Avantis Medical Systems said Wednesday that the FDA has cleared its Third Eye Panoramic colonoscopy device for the U.S. market. The device helps physicians see behind the folds and sharp turns in the colon that can hide precancerous growth.

The Third Eye Panoramic device uses technology from the company’s other colonoscopy device, the Third Eye Retroscope. But while the Retroscope has one camera aimed backward, the Panoramic has two cameras directed to the left and the right, providing a wide angle view of more than 300 degrees, the Sunnyvale, Calif., devicemaker says.

The device attaches to the tip of any standard adult or pediatric colonoscope and can be used during both insertion and withdrawal. By clipping onto the outside of the colonoscope, it leaves the channel completely free, another advantage over the Retroscope, Avantis adds.

A recent feasibility study of the device demonstrated an adenoma detection rate of 48 percent.

Now that FDA has cleared the device, the next step is to find a partner to help with domestic and international distribution, Avantis says. — Kellen Owings

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