Novel device for measuring polyp size: an ex vivo animal study

In situ assessment of polyp size during colonoscopy is of clinical importance for optimal treatment and follow-up. In this initial study, we evaluated the accuracy and usability of a virtual tape measure, a novel device providing quantitative measurements, as compared with current practice of unassisted assessment and using biopsy forceps as scale. The virtual tape-measure prototype was shown to provide submillimetre accuracy, almost an order of magnitude better than current practice. It has the potential of becoming the standard for quantitative in situ polyp size measurement; however, further studies in a clinical setting are needed. In colonoscopy, there is clinical importance for in situ assessment of polyp size.1 To date, no commercially available medical endoscope has the capability of performing measurements. There are several mechanical devices designed to perform these measurements, such as a calibrated hood2 and a ruler snare,3 but these are mainly used in research, as they are limited in their capacity and are difficult to operate. Therefore, in current practice, endoscopist estimates are based on acquired expertise and/or an approximate scale (eg, using biopsy forceps), leading to a large …