Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is among the first hospitals in Vermont to acquire the Olympus EVIS EXERA III video endoscopy system. This system uses a video processor, light source, endoscope, and monitor to enable physicians to look inside the gastrointestinal (GI) system to diagnose, detect, and treat GI diseases such as colorectal cancer. The advanced imaging in the EVIS EXERA III system will help BMH physicians to detect GI disease at an earlier stage when treatments are most successful.
“By acquiring this new system we are able to further our commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients. With this advanced technology we increase our capacity to provide more accurate diagnoses, shorter procedure times, and an overall improved procedural experience,” said Steven R. Gordon, President and CEO of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.
The third-generation video endoscopy system uses several key technologies to improve image quality: HDTV for superior clarity, Narrow Band Imaging for enhanced observation of mucosal tissue, and dual-focus capabilities, which enable physicians to switch the de
pth of field from normal to near focus for more detailed observation of suspected lesions.
“The clarity on this new system is exceptional, helping me to detect abnormalities, even at their earliest stages,” says BMH Gastroenterologist Jeffry Potash MD. “Early detection can improve treatment outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for patients.” The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) should be screened for CRC and polyps. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer should be tested even earlier.
“People often decline colonoscopy, either because of what they have heard about the preparation for the exam, or out of concern that the procedure will be painful. To address this, there are several options to clean the colon and multiple sedation options,” says Potash. To further improve the procedure, the new colonoscopes in the EVIS EXERA III system use technologies such as Passive Bending (for following contours in the colon), High Force Transmission (for improved sensitivity to a physician’s movements), and Variable Stiffness (to meet the unique anatomical needs of the patient) giving the physician better control and making the procedure more comfortable for patients. “The improved handling of the new system’s scopes is helpful in routine exams, and particularly valuable in situations that require advanced endoscopic technique,” says Dr. Potash.
