Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) announced that it completed the installation of 28 GI Genius intelligent endoscopy modules in Minnesota.
Fridley, Minnesota-based Medtronic installed the intelligent endoscopy modules at seven MNGI Digestive Health Clinics in the Twin Cities. MNGI Digestive Health specializes in gastrointestinal care.
According to a news release, the installations make MNGI the first practice offering AI-assisted colonoscopies in the Twin Cities. This includes those for colorectal cancer screening.
“We know the value of an AI-assisted colonoscopy,” said Bob White, EVP 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.”
About the Medtronic GI Genius intelligent endoscopy module
The GI Genius module received FDA authorization in April 2021. Medtronic says it’s the first-to-market computer-aided polyp detection system using AI to detect colorectal polyps in real-time.
GI Genius’ AI algorithms help physicians diagnose and prevent colorectal cancer. GI Genius serves as “a second set of eyes” for administering physicians, the company says. The module provides a 50% reduction in missed colorectal polyps compared to standard colonoscopy.
Fortune recently named the module to its 2022 “Change the World” list. GI Genius demonstrated increases in adenoma detection rates (ADR) by up to 14.4%. Each 1% increase in ADR decreases the risk of interval cancer by 3%, Medtronic said.
Dr. Scott Ketover, CEO of MNGI, said an internal pilot program demonstrated the value of AI-assisted colonoscopy. He expects the installations at the clinics to save lives in Minnesota.
“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. “Healthcare technology’s impact is only as large as its availability. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure patients nationwide have access to AI-assisted technology.”
The latest positive GI Genius installation news follows a similar announcement from earlier this month. Medtronic said it received a contract to install 1115 GI Genius systems at some Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities.