Annual Report 2022

Division of Science and Technology for Endoscopy(Kashiwa Campus)

Hiroaki Ikematsu, Tomonori Yano, Keiichiro Nakajo, Toshihiro Takamatsu, Hiromi Kondo

Introduction

 Endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic devices have made remarkable progress. However, there are still some devices that have yet to be developed, such as cancer screening devices, devices for diagnosing commonly missed cancers, devices for diagnosing deep lesions, and devices for treatment complications. We are therefore conducting basic research by incorporating the seeds of science and engineering academia into developing these devices and joint development with companies.

The Team and What We Do

 Basic research and pre-clinical studies on medical device development

Research Activities

 The equipment development in 2022 was as follows: (1) Research targeting submucosal tumors and gastric cancer by irradiating with near-infrared light in the wavelength range of 1,000 nm or more, as well as the development of a flexible endoscope for this purpose, (2) Development of automatic colon insertion endoscope (Figure 1), (3) Development of an application for judging fecal discharge at the time of preparation for colonoscopy, and (4) Report on the usefulness of highly quantitative imaging of fecal occult blood. All of these are highly novel seeds and systems that have never existed before, and can be expected to be clinically useful.

Figure 1

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 2

Clinical Trials

1)  GIST and gastric cancer diagnostic endoscope measurement using near-infrared light

2)  Basic data collection for high quantitative fecal occult blood imaging technology

Education

 One researcher at Tokyo University of Science was continuously sent to our hospital (National Cancer Center Hospital East: NCCHE) by a cross-appointment with Tokyo University of Science. Meetings are constantly conducted with faculties including technology and science students from Tokyo University of Science.

 We held a symposium with academia. We have also provided many opportunities for matching seeds and needs with other academia.

Future Prospects

 We aim to develop innovative medical devices desired by the next generation that reflect the needs of clinical practice.

 In the future, we will continue to develop endoscopic equipment in cooperation with the Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy of the NCCHE and attempt innovative approaches to produce all-new endoscopy approaches/devices in collaboration with academia and corporations. With the aim of acquiring new seeds, we are developing the research infrastructure necessary to collaborate with academia.