Klinikum Kulmbach has overhauled its endoscopy department with 40 peripheral devices, five processors, and comprehensive artificial intelligence integration across all equipment towers, performing roughly 16,000 examinations annually.
Cad Eye Software Identifies Polyps and Mucosal Changes
- Real-Time Assistance: The newly acquired “Cad Eye” software scans up to 60 camera frames per second during colonoscopies, instantly highlighting suspicious mucosal changes or polyps for the attending physician.
- Precise Differentiation: The technology helps distinguish between neoplastic polyps—which require removal due to malignant potential—and hyperplastic lesions, thereby cutting down on unnecessary excisions.
- Advanced Imaging Modes: Alongside standard white light, the system incorporates Linked Color Imaging to heighten visual contrast and Blue Light Imaging to inspect tissue architecture more closely, all while final decisions rest strictly with the clinician.
Full-Scope Endoscopy Overhaul at Klinikum Kulmbach
The endoscopy unit at Klinikum Kulmbach handles approximately 16,000 procedures each year. To manage this patient volume, the department upgraded its technical infrastructure by acquiring 40 peripheral devices featuring new endoscopes alongside five high-performance processors.
Central to this modernization is the widespread deployment of artificial intelligence. According to a statement issued by the clinic, all equipment towers in the endoscopy department now utilize AI-supported tools to assist medical staff during interventions.
Fujifilm System Marks Abnormalities During Colonoscopies
During gastrointestinal examinations, particularly colonoscopies, digital support aids in spotting subtle abnormalities. The department installed the “Cad Eye” system developed by Fujifilm, which analyzes live camera feeds at speeds of up to 60 frames per second.
When the software detects a polyp or unusual mucosal shift, it places a visual marker on the screen to draw the physician’s attention. To enhance visualization beyond standard white light, the equipment utilizes Linked Color Imaging to amplify specific chromatic variations and Blue Light Imaging for detailed examination of suspicious findings.
The clinic emphasizes that the software acts strictly as a supportive instrument rather than a replacement for medical personnel. By differentiating neoplastic growths from benign hyperplastic variants, the system helps clinicians avoid unnecessary tissue removals.
Arietta 850 Ultrasound Overlays Live Feeds with Scans
Beyond endoscopic visualization, the clinic expanded its ultrasound diagnostic capabilities. Since the beginning of the year, an Arietta 850 ultrasound device has been operating within the endoscopy suite.
This unit renders exceptionally slow blood flow patterns visible and features a “Real-time Virtual Sonography” mode. This function allows practitioners to overlay live ultrasound feeds directly with prior computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans.
Additional built-in software routines reduce noise and sharpen tissue boundaries. These enhancements allow medical teams to delineate distinct anatomical structures and potential lesions with greater clarity.
| Equipment / Technology | Manufacturer | Primary Clinical Function |
|---|---|---|
| Cad Eye | Fujifilm | Real-time endoscopic image analysis and polyp detection |
| Linked Color Imaging (LCI) | Fujifilm | Color contrast enhancement for mucosal alterations |
| Blue Light Imaging (BLI) | Fujifilm | Detailed optical characterization of suspect tissue |
| Arietta 850 | Not specified | Advanced ultrasound, slow blood flow mapping, and real-time cross-sectional image fusion |
References
- Klinikum Kulmbach: Künstliche Intelligenz hilft bei Darmspiegelung.
