TUCSON, Ariz. (Aug. 9, 2023) – Banner – University Medicine now offers patients receiving a colonoscopy artificial intelligence enhanced colonoscopy screenings with the aid of the GI GeniusTM intelligent endoscopy module. The GI GeniusTM module employs artificial intelligence (AI) to help physicians detect polyps and serves as a powerful new ally in the fight against colorectal cancer.
The GI GeniusTM module is the first and only AI system for detection of colonic polyps in the United States and Banner – University Medicine is the first hospital in Tucson to offer the technology and provide its enhanced medical care. The system uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software to highlight suspicious polyps, including making it easier to identify flat lesions, serving as an unbiased second observer working alongside the expertise of the gastroenterologist.
The GI Genius System is a computer-assisted reading tool designed to aid endoscopists in detecting colonic mucosal lesions (such as polyps and tumors) in real time during standard white-light endoscopy examinations of patients undergoing screening and surveillance endoscopic mucosal evaluations.
Studies have shown that AI-assisted colonoscopy can increase polyp detection rates by nearly 50%, increase the likelihood of detecting multiple polyps by more than 50%, and increase the likelihood of detecting polyps in the distal and proximal colon. Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer diagnosed in the U.S., with almost 150,000 new cases every year.
"Advancements in artificial intelligence technology and its incorporation to the medical field has led to an increase in polyp detection rates. Increased detection reduces the risk of colorectal cancer which can improve patient outcomes and shorten treatment times," said Avin Aggarwal, MBBS, medical director of Banner – University Medicine South Endoscopy Services.
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South are part of Banner – University Medicine, a premier academic medical network. These institutions are academic medical centers for the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. Included on the two campuses are Diamond Children's Medical Center and many specialty clinics. The two academic medical centers are part of Arizona-based Banner Health, one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country. Banner Health is in six states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/universitytucson or bannerhealth.com/universitysouth.
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