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during retroflexion colonoscopy, so this may be a safer upgrade alternative for physicians who want to improve their adenoma detection rates without purchasing new endoscopes.
BONUS TRACK Physicians might be able to perform more complete exams with Medivators' Endocuff.
PENTAX MEDICAL
RetroView Colonoscope
A conventional colonoscope has 180° angulation in the up/down positions and 160° in the left/right positions. Pextax's RetroView scope, however, boasts 210° angulation in the up position, giving physicians better visualization of polyps behind folds in the colon. The distance from the end of the insertion tube to the retroflex position is 4cm, compared to 5.2cm on a conventional colonoscope.
To achieve retroflex, the scope's bending section was shortened by 2cm. The insertion tube size is 11.6mm, tapering in the bending section to 10.5cm, which makes it easier to insert and maneuver. This new scope appears to allow for easier retroflection in the cecum, as well as other parts of the colon, than other scopes on the market, which provides better views of colonic mucosa often hidden behind folds. Ultimately, this could help improve adenoma and colon cancer detection rates.
Dr. Hlivko (jonhlivko@yahoo.com) is a staff gastroenterologist at Summa Physicians Incorporated in Akron, Ohio.
