Australia, 16/10/20 | Press Release | Medical Systems Olympus Launches ENDO-AID, an AI-Powered Platform for Its Endoscopy System

On October 9, 2020 – Olympus Corporation (President: Yasuo Takeuchi) announced the launch of ENDO-AID*, a platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that includes the endoscopy application ENDO-AID CADe (computer-aided detection) for the colon. This new AI platform enables real-time display of automatically detected suspicious lesions and works in combination with Olympus’ recently introduced EVIS X1, its most advanced endoscopy system to date. The ENDO-AID CADe platform is now available in Australia and New Zealand.

Gastroenterology
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As a global leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, Olympus aims to improve the health and quality of life of patients by providing advanced medical technologies. Its latest endoscopy system, EVIS X1, was developed to set new standards for image detection, characterisation, staging, and treatment. With the newly introduced endoscopy CAD (computer-aided detection/diagnosis) platform ENDO-AID, Olympus is now enhancing the capabilities of EVIS X1 through AI technology, aiming to elevate the standard of endoscopy around the world – whether for applications to disorders of the oesophagus, stomach, colon or other gastrointestinal organs.

ENDO-AID CADe: real-time computer-aided detection for endoscopy

ENDO-AID CADe is an application for computer-aided detection powered by AI which runs on ENDO-AID. It uses a complex algorithm via a neural network developed and trained by Olympus. With this new application, the system’s sophisticated machine learning can alert the endoscopist in real time when a suspected colonic lesion (such as a polyp, malignant neoplasm or adenoma) appears on the screen.

ENDO-AID CADe was developed toward the following improvements:

  • Improved observational performance in adenoma detection: By providing visual support, ENDO-AID CADe aims to improve the observational performance of the endoscopist’s adenoma detection.
  • Support of the colonoscopy screening process: The system provides visual support during screening, allowing the endoscopist to focus on any abnormalities indicated by the software regardless of the experience level of the endoscopist.
  • Efficient endoscopy operation: Due to the simple and intuitive display of lesions, ENDO-AID CADe has the potential to make endoscopy easier and more efficient for the endoscopist by reducing the need for excessive eye movements.

A first step towards the future of endoscopic diagnosis and therapy

With ENDO-AID, the latest feature of the EVIS X1 endoscopy system, Olympus has created the basis and infrastructure for the installation of future applications supported by AI. “Olympus is a pioneer in endoscopic technology. We are committed to innovation through significant investment in R&D, with the aim of enhancing the quality of colonoscopy by providing technology that can assist with adenoma detection,” says Alana Bakhtadze, General Manager - Medical, Olympus Australia and New Zealand. “ENDO-AID CADe for colonoscopy is the first step, it seamlessly combines with the recently launched EVIS X1 platform acting as a multi-platform unit within a single device, and we’re excited to see additional AI-powered applications for image detection and characterisation introduced in the near future.”

Prevention of colorectal cancer remains our focus

There is a positive impact of an increase in adenoma detection rate (ADR) on the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC)**. Supporting the identification of lesions, ENDO-AID CADe is designed to increase ADR***. Our aim is to increase the quality of CRC screening and its preventive efficacy against CRC. The prevention of CRC is a core element of Olympus' endeavours in medical endoscopy and beyond.

“With the launch of ENDO-AID, we are not only looking to elevate the standard of endoscopy clinically, but also aiming to improve adenoma detection rate,” says Yoann Holbrook, Group Marketing Manager – Medical, Olympus Australia and New Zealand. “This is one way we aim to reduce new cases of CRC which is the second most common cancer in Australia****, and is in line with our vision of putting CRC in the history books.”

About EVIS X1 and ENDO-AID

For further information, please click here.

Notes and References

*Product Name: Endoscopy CAD system / Product Code: OIP-1

**Corley, D.A.; Jensen, C.D.; Marks, A.R.; et al. Adenoma Detection Rate and Risk of Colorectal Cancer and Death. N Engl J Med. 2014; 370: 1298-1306. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4036494/. Accessed in October 2020

***Compared to WLI (white light imaging) without CADe

****https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/bowel-cancer

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