GI View out of Ramat Gan, Israel finally won FDA clearance to introduce to the U.S. market its self-propelled single-use Aer-O-Scope colonoscope. This device originally appeared on our radar almost a decade ago, but the regulatory road seems to have been rocky for GI View, and the company expects it will be at least another year before it begins introducing the Aer-O-Scope to the U.S. market.

aer o scope colonoscope Aer O Scope, a Self Powered Colonoscope with 360° View, FDA Cleared (VIDEO)The device provides a 360° view of the colon, even helping to see behind folds that conventional colonoscopes simply pass by. The propulsion system relies on positioning and inflating one balloon just inside the anal sphincter and inflating another balloon that sits just behind the camera, creating an airtight region between the two balloons. By pumping CO2 into this region and raising its air pressure, the distal balloon is pushed forward and the camera advances along as well. The moving balloon is designed to inflate and deflate while moving through the colon, adjusting as necessary to allow it to propel forward while maintaining a proper air seal. Once the camera reaches the end, the CO2 is “vented” out the anus. To remove the device, CO2 is pumped into the region in front of the camera, creating a pressure region that pushes the colonoscope back out.

source:GI View