Olympus has signed a co-development agreement with ai4gi to offer artificial intelligence (AI) solution for real-time clinical decision support during screening and surveillance colonoscopy procedures.
Olympus designs and delivers solutions for medical and surgical procedures. ai4gi is a commercial joint venture between Satis Operations and Imagia.
Olympus America will exclusively offer the AI solution in the first co-development deal of its kind in the US market.
The co-development agreement aims to enhance clinical outcomes during colonoscopy procedures, reduce costs and improve quality of life for patients.
Ai4gi developed the clinical decision support tool using a large volume of unaltered endoscopic colonoscopy videos worldwide and combined with deep-learning training modules.
Olympus America endoscopy division group vice president Kurt Heine said: “We are thrilled to add Artificial Intelligence to our already powerful endoscopy portfolio which we feel is an emerging and essential core competency in this space.
“Our vision is to add Artificial Intelligence to our platform to improve the assessment of colon cancer screening as well as potentially other endoscopic procedures. Better visibility, along with increased efficiency, can bring us closer to our goal of improving quality of care, reducing healthcare costs and enhancing patient satisfaction.”
With incorporation of AI, Olympus will be investing in technology that will elevate all clinicians while unlocking new ways to treat disease for patients.
The company claims that it marks the first time an AI proof-of-concept has been clinically demonstrated in real-time in a screening colonoscopy application.
Satis Operations CEO ai4gi clinical lead Michael Byrne said: “ai4gi’s solutions to early colon cancer recognition are going to be a game-changer in the field of Gastroenterology.
“These solutions are what the industry needs for more timely and more effective patient care, and Olympus is an ideal industry partner to drive clinical adoption of this technology. As doctors, we all need help to improve our practice, so why not use the best technology available?”