy platform

The Fuse® Full Spectrum Endoscopy® colonoscopy platform offered by EndoChoice is a standard, flexible, reprocessable colonoscope designed for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The device consists of a video colonoscope that provides a high-resolution visual, 330-degree field of view along with all standard colonoscope features like 3.8 mm working channel, air or CO₂ insufflation, and water-jet irrigation. The three imagers and LED group positioned at the front and side of the colonoscope tip display help in full-spectrum endoscopy. Three contagious monitors display the left, center, and right colonic images transmitted from respective angled lenses. 

Medtronic GI Genius

GI Genius has become the first FDA-approved medical device that uses AI for real-time detection of potential irregularities in the colon during colon endoscopy procedures. The device can identify and highlight the portion of the colon susceptible to the potential lesion that could have been missed by clinicians during screenings due to its small size. But the device does not provide any assessment of CRC polyp nor it suggests clinicians how to manage polyp. The AI-based tool is compatible with any FDA-cleared standard video endoscopy system. 

Endocuff

The single-use Endocuff device by Arc Medical Design is a 23-mm long cylindrical cuff, made from biocompatible and non-latex material. The cuff has an approx. diameter of 35 mm with projections fully extended and arranged circumferentially in two rows of 8. The hinged projections of the device are compressed flush with the colonoscope during insertion to help maintain a central position during loop reduction and prevent slippage around turns and maintain stability during the procedure. 

Extra-Wide-Angle colonoscope

The extra-wide angle colonoscope developed by Olympus identifies significantly more simulated polyps when compared to forward-viewing colonoscopy. The prototype provides an extra wide-angle view with ranging from 144 degrees to 232 degrees. Although the device consists of a standard 140° forward‐viewing lens, the backward‐view lens is projected in a convex shape from the colonoscope tip that gives an enhances view. Besides, the device also consists of a video monitors that displays forward and backward view simultaneously. The prototype uses a 180 series Olympus processor that provides a stable working channel and variable stiffness function.

Conclusion 

When it comes to reversing the rising incidences of colorectal cancer, the introduction of new technology can be of great help for clinicians to detect polyps faster. Balloon-endoscopy yields a higher adenoma detection rate and enhances the quality of CRC screening, consequently reducing interval cancer incidences. The current colonoscopy technology needs to be enhanced with a more user-friendly interface, wide-angle visualization, and advanced optics. 

According to TechSci research report on “Global Intragastric Balloons Market By Administration (Pill Form v/s Endoscopy), By Balloon Type (Single, Dual, Triple), By Filling Type (Saline Filled v/s Gas Filled), By Application (Obesity, Diabetes, Diet Control, Others), By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Others), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2026”, the global intragastric balloon market is growing at an impressive CAGR during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the increasing number of patients opting for innovative treatments and the introduction of novel technologies to make the procedure minimally invasive and user-friendly.

According to another TechSci research report on “Global Endoscopy Capsule Market By Product Type (Small Bowel, Esophageal, Colon), By Accessories (Wireless Capsule v/s Workstation and Receiver), By Application (Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Crohn’s Disease, Small Intestine Tumor, Others), By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Centers, Others), By Company, By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2026”, the global endoscopy capsule market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.13% to reach a market value of USD647.60 million by 2026. The growth can be attributed to the rising patient pool requiring accurate diagnostics and supportive government policies to improve healthcare infrastructure. Besides, increasing awareness towards minimally invasive diagnostic procedures and introduction of medically advanced technologies are fuelling the growth of global endoscope capsule market in the coming years.