The Need

THE GLOBAL BURDEN OF GI diseases

Flexible endoscopy is the gold standard for GI disease diagnosis, but it now faces new pressures.

The scale of the problem

The incidence and associated mortality rates of GI cancers are predicted to double between 2020 and 2050.

cases

4 Million

8 Million

2020

2050

Deaths

2.5 Million

5 Million

2020

2050

Endoscopy Procedures

140 Million

2050

70 Million

2020

rising demand

Expanded screening programmes and new technologies will increase demand for flexible endoscopies by identifying more disease in the population. Current technology is unable to meet this increasing demand, which is caused by:

Healthy aging population

Increase in screening programmes

Awareness of symptoms

New technologies driving early detection

resuable technology is difficult to scale

But the industry needs to find a way to meet this rising demand, sustainably and efficiently.

non-sterile

Reusable endoscopes are not sterilised between patients and are responsible for cross contamination of pathogens between patients.

environmental concerns

Required reprocessing is harmful to the environment due to heavy water, electricity, chemicals, PPE usage and high associated waste.

AVAILABILITY & COMPLEXITY

Reuseable endoscopy towers are not easily portable. They require complex workflows to set up and operate and prepare for the next patient.

damages and performance

25% endoscopes become damaged and then taken out of service affecting endoscopy lists. Performance of the scopes also degrades over time.

expensive capital items

Implementing or expanding existing endoscopy services is not a simple or low-cost solution – it involves significant upfront investment and ongoing operational support.

restrictive decontamination processes

Strict protocols, specialised equipment and trained personnel are required to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards, which can limit workflow flexibility and increase turnaround time between procedures.

Late diagnosis

Late diagnosis costs lives. Half of all GI cancer deaths are preventable if diagnosed at an early stage.

Survival when diagnosed at early stage vs. late stage

consequences

The consequences associated with the inability for reusable technology to meet the required demand are significant.

Longer Waiting Times

Patients are having to wait longer to access diagnostic flexible endoscopy provision.

Delayed Diagnosis

Patients are waiting longer to get their required diagnosis.

More Costly Treatment

Treatment costs are higher due to more advanced disease state once diagnosed.

Lower Survival Rates

In the event of cancer being detected, later diagnosis significantly reduces chances of survival.

the iqe vision

At IQ Endoscopes, we are on a mission to drive rapid early diagnosis.

Our sterile endoscopes, designed and built in Great Britain, have been created to help more clinicians, help more patients around the world in a more sustainable way. By creating pioneering endoscopic technologies we can help people live longer & healthier lives. We’re here to help clinicians, service providers and patients move closer to that vision, one diagnosis at a time.