Olympus Launches AI-Powered Polyp Detection System for Colonoscopies

Olympus, a leading medical technology company, has unveiled its first artificial intelligence (AI) application for the U.S. market, marking a significant advancement in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. The new AI-powered system, called Caddie, is designed to assist clinicians in detecting polyps during colonoscopies, potentially improving early diagnosis rates for colorectal cancer.

Olysense Platform and Caddie: A New Era in Intelligent Endoscopy

Olympus has introduced the Olysense platform, an intelligent endoscopy system capable of integrating with hospital data systems. Caddie, the first application on this platform, utilizes cloud-based software to analyze recorded video and identify precancerous colorectal polyps and adenomas.

Keith Boettiger, Olympus' head of gastrointestinal solutions, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "With the Olysense platform, we are taking a meaningful step forward in helping patients receive early, accurate diagnoses. Our goal is simple: to give clinicians the advanced tools that make it easy to find and assess challenging lesions early, make confident, informed decisions and provide their patients with the best possible care."

Clinical Trial Results: Impressive Gains in Polyp Detection

A randomized clinical trial conducted across eight European hospitals demonstrated Caddie's effectiveness in improving detection rates for various types of lesions compared to standard unassisted colonoscopy. The results were particularly striking for lesions that are typically challenging to spot with the human eye:

• Large polyps (>10 mm): 136% relative increase in detection
• Large adenomas (>10 mm): 93% increase in detection
• Small adenomas (≤5 mm): 29% increase in detection
• Flat, low-profile adenomas: 57% increase in detection
• Sessile serrated lesions: 230% improvement in detection rates

Importantly, the study showed no increase in unnecessary biopsies or extractions, suggesting that the AI system's improved detection capabilities do not come at the cost of increased false positives.

Integration and Availability

Caddie will be compatible with Olympus' Evis X1 and Exera III endoscopy systems, accessible to clinicians through a software update. The system received FDA clearance in July 2024, following Olympus' acquisition of Odin Vision, a GI-AI developer spun out of University College London, for approximately $79 million in 2023.

As the medical technology landscape continues to evolve, Olympus plans to expand its AI offerings on the Olysense platform, potentially revolutionizing the field of gastrointestinal diagnostics and patient care.