R2 readies virtual colonoscopy CAD for FDA approval

R2 Technology has unveiled at the RSNA meeting a robust version of computer-aided detection technology programmed to find colon polyps. The company plans to take this latest iteration of CAD, first shown at the 2002 RSNA meeting, to the FDA in next year.

"This is going to be one of the hottest CAD areas because it will open up virtual colonoscopy as a modality itself," said R2 CEO Michael Klein.

One reason virtual colonoscopy has not taken off is the difficulty physicians have reading the images, according to Klein. Another reason is that patients still must evacuate the colon before the examination. CAD could help alleviate both problems

CAD for colonoscopy has the potential to speed up the exam and eliminate the need to prep the bowel. R2's virtual colonoscopy system can electronically remove stool from colon scans by distinguishing differences in density between fecal material and polyps.

The system also simplifies interpretation of virtual colonoscopy scans. By taking radiologists directly to areas where suspicious nodules may be present, CAD may trim interpretation time down to a few minutes, Klein said.