A novel wide viewing endoscope for upper gastrointestinal screening: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging
• Endoscopic Technology

Background:

• Upper gastrointestinal screening is crucial for early disease detection.
• Standard esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) has limitations in field of view.
• Full-spectrum endoscopy (FUSE) offers a wider 245-degree view with dual imagers.

Observation:

• Twenty-one healthy individuals underwent FUSE-EGD for upper GI screening.
• Procedure time averaged 6.5 minutes with 91 images captured.
• Key visualization targets included Vater's papilla, the squamo-columnar junction (SCJ), and the pyloric ring.

Findings:

• FUSE-EGD successfully visualized Vater's papilla in 90% (19/21) of participants.
• The entire circumference of the SCJ was visualized in all cases.
• Visualization of the anterior anal side of the pyloric ring was achieved in 29% (6/21) of cases.

Implications:

• FUSE-EGD demonstrates high efficacy in imaging critical upper GI structures like Vater's papilla and the SCJ.
• Endoscopist feedback indicated usability challenges compared to standard front-viewing endoscopes, suggesting a need for design modifications.
• Further development of FUSE-EGD could enhance diagnostic capabilities in upper gastrointestinal examinations.