Avantis Medical Systems, Inc. Announces Participation in Scopefest to Raise Awareness About Screening and Early Detection During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

SUNNYVALE, CA--(Marketwire - March 08, 2013) -

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www.avantismedical.com

www.ThirdEyeRetroscope.com

Avantis Medical Systems, Inc., a technology leader in developing novel catheter-mounted digital imaging devices, today announced their participation in Scopefest, hosted by a group of physicians at La Peer Health Systems in Beverly Hills, CA, on March 8-9, 2013. Scopefest will offer a behind-the-scenes look at a colonoscopy procedure, from the start of bowel preparation through the completion of the procedure, and will close with a social event and awards ceremony to honor participants and celebrate Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Studies show that high-quality colonoscopy can result in early detection and cancer prevention, yet only half of individuals at risk get screened. The goal of Scopefest is to help diminish procedure fears and misconceptions that contribute to non-compliance, and raise awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening.

A number of the colonoscopies that will be performed during the event will utilize Third Eye® Retroscope® technology, which provides a retrograde (backward) view of the colon that allows physicians to see behind the numerous folds of the colon. Several clinical research studies have shown that this technology improves the detection of pre-cancerous polyps.

"Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet it's also one of the most treatable if caught early, and it's preventable if pre-cancerous polyps called adenomas can be removed before they develop into cancer," said Dr. Ari Nowain, a board-certified gastroenterologist in Beverly Hills. "I am excited to participate in Scopefest and to have the opportunity to highlight the Third Eye Retroscope, an important enhancement to standard colonoscopy that has been shown to detect up to 40% more adenomas in above-average-risk patients."

In support of colorectal cancer awareness activities, the Third Eye Retroscope will also be featured on the Emmy Award-winning daytime series 'The Doctors' in a special segment called 'Headline News Affecting Your Health Right Now.' The episode will air on Friday, March 8, also known as National Colorectal Screening Day, and will highlight Third Eye colonoscopy as a significant improvement to standard colonoscopy.

About Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer involves the large intestine (colon), the lower part of the digestive tract, while rectal cancer specifically involves the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're referred to as colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer occurs when cells that line the colon or rectum become abnormal and grow uncontrollably.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States,(1) and according to the American Cancer Society, about 150,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year and about 50,000 die from it.(2) Screening allows colorectal cancers to be found earlier, when the disease is easier to cure,(3) and cancers can be prevented if adenomas are removed before they become malignant.

About the Third Eye Retroscope and Avantis Medical Systems, Inc.
Avantis Medical Systems, Inc., markets the Third Eye Retroscope, an FDA-cleared, disposable, catheter-based camera indicated for use with a standard colonoscope to provide an additional view of the colon for diagnostic purposes. It is inserted through the instrument channel of a standard colonoscope to provide the physician with a retrograde (backward) view of the lining of the colon simultaneously with the forward view of the standard colonoscope.

Although colonoscopy is the gold standard for preventing colorectal cancer by finding and removing adenomas and other lesions, the medical literature documents that up to 21-24% of adenomas of all sizes(5,6) and 12% of adenomas at least 1 cm in size can be missed. (7,8)

Clinical evidence shows that two-thirds of the adenomas that are missed during colonoscopy are located behind folds in the wall of the colon,(8) where they are often unseen in the forward view of the colonoscope, even during the most meticulous examinations.

The retrograde view provided by the Third Eye Retroscope allows physicians to see more of the colon and can reveal lesions that are hidden behind folds.

For more information, visit www.ThirdEyeColonoscopy.com.

(1) National Cancer Institute. Colon and Rectal Cancer. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal
(2) Siegel R, Ward E, Brawley O, Jemal A. Cancer Statistics, 2011. CA Cancer J Clin 2011;61:212-236.
(3) American Cancer Society. Importance of colorectal cancer screening http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/MoreInformation/ColonandRectumCancerEarlyDetection/colorectal-cancer-early-detection-importance-of-crc-screening
(4) Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates (Prevention and Early Detection: Keys to Reducing Deaths). http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/screening_rates.htm
(5) Rex DK, Cutler CS, Lemmel GT, et al. Colonoscopic miss rates of adenomas determined by back-to-back colonoscopies. Gastroenterology 1997;112:24-8.
(6) Van Rijn JC, Reitsma JB, Dekker E, et al. Polyp Miss Rate Determined by Tandem Colonoscopy: A Systemic Review. Am J Gastroenterol 2006;101:343-50.
(7) Hewett DG, Rex DK. Miss rate of right-sided colon examination during colonoscopy defined by retroflexion: an observational study. Gastrointest Endosc 2011;74:246-52.
(8) Pickhardt PJ, Nugent PA, Mysliwiec PA, et al. Location of adenomas missed by optical colonoscopy. Annals of Internal Medicine 2004;141:352-60.