Rush Trials Apple Vision Pro for Colon Cancer Detection

Doctors at Rush University Medical Center test mixed-reality headset with AI to improve colonoscopy procedures.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:15am

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Physicians at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago are conducting a clinical usability trial to evaluate the use of Apple's Vision Pro mixed-reality headset paired with Medtronic's GI Genius AI module during routine colonoscopy procedures. The goal is to determine if displaying real-time AI cues directly in the doctor's field of view can help improve polyp detection rates and streamline the workflow compared to checking separate monitors.

Why it matters

Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths, but routine colonoscopies can help detect precancerous polyps early. Even small increases in polyp detection rates during these procedures have been linked to measurable reductions in cancer risk for patients. The Rush trial aims to explore whether new technologies like the Vision Pro headset can make colonoscopies more effective without adding complexity to the clinical workflow.

The details

The Vision Pro headset displays the output from Medtronic's GI Genius AI module directly in the physician's field of view during the colonoscopy, highlighting areas that look suspicious so the doctor can investigate further. Previous studies have shown GI Genius can increase adenoma detection rates by up to 14.4%. The Rush trial is intended to serve as a key part of Cosmo Pharmaceuticals' planned submission to the FDA for clearance of this AI-powered colonoscopy application on the Vision Pro platform.

  • The usability study at Rush University Medical Center began enrollment of the first patient in December 2025.
  • Physicians at Rush were observed using the Vision Pro headsets during colonoscopy procedures in late January 2026.

The players

Rush University Medical Center

A major academic medical center in Chicago that is conducting the clinical trial of the Apple Vision Pro headset paired with Medtronic's GI Genius AI module for colonoscopy procedures.

Dr. Irving Waxman

Chief of the Division of Digestive Diseases at Rush University Medical Center, overseeing the Vision Pro colonoscopy trial.

Cosmo Pharmaceuticals

A pharmaceutical company that has developed the application to integrate the GI Genius AI into the Apple Vision Pro headset, with plans to submit it for FDA clearance.

Medtronic

A medical technology company that produces the GI Genius AI module used in the Vision Pro colonoscopy application.

Apple

The technology company that manufactures the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset being tested in the Rush University trial.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to be the first in the world to bring this technology into the endoscopy suite.”

— Dr. Irving Waxman, Chief of the Division of Digestive Diseases at Rush University Medical Center (hoodline.com)

What’s next

If the usability trial at Rush University Medical Center is successful, the findings will inform Cosmo Pharmaceuticals' planned submission to the FDA for clearance of the AI-powered colonoscopy application on the Apple Vision Pro platform.

The takeaway

This trial represents an early exploration of how mixed-reality headsets and AI-driven tools could enhance the effectiveness of routine colonoscopy procedures, potentially improving polyp detection rates and reducing cancer risk for patients. The results will help determine if this technology is ready to move from research into mainstream clinical practice.