A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that lets health care providers check for problems in

the entire colon, including any early signs of cancer, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding.

Main Challenge:
- The natural shape of the colon predisposes to loop formation by the scope during the
examination. The result of this looping is that further insertion of the scope results in a
larger loop size without any advancement of the tip of the scope. Looping thus causes
pain in the patient, risks perforation of the colon. Resulting in incomplete examinations
and prolonged procedures.

- Looping occurs in 90% of all colonoscopies meaning it is one of the most common
obstacles encountered by colonoscopists.

Other Challenges:
- During a colonoscopy, the provider may remove tissue for further examination which
results in continuous bleeding.

Need Statement:
A method to reduce colon loop formation in patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Note: Target can also be for the colonoscopy team (Physician, nurses...etc.)

Illustration:
References:

[1] “Colonoscopy,” Johns Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-

therapies/colonoscopy#:~:text=A%20colonoscopy%20is%20a%20procedure,and%20movd%20into%20your%20colon.

[2] Bruce, M., & Choi, J. (2018). Detection of endoscopic looping during colonoscopy procedure by using embedded bending
sensors. Medical devices (Auckland, N.Z.), 11, 171–191. https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S146934