Dr. Michael Kochman, AGAF, chair of the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology, was recently asked by Becker’s ASC Review (www.beckersasc.com) to share his thoughts on the most exciting strides forward in GI/endoscopy technology. Here is his response:
Innovation in gastroenterology is not dead and is indeed picking up the pace. As a minimally invasive and mostly ambulatory specialty, we play a large role in the provision of quality, high-value care by both cognitive and procedural interactions with our patients. Over the past few years, there have been significant technological innovations surrounding endoscopic procedures, some of which are now Food and Drug Administration approved, and some, likely to be approved in the near future.
A major area of clinical and research interest continues to be col- onic neoplasia detection. Two innovations over the past year are likely to benefit patients and may also prove to be cost effective.
The Covidien PillCam Colon capsule is now approved for patients who underwent a failed colonoscopy due to technical reasons, and the Ethicon Sedasys system affords an additional way to administer propofol.
Two other major therapeutic areas of interest that are compelling are transoral procedures for reflux and obesity. Both Medigus and EGS have FDA approval for transoral reflux systems, and at least two trans- oral obesity devices are awaiting FDA approval, with others in clinical trials in the United States.
The AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology supports innovation and the development of new technology in gastroenterology, hepatology, nutrition, and obesity by guiding medical device and therapeutics innovators through the technology development and adoption process. Through the center, we hope to continue to advance new technologies in GI.
To learn more about advances in GI innovation and technology read the AGA Tech Report: www.gastro.org/practice/aga_tech_report.
