Colonoscope Grip

Background

Colonoscopy is the gold standard diagnosis technique for colorectal cancer with over 200,000 being performed in the UK alone. Initial screening is performed with a Fecal Occult Blood (FOB) test, current screening guidelines state that a positive FOB should lead directly to a colonoscopic inspection.

Problem

Successful endoscopic inspection of the colon requires viewing of the entire canal from the rectum to the cecum (entrance to small intestine). This tortuous journey is navigated using a flexible colonoscope and the skill of the operator. The device must be manipulated around several tight bends to achieve its goal, requiring a tight grip to pull, push and rotate the device sufficiently. This grip is hindered by the colonoscope low friction Teflon^® cover material and a coating of lubricant. Currently endoscopists use a piece of gauze to displace the lubricant and grip the tube, but this method is far from optimal.

Solution

A London based colonoscopist and GI consultant has developed a novel gripping device which negates the requirement for gauze whilst gripping the endoscope effectively.

Market Potential

Difficult colonoscopies, where failure to advance the scope arises, can occur in as many as 1 in 3 cases. Of the 200,000 screenings that take place in the UK, over 60,000 a year could benefit from the colonoscope gripper.

This product is currently available to license from NHSIL.