TER is a disposable catheter imaging device that is inserted through the instrument channel of a standard colonoscope to provide a retrograde view of the colon during the withdrawal phase of a colonoscopy, according to the release. It automatically bends 180 degrees to form a J shape as it emerges from the distal end of the colonoscopy so that its sensor and integrated light source are directed back toward the tip of the colonoscope, providing a continuous retrograde view as it is withdrawn with the colonoscope.
The first study evaluated 249 patients undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy at eight U.S. sites, including university medical centers, ASCs, a community hospital and a physician’s office. The study found that TER plus standard colonoscopy detected 13.2 percent more polyps than colonoscopy alone, and adenoma detection increased 11 percent. The researchers conclude that their findings suggested a potential role for a retroflexed view during colonoscopy, according to the release.
The second study evaluated the existence of a learning curve for TER in terms of polyp detection and procedure time and followed 298 patients at nine U.S. sites. Fifteen experienced endoscopists with no prior TER experience than a training session with a model participated in the study, according to the release. The experienced endoscopists were able to detect a mean of 15.4 percent more adenomas during their first five procedures, and after completing at least 15 procedures, mean additional detection rates were 17 percent for all polyps and 25 percent for adenomas.
The authors concluded that the results suggested TER could increase detection rates for adenomas without adding procedure time or complications. The study also suggested that endoscopists could learn the basic mechanical techniques after on a few procedures but required varying amounts of time perfecting their technique, according to the release.
Read the ASGE’s release on the Third Eye Retroscope (pdf).
