YOQNEAM, Israel—Given Imaging, a provider of specialty GI products and a pioneer of capsule endoscopy, this week announced the designation of the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli in Rome, Italy, as the first colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) Center of Excellence (CoE) in the world. Policlinico A. Gemelli is part of the medical school of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, the largest private university in Italy. The announcement took place during the EndoLiveRoma 2012, an international endoscopy symposium including live demonstrations and state-of-the-art lectures.
"We are proud that the Policlinico A. Gemelli has been designated as the first colon capsule endoscopy Center of Excellence," said professor Guido Costamagna, head of the digestive endoscopy unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome. "Over the last four years, we have developed extensive experience in CCE through our participation in several multicenter clinical trials, as well as through academic endeavors such as developing the recently published European Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guidelines on colon capsule endoscopy. We believe that this makes us optimally positioned to educate other clinicians about this valuable diagnostic tool and serve as a reference destination for patients."
"Given Imaging is delighted to designate Policlinico A. Gemelli, an elite healthcare organization recognized for its high-quality patient care, expert medical professionals and support of scientific innovation, as our first Center of Excellence for colon capsule endoscopy," said Homi Shamir, president and CEO, Given Imaging. "Gemelli continues to be a respected source for physician and nurse education regarding colon capsule endoscopy for its colleagues around the world. Such efforts should help to increase awareness about the role and benefits of colon capsule endoscopy in the visualization of colonic mucosa and expand the use of PillCam® COLON 2 in Europe," he added.
Complementary to other colon examinations, PillCam COLON 2 capsule endoscopy is the only non-invasive exam that provides direct visualization for patients where the risks of other modalities could outweigh the benefits. These patients include those who are at a higher risk for complications due to cardiopulmonary disease or use of blood thinning medications. In addition, this new technology could provide a solution for patients that refuse colonoscopy or those with a previous incomplete colonoscopy, according to Given Imaging.
PillCam capsule endoscopes are ingestible video capsules that enable physicians to visualize distinct portions of the GI tract. With PillCam video capsules for the esophagus, small bowel, and colon, PillCam capsule endoscopy has been clinically validated, as evidenced by more than 1,600 peer-reviewed publications.
