Endoscopy Simulation

Problem / Research Question

Can a sensor-embedded training system help physicians find more polyps and perform colonoscopies more safely?

Why It Matters

More than 19 million colonoscopies are performed in the U.S. each year and up to 28% of polyps are missed. When colorectal cancer is caught early, 90% of patients live five or more years.

What britelab Is Doing

A novel colonoscopy training system that integrates automated personalized learning with a manikin embedded with sensors to help make the routine procedure safer, more accurate and cost-efficient. The system utilizes a real endoscope with force feedback, enabling trainees hands-on experience with the very same device they will use clinically. Over 19 million colonoscopies are performed in the U.S. each year, and up to 28% of polyps are missed during screening — this project aims to close that gap.

• Develop sensor-embedded manikin with automated performance feedback
• Improve physicians' ability to identify and locate polyps
• Provide force feedback to trainees to prevent colon wall perforation
• Deploy and evaluate the training system at Penn State College of Medicine

Methods & Technology

Research Team

• Scarlett Miller
• Jason Moore
• Eric Pauli
• Randy Haluck

Funding Agency

Collaborators

• Eric Pauli

  Penn State College of Medicine

• Randy Haluck

  Penn State College of Medicine

Outcomes / Impact

Early detection from preventative screening through colonoscopies can drastically improve outcomes for colorectal cancer. When caught at an early stage, 90% of adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer live for five or more years. This training system aims to significantly improve polyp detection rates.

Related Publications

• Q&A: Enhancing physicians' colonoscopy training for early cancer prevention

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• Q&A: Enhancing physicians' colonoscopy training for early cancer prevention

  Penn State Engineering · Nov 15, 2023