Gastro Concepts’ Air Assist Device: Improving Procedural Colonoscopy

Gastro Concepts has achieved a milestone with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its Air Assist device, an innovation designed to transform colonoscopy procedures.

By addressing a long-standing challenge in the field — air and carbon dioxide (CO₂) leakage during colonoscopy — Air Assist offers a more efficient and safer approach to maintaining colonic distension.

Air escape during colonoscopy can lead to complications like subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax and even colonic perforation, as noted in clinical research. These risks arise when air, used to inflate the colon for visibility, escapes into unintended body spaces or overinflates less flexible sections of the colon. This overinflation, called barotrauma, can strain the colon walls and cause injuries.

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Maintaining consistent colonic distension is critical for ensuring both procedural safety and effectiveness.

The Air Assist device tackles these challenges by forming a secure, reversible seal between the colonoscope and the patient. This innovation prevents air leakage and overinflation, ensuring precise control of air levels throughout the procedure.

Unlike traditional methods, which rely on manual pressure or patient repositioning — often inefficient and prone to error — Air Assist minimizes risks while enhancing visibility. This not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also supports better outcomes for both patients and clinicians.

Constructed with self-lubricating medical-grade silicone, the device is intuitive and straightforward to use. It can be manually controlled by the endoscopist or a technician, allowing for precise adjustments in real-time. This adaptability enhances visibility, improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes, while also reducing physical strain on healthcare staff.

Air Assist is designed for single use, supporting hygienic practices while eliminating the need for additional cleaning processes. Its simplicity and effectiveness align with modern demands for efficient, patient-focused care.

The Air Assist device is part of a broader effort to enhance colonoscopy procedures and improve patient experiences.

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Advancements like water exchange colonoscopy, which uses water instead of air for distension, have shown promise in reducing patient discomfort. Capsule colonoscopy, where patients swallow a small camera for imaging and virtual colonoscopy, which employs computer tomography (CT) scans to visualize the colon, are also gaining attention as less invasive alternatives.

While these alternatives provide greater comfort, traditional colonoscopy remains the gold standard, with tools like Air Assist vital for improving safety and efficiency.

Now FDA-cleared, the Air Assist device is set to launch in early 2025, with Gastro Concepts planning a phased release across the US. The company also aims to expand its application for other endoscopic procedures, paving the way for broader innovation in gastroenterology.