Rush University to Host Groundbreaking Colonoscopy Study Using Apple Vision Pro

Rush University Medical Center is poised to revolutionize colorectal cancer screening with a groundbreaking clinical study that combines virtual reality and artificial intelligence. In July, Rush will begin integrating Apple Vision Pro technology with the GI Genius system, a pioneering AI tool designed to increase the detection rate of colorectal polyps by up to 14.4%.

The study will evaluate the real-time use of this innovative technology, which is being introduced into clinical practice for the first time. This hands-free, immersive experience is expected to set a new standard in procedural medicine. The GI Genius system, developed by Cosmo Pharmaceuticals N.V., uses AI to provide real-time insights directly within the physician’s field of view, eliminating the need to look away from the operative screen.

“This is a significant step forward in the field of endoscopy,” said Irving Waxman, MD, James R. Lowenstine Professor and chief of the Rush Division of Digestive Diseases & Nutrition. “The integration of GI Genius with Apple Vision Pro is not just an incremental improvement; it’s a complete reimagining of how we practice procedural medicine. We are thrilled to be leading this initiative.”

Waxman’s leadership in implementing GI Genius at Rush has already set a precedent. In 2022, Rush became the first U.S. health system to integrate the Medtronic GI Genius AI, which uses deep learning to identify polyps in real time. This new study builds on that success, further enhancing the capabilities of the system.

Giovanni Di Napoli, CEO of Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the significance of the collaboration. “By integrating GI Genius into Apple Vision Pro, we are delivering an entirely new experience that is immersive, intelligent, and intuitive. This is what the future of medicine looks like: real-time AI embedded naturally into the physician’s workflow. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation.”

The clinical study will be conducted on patients during routine colonoscopies and will serve as a key component of Cosmo’s planned FDA submission. If approved, the application would become the first FDA-cleared medical software of its kind on Apple Vision Pro.

This innovative research further cements Rush University Medical Center’s position as a leader in gastroenterology and GI surgery. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Rush among the best in the nation for these specialties, highlighting the institution’s commitment to advancing medical care through cutting-edge technology and research.

The integration of AI and virtual reality in medical procedures represents a significant leap forward in patient care, offering the potential to significantly improve outcomes and reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer.