About

Avantis Medical Systems, Inc. markets the Third Eye Retroscope, an FDA-cleared, disposable, catheter-based camera indicated for use with a standard colonoscope to provide an additional view of the colon for diagnostic and detection purposes.  Deployed through the instrument channel of a standard colonoscope, the Third Eye provides the physician with a backward view to complement the colonoscope’s forward view of the lining of the colon.  The device is commercially available to physicians who perform colonoscopies.

The Third Eye is the only technology cleared by the FDA to enhance polyp detection when used in conjunction with colonoscopy.  Although colonoscopy is the gold standard for preventing colon cancer by finding and removing polyps and other lesions, clinical literature documents that up to approximately 12- 24% of polyps can be missed during examination. [1] [2] [3]  The Third Eye has been shown in clinical studies to help physicians find 13.2% more polyps than a colonoscope alone. [4]

Avantis Medical is focused on delivering cost effective solutions for improved detection and prevention of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.  The company has an extensive portfolio of patents covering innovative devices based on the convergent technologies of micro-chips, enhanced video processing and catheter based delivery systems.  For more information, visit www.AvantisMedical.com or www.ThirdEyeRetroscope.com.

[1]  Pickhardt, P.J.; Nugent, P.A.; Mysliwiec, P.A.; et al. Location of adenomas missed by optical colonoscopy. Annals of Internal Medicine 141(5):352-360, 2004.

[2]  Pabby, A.; Schoen, R.E.; Weissfeld, J.L.; et al. Analysis of colorectal cancer occurrence during surveillance colonoscopy in the dietary Polyp Prevention Trial. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 61(3):385-391.

[3]  Rex, D.K.; Cutler, C.S.; Lemmel, G.T.; et al. Colonoscopic miss rates of adenomas determined by back-to-back colonoscopies. Gastroenterology 112(1):24-28, 1997.

[4]  Waye, J.D.; Rex, D.K.; et al. The Third Eye Retroscope Auxiliary Endoscopy System Improves Detection of Polyps in the Colon – A Prospective Efficacy Evaluation. Endoscopy Supplement No. I(40): A24, OP1111, 2008.