The dawn of artificial intelligence (AI) in gastrointestinal endoscopy is here, with several systems now FDA-cleared for colon polyp detection support, plus additional functions already available in other global regions or under investigation. While market acceptance and available options are on the rise, AI remains uncharted territory for many GI providers. Factors influencing adoption can be difficult to navigate. If you’re wondering how to determine which AI-powered system will deliver the best results for your practice, consider the key factors below:
Evidence Supporting AI Indication — The US FDA has cleared several AI-powered software programs for gastrointestinal lesion detection support. Each of these device clearances are supported by data, and it can be difficult to compare the results of these studies. Here are some details to consider:
Region — US regulatory clearances for AI have trailed other regions, so much of the evidence available is from other countries. It’s important to consider how regional variation in CRC incidence and colonoscopy quality standards may impact relevance of study data. US providers may want to prioritize supporting evidence from the US, along with consistent findings across several other regions.
Endpoints — in the case of colon polyp detection support technology, several quality metrics have been investigated as primary and/or secondary endpoints. It’s important to recognize the nuance in the data and understand what metrics have been studied and reported for each system available.
Compatible technology — compatible hardware and corresponding software/image processing may be critical in assessing AI function, and likely to impact ease/cost of implementation and user experience. With a range of AI developers and commercial distribution arrangements, it’s important to evaluate system compatibility, identify any limitations on software use within compatible systems, and consider how these factors may impact AI implementation and function.
Integration with imaging system and workflow — AI function should integrate smoothly into the existing endoscopy workflow without causing significant disruptions. A user-friendly interface is also essential. While all vendors will promote AI-powered systems as such, these factors should be carefully assessed before making a decision.
Future Readiness — As we know from the consumer tech space, AI brings the potential for a faster pace of innovation, and software updates can be delivered to the market much more efficiently than new capital equipment. While systems available today may be “future ready”, it’s critical to keep in mind that AI-powered software programs are FDA-regulated medical devices, and meaningful updates (those impacting current indication or introducing new function) will be subject to regulatory review.
How does FUJIFILM Deliver Optimum AI Impact and Value?
The considerations above are not specific to one product or system, but are the same set of key factors guiding the team at Fujifilm that has introduced CAD EYE® for the ELUXEO® Endoscopic Imaging System.
Evidence: CAD EYE colon polyp detection support efficacy is supported by a US-basedmulti-center (12 academic, VA & community sites) randomized controlled trial (RCT), inaddition to several published studies from Europe and Asia. The available studiesdemonstrate improved Adenomas per Colonoscopy (APC), Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR),among other metrics investigated.
Compatible technology: CAD EYE is the only AI-powered polyp detection supportprogram approved for use with image enhanced endoscopy (IEE) in addition to HD WhiteLight. Linked Color Imaging (LCI®), Fujifilm’s novel observation mode, has independentlydemonstrated improved adenoma detection in dozens of studies from around the world.CAD EYE is also compatible with the latest generation of colonoscopes from Fujifilm, whichfeature enhanced maneuverability and specialized models like the G-EYE® 760 series.
Integration: customized for compatibility with the ELUXEO Endoscopic Imaging System,CAD EYE is the only AI-powered system developed by a leading expert in endoscopicimaging. While third party developers may function on multiple systems, ELUXEO with CADEYE offers an unmatched user experience — with control of AI function at the touch of ascope handle button and a user interface that is fully integrated with the endoscopic imageprocessor and display.
Future Readiness: while no one can promise what the future has in store, Fujifilm has aproven track record in AI development alongside advancements in medical imaging andcontinues to invest in an AI-powered future:. Fujifilm has developed and operates twoBrain(s) Creative AI Centers leveraging state-of-the-art supercomputers (NVIDIA’s DGX-2) forAI development through joint research with academic institutions. CAD EYE, Fujifilm’sbranded platform for Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) in the endoscopy field, is the latestmedical AI technology powered by their proprietary REiLI deep learning engine. With thisexperience and broader medical AI infrastructure in place, Fujifilm is well-positioned to leadthe way in delivering practical and meaningful AI-powered advancements to the endoscopyfield.
To better understand the evidence supporting unmatched value with CAD EYE on the ELUXEO platform, check out this set of published articles:
The dawn of artificial intelligence (AI) in gastrointestinal endoscopy is here, with several systems now FDA-cleared for colon polyp detection support, plus additional functions already available in other global regions or under investigation. While market acceptance and available options are on the rise, AI remains uncharted territory for many GI providers. Factors influencing adoption can be difficult to navigate. If you’re wondering how to determine which AI-powered system will deliver the best results for your practice, consider the key factors below:
Andrew Barbarino, Senior Product Marketing Manager, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation.