A REVOLUTIONARY cancer detection invention created by a former surgeon, could save thousands from dying unnecessarily.

The LumenEye X1 reduces the need for patients to visit hospital for examination, after endoscopic screening was cut to 5% of normal activity across the NHS as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Invented by Fareed Iqbal from Nelson, a former surgeon with over 10 years’ experience of treating bowel cancer patients; is a unique handheld digital endoscope featuring a full HD camera which creates images and video of the lower gastrointestinal tract essential for accurate bowel cancer diagnosis.

Currently in use at world renowned hospitals such as the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, LumenEye® X1 is also the world’s first digital endoscope which can be used outside of the hospital environment. The especially high quality of the images means that an examination can be carried out by nursing staff at GP offices and outpatient clinics who then remotely send the video clips to colorectal specialists for immediate diagnosis and treatment planning thus removing the need for costly and potentially time-wasting investigations.

As LumenEye X1 is primarily designed to be used off-site, it also reduces the need for hospital visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prash Patel, a GP from Sunningdale, Ascot; who is not affiliated with the company, said: “The really exciting part of being able to use LumenEye from my surgery is that while I’m conducting the procedure, I have a colorectal specialist online with me digitally looking at the images live as they are created. All three us, the patient, specialist surgeon, and I, are involved allowing us the provide immediate opinion which is extremely powerful and reassuring for the patient.”

Around 16,000 people die from bowel cancer alone each year, making it the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. In 2018, more than 800,000 people died globally from colorectal cancer. However, the disease is treatable and curable. An estimated 9 in 10 people will survive bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage.

Mr Iqbal explains how and why he invented The LumenEye X1, he said: “When I was a training colorectal surgeon in the NHS, I was frustrated at the lack of technologies that assist clinicians to make accurate and reliable assessments of the rectum in the clinic. When patients first arrive to see a surgeon, they are at their most vulnerable, owing to their fears about cancer or other serious disease.

"They are often embarrassed and apprehensive at being examined in that region. The LumenEye removes the requirement for a finger examination and the clinician can perform a digital examination whilst standing straight and talking to the patient. It also allows a lesser experienced clinician to either save the images for later review, or dial in a senior into the examination in real-time.

"Most importantly, with the LumenEye, the patient can now feel involved in the process and view the images from the scope. In doing so, concerns and anxieties can be allayed, and the patient experience can be enhanced.”

“The LumenEye has recently been introduced to 11 NHS hospitals. It has an excellent diagnostic profile and has deferred the need for formal endoscopy in 90% of patients, by completing a LumenEye, a diagnosis has been possible in 90% of patients so a colonoscopy has been cancelled or deferred."