Through semiautomated endoscopic investigation, Medac, Inc. plans to continue the development of a technique/device that will facilitate routine colonoscopic examination so that flexible sigmoidoscopy or total colonoscopy can be performed rapidly and painlessly by the general physician. This can expand the early detection of large bowel cancer and prevent its progression by permitting endoscopic removal of a premalignant precursor, the colonic polyp.Medac, Inc. is investigating flexible sleeve and inflatable balloon cuff devices that are disposable and have the potential to move an endoscope in semiautomated fashion from anus to cecum. The device is moved back and forth along the endoscope in a repeating cycle of five steps under manual control. Low-pressure air is supplied by a control unit to the cuff for gripping and moving the colon wall.Because of the simplified and uniform technique of endoscope advancement, this device will potentially make colonic endoscopy available to virtually all physicians. It will allow direct visualization and video recording/analysis of the epithelial surface of the entire large bowel. Mass screening for large bowel malignancy with minimum false-negative or false-positive results should be possible because of the high-resolution visualization of large bowel internal surfaces.National Cancer Institute (NCI)
