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ceal polyps and helping endoscopists to negotiate difficult anatomy.
Medivators' Endocuff Endoscopic Overtube incorporates flexible arms that
fold down against the scope during insertion, but spring out during withdrawal.
The transparent, flexible sleeve of US Endoscopy's EndoRings features 3 circu-
lar layers that stabilize and center the scope during examination and biopsy. "As
adjuncts to standard scopes, those things are helpful," says Douglas K. Rex, MD,
FACG, professor of medicine and director of endoscopy at the Indiana
University Medical Center in Indianapolis.
"A power flush also makes for a marked improvement in visualization," notes
Dr. Ginsberg. Most newer model scopes include forward flush capabilities, he
says. Irrigation systems that thread through a scope's working channel are also
available. Not only is irrigation essential for clearing residual matter, bleeding or
other obstructions, "it can also provide lubrication in the colon, decreasing tac-
tile resistance and easing the passage of the scope," says Dr. Ginsberg.
OSM
