Why should I ask my physician to use a
Third Eye® Retroscope® during my colonoscopy?
Why the new Third Eye®
Most cancers in the colon and rectum begin as polyps, which are small mushroom-like growths on the inner lining. Polyps are fairly common and they are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. If polyps can be detected and removed, they never get the chance to develop into cancers.
Colonoscopy is currently the most accurate test for detection of both polyps and colorectal cancer. It also provides the best means for removing them.
However, research shows that some polyps and cancers can be missed during routine colonoscopy.
One of the most common causes for missing polyps and cancers is inadequate cleansing of the colon before the procedure. If the “bowel prep” is incomplete, it is difficult or impossible to see all of the lining of the colon during the examination. Therefore, it is extremely important that you carefully follow instructions provided by your physician for your bowel prep.
Polyps and cancers can also be missed if they occur in locations that are hidden from the view of the colonoscope.
If the colon were a straight tube, the colonoscope would be the perfect tool for seeing every part of it. However, the colon actually has many folds in its inner lining, and the areas behind those folds are difficult to see with the colonoscope. Even when the physician takes the extra time required to flatten out all of those folds with the tip of the instrument, some areas can be missed.
The colon also contains many sharp turns, or flexures. Even with careful technique and extensive experience, it is very difficult to see the areas just behind those flexures.
The Third Eye® Retroscope®
The Third Eye® Retroscope® is a new device that is designed to help physicians by providing an additional retrograde view of the colon that can illuminate blind spots in the colon and provide improved visualization for the physician.
After a standard colonoscope has been advanced all the way into the colon, the device is passed through the instrument channel of the colonoscope until it extends beyond the tip. As it emerges, the Third Eye Retroscope automatically turns around 180 degrees so its miniature camera faces back toward the tip of the colonoscope.
| Third Eye Retroscope emerging from colonoscope | |||
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| Figure 1: Placing polarizing filter on distal end of colonoscope. |
Figure 2: Third Eye Retroscope lens emerging from working channel of colonoscope. |
Figure 3: Third Eye Retroscope assume J position. |
Figure 4: Third Eye Retroscope locked into place. |
In this illustration, a polyp—hidden behind a fold—can be seen with the Third Eye Retroscope.
It could have been missed with a standard colonoscope.
Then, as the colonoscope and Third Eye Retroscope are withdrawn together through the colon, the auxiliary device provides a continuous retrograde (backward) view at the same time the colonoscope provides the usual forward view. This allows the physician to see both sides of the folds, flexures and other structures within the colon.
If you and your physician decide to use a Third Eye, your colonoscopy examination will be performed in the usual manner except that your physician will use the Third Eye Retroscope device during the procedure.
The Third Eye Retroscope has undergone thorough testing for electrical and mechanical safety, and it has been cleared by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
MKT 16036, Rev A