ACT Endoscopy has boosted its detection power by implementing world-class endoscopy technology that incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) in what is being lauded as a first for the nation’s capital.
The AI technology, which is supplied by Olympus, was first introduced to ACT Endoscopy’s parent company Cura Day Hospitals Group in 2021. It was initially used at Chermside Day Hospital and Toowoomba Surgicentre in a bid to improve clinical outcome and key colonoscopy quality indicators, including polyp and adenoma detection.
Clinical studies[1] show that this type of technology is capable of increasing Adenoma Detection Rates by up to 15 per cent and allowed doctors to pick up on small polyps that might otherwise go undetected, ultimately improving cancer survival rates.
With Australia having one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world – one in 15 Australians will develop the disease in their lifestyle[2] – the rollout of this revolutionary AI technology cements the increasing need for more advanced medical equipment for colonoscopy procedures.
Since it was first rolled out in Cura’s Queensland hospitals, the technology, which uses a computer-assisted imaging system to detect early signs of bowel cancer, has been used in several hundred procedures and is becoming increasingly popular with gastroenterologists.
Cura Day Hospitals CEO Andrew Currie is confident the $500,000 investment into the advanced technology will revolutionise the industry in Australia.
“It’s a great privilege for the team at ACT Endoscopy to be the first in the territory to implement this technology,” Mr Currie said.
“The Cura Day Hospital Group is constantly exploring new avenues to provide the best care and outcome for patients, and the implementation of this new technology is a great example of this in action. In partnership with our supplier Olympus, ACT Endoscopy provides state-of-the-art technology and access to world-class services, and we look forward to implementing the technology in more hospitals across the country in due course,” he said.
According to Bowel Cancer Australia, almost 99% of bowel cancer rates can be treated successfully when detected early – this is the primary benefit of this kind of technology.
ACT Endoscopy Gastroenterologist Dr James Riddell said the new Olympus CV-1500 series processor and scopes would improve enhancements, image quality and depth of focal field.
“This exciting new equipment gives clinicians and patients peace of mind that pathology can be discovered, analysed and diagnosed during the procedure,” Dr Riddell said.
“The quality image endoscope works in combination with AI polyp detection. This has shown improved detection of polyps and may contribute to the overall improvement of clinical outcomes including detecting other abnormalities.”
According to Dr Riddell the technology is a game-changer for medical professionals. He said he hoped Cura Day Hospitals’ roll-out of the technology would encourage other hospitals to follow suit.
“This technology is truly revolutionary, and I am partner with a hospital who is spearheading this movement and pushing for better patient outcomes,” Dr Riddell added.
ACT Endoscopy is a state of the art, purpose-built facility, designed to cater to the growing endoscopic needs of the Australian Capital Territory and the surrounding area of New South Wales including gastroscopy (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy) and colonoscopy (lower gastrointestinal endoscopy).
[1] New Zealand Medical Journal: https://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal-articles/artificial-intelligence-improves-adenoma-detection-rate-during-colonoscopy
[2] Bowel Cancer Australia: https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/what-is-bowel-cancer
