After successful implementation in Queensland, the computer-assisted imaging system has made it to the nation’s capital.
Canberra’s ACT Endoscopy is the latest member of Cura Day Hospitals Group to implement artificial intelligence to improve clinical outcome and key colonoscopy quality indicators, including polyp and adenoma detection.
The AI technology, supplied by Olympus, was introduced to Cura in 2021. The $500,000 investment was initially used at Chermside Day Hospital in Brisbane and Toowoomba Surgicentre to boost detection power.
The technology uses a computer-assisted imaging system to detect early signs of bowel cancer. Since being rolled out in Cura’s Queensland hospitals, it has been used in several hundred procedures.
ACT Endoscopy gastroenterologist Dr James Riddell said the Olympus CV-1500 series processor and scopes would improve enhancements, image quality and depth of focal field.
“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,” Dr Riddell said.
The equipment gives clinicians and patients peace of mind that pathology can be discovered, analysed and diagnosed during the procedure, he said.
Research suggests the technology is capable of increasing adenoma detection rates by up to 15% and allows doctors to pick up on small polyps that might otherwise go undetected, improving cancer survival rates.
Cura Day Hospitals CEO Andrew Currie said he hopes the rollout encourages other hospitals to follow suit.
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