Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced the completed installation of 28 GI Genius™ intelligent endoscopy modules at seven MNGI Digestive Health clinics in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. MNGI Digestive Health is a leading gastroenterology practice specializing in gastrointestinal care and is the first practice offering AI-assisted colonoscopies, including those for colorectal cancer screening, in the Twin Cities.
“We know the value of an AI-assisted colonoscopy,” said Bob White, executive vice president and president of the Medical Surgical Portfolio for Medtronic. “I’m proud that Minnesotans will now join other patients across the country who have access to this life-transforming technology and proven polyp detection tool. Nationwide, over 51,000 individuals died from colorectal cancer in 2019; we are working to equip physicians and support patients in the fight against this deadly disease.”
The GI Genius intelligent endoscopy module, recently named to Fortune’s 2022 ‘Change the World’ list, is the first-to-market, computer-aided polyp detection system powered by artificial intelligence to detect colorectal polyps of varying shapes and sizes automatically in real time. This helps physicians detect polyps, which in turn can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Studies show that endoscopists with higher adenoma detection rates (ADR) during screening colonoscopy more effectively protect their patients from colorectal cancer. The GI Genius™ module has been shown to increase ADR by up to 14.4%. Each 1% increase in ADR decreases the risk of interval cancer by 3%.
The rate of new colorectal cancer cases (Per 100,000) in Minnesota was 33.9% in 2019, with 2,277 cases reported. When precancerous conditions are identified early by administering physicians, colorectal cancer can have a five-year survival rate of over 90%. In the validation study for GI Genius 2.0 software, using 338 colonoscopy video clips with confirmed polyps, the sensitivity for the GI Genius software for polyp identification was 100%.1, empowering physicians to detect colorectal polyps more efficiently, for better outcomes.
“Through our own internal pilot program, we saw the value of an AI-assisted colonoscopy,” said Scott R. Ketover, MD, AGAF, FASGE, President and CEO of MNGI Digestive Health. “Quality patient care is a priority for our practice and we quickly committed to a full implementation of this life-saving technology at all of MNGI’s Endoscopy Centers.” Ketover continued by saying, “MNGI Digestive Health gastroenterologists consistently have Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) even higher than the targets suggested by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). In fact, based on 2021 data, MNGI’s ADR was 61.50% for males as compared to the ASGE benchmark of 30%. MNGI’s ADR was 49.50% for females as compared to the ASGE benchmark of 20%. During our first three month pilot with the GI Genius™ device, 13 gastroenterologists at one ASC location experienced quality measurements that were enhanced and improved with a 17% increase in ADR. Companywide, we expect our 2022 data and future data to be similar, potentially saving even more lives.”
“We are honored to provide a groundbreaking, innovative practice such as MNGI Digestive Health with the cutting-edge AI-assisted technology to help physicians provide the best gastrointestinal care possible,” said Giovanni Di Napoli, president of the Gastrointestinal business, which is part of the Medical Surgical Portfolio at Medtronic. “Healthcare technology’s impact is only as large as it’s availability. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure patients nationwide have access to AI-assisted technology.
