By Steve Spencer & Laura Freeman

Since founding GastroCare PC in 1982, Adi B. Reddy, MD has performed at least 50,000 colonoscopies. After working with so many cases over the years, Reddy has gained a good deal of insight about the procedure, which prompted him to design several new tools that will improve the mechanics of colonoscopies.

The first is a tool that should make polyp removal simpler and faster. “When we find polyps, we use a snare tool to loop around them and then pull it tight to remove the tissue,” Reddy said. “The problem is that it’s easy for the polyp to fall away as it detaches, and then we have to search for it. Finding and retrieving the detached polyp can take a while, especially if prep has been less than perfect. Even if the search becomes frustrating and time-consuming, we have to do it because we need to send the specimen to the lab to determine whether it is benign or malignant. If it’s a malignancy, we need to know what we are dealing with and how advanced it is so we can help patients understand what to expect and arrange for follow-up care if needed.

“Working with endoscopic procedures on a daily basis, I realized that we needed a tool that can capture the polyp as it is being removed and then retrieve it through the main tube. That led to the idea for an enhanced design. It combines the snare wire loop with a mesh specimen basket. I worked with a bioengineering student at the university here in Tuscaloosa to refine the design. Now that the patent has been approved, we’re working on the next steps in process of bringing it to market.”

Reddy’s second invention offers advantages for both the medical team and the patient. In performing a colonoscopy, physicians use CO2 to inflate the colon, a process known as insufflation. “For insufflation, we usually have one source for CO2 that opens up the colon and another source for water to rinse the surface so we can get clear visualization,” Reddy said. “The physician operates this with a foot pump that isn’t always easy to use in the low light environment we usually have in a procedure room. When there’s only one water bottle and it runs out, that’s a delay when we have to stop what we’re doing to replace it.

“My new design combines CO2 and an uninterrupted water supply in one unit. It also adds two other functions without the need for extra cords or connections. Due to the nature of the procedure, unpleasant odors can be a problem. By adding a feature that releases calming essential oils, we not only improve the working environment for the team—we make it more pleasant for patients entering the procedure room when they might also benefit from the relaxing effects of essential oils that have been shown to help with stress.

“Music is another element that fosters a good environment for both the team and the patient. The unit adds that capability. Instead of the clutter of four pieces of equipment and the tangle of four cords, all the functions are there in one compact, streamlined design.”

Reddy has also designed an adjustable garment, or colonoscopy shorts, aimed at protecting the patient’s dignity and making cleanup of surfaces and linens after the procedure easier.

Just before being wheeled into the procedure room, patients may want to make one last visit to the restroom. If they are wearing a gown with a back opening, getting to the bathroom without feeling exposed isn’t easy.

“The colonoscopy shorts cover the patients into the procedure room. When they are under and it’s time for the procedure to begin, a detachable panel allows access to introduce the tube. The design also has absorbent padding to keep surfaces and bedding cleaner in case of leakage that might continue during recovery,” Reddy said.

All three inventions have patent approval, so Reddy is now working on plans to bring these to market.