A novel device for rapid cleaning of poorly prepared colons.
BACKGROUND
Adequate colon preparation is essential for the quality and accuracy of colonoscopy and has a significant influence on related costs. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel attachable colon-cleaning device used during colonoscopies in porcine colon.


METHODS
The ClearPath device consists of a multilumen extruded tube with channels for water irrigation and evacuation designed to allow the break up and removal of stool remnants during colonoscopy. Seven female domestic swine underwent several series of experiments in which partial bowel preparation followed by a sedated colonoscopy using the new device was performed.


RESULTS
Between February 2008 and October 2008, a total of 57 colonoscopic procedures were conducted. The device enabled rapid cleaning of the partially prepared porcine colon with no immediate or delayed adverse consequences.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the ClearPath device was found to be a simple, reliable, and safe method for intraprocedural cleaning of partly prepared porcine colon. These experiments support a potential role for ClearPath in cleaning the colon in unprepared or poorly prepared human patients.
Moshkowitz
M
M
Department of Gastroenterology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel. Moshkov7@zahav.net.il
Hirsch
Y
Y
Carmel
I
I
Duvdevany
T
T
Fabian
I
I
Willenz
E P
EP
Cohen
J
J
D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013552:Swine; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*