CURRENT STATUS AND PRACTICE OF MEDICAL-INDUSTRIAL COLLABORATION IN GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY

Abstract

Newly developed medical instruments utilizing optical technology and therapeutic devices have significantly contributed to the evolution of gastrointestinal endoscopy. These products, developed through close collaboration between medical and engineering professionals, have played a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The integration of innovative technologies through these collaborative efforts provides a paradigm shift in gastrointestinal endoscopy. However, medical device developments require complex and time-intensive processes, which include stages such as conceptualization, business partnership with compatible companies, regulatory approval, and marketing. The formation of an industry-academia-government project team is mandatory in achieving completion of such medical devices. This review outlines the current status and future perspectives of the medical-engineering collaboration in the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy, supplemented by practical case studies.