UK endoscopists gather to see latest technology in action

Published: 21-Aug-2012

Clinicians learn about best practice in gastrointestinal mucosal disease and detection of early cancer at product testing day

Consultant endoscopists from across the UK have been learning about future best practice at a hands-on medical device testing event in London.

The gastrointestinal endoscopy study day was recently hosted by University College Hospital London NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), showcasing PENTAX Medical’s HD+ and i-scan imaging system.

Led by UCLH experts, Dr Matthew Banks, Dr Rehan Haidry and Dr Rosa Vega, the event helped demonstrate the use of i-scan endoscopic optics for both the diagnosis of gastrointestinal mucosal disease and to increase the recognition of early cancer in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.

The attendees observed four live cases in addition to being able to directly view more advanced endoscopy procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection. They were also given a presentation by the company’s medical product specialists, showing how the technology can deliver live, clear 1.3 million pixel images, and its virtual chromoendoscopy options, which are ideal for early cancer detection. They then took part in detailed tuition on the classification of i-scan surface enhanced and tone enhanced images using UCLH’s video case study library. Observations of correlations between i-scan images and histology outcomes made during these sessions will contribute to the creation of a new i-scan image classification.

I’m concerned that we may be missing early stage cancers that could be identified by using i-scan to its full capacity

“The study day has been extremely helpful, enabling us to start using the extraordinarily high resolution and virtual chromoendoscopic images produced by i-scan to develop a better way of visually identifying lesions to minimise the use of biopsies and limited histology services in countries such as Zambia,” explained Dr Paul Kelly, reader in tropical gastroenterology at Barts and The London NHS Trust. “I’m concerned that we may be missing early stage cancers that could be identified by using i-scan to its full capacity.”

Dr Banks added: “I am extremely pleased that our i-scan study day has been very well received by our peers, particularly the opportunity for observation and discussion in small groups during our live cases.

“It is great to be able to share our knowledge and experience of the clinical benefits presented by HD+ and i-scan imaging. We also appreciate the feedback from attendees to ensure that future study days will even better meet the educational needs of our delegates.”

The course was awarded six CPD points by the Royal College of Physicians, ranking it among the top endoscopic educational courses in the UK.

The next i-scan study day will be held at UCLH in early 2013.

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