Remote-Controlled Pill-Shaped Camera Created by Scientists to Investigate Digestive Problems
For some time, ingestible video capsule endoscopes have been available, but they have significant limitations and cannot be controlled by doctors. They rely solely on gravity and the digestive system for movement. However, the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences has recently announced the development of a pill-shaped capsule that can be remotely controlled, potentially overcoming this limitation.
This technology allows doctors to literally run a miniature NaviCam video capsule through the digestive system to visualize and photograph potential problem areas, offering a potential alternative to traditional endoscopy. It uses an external magnet and video game-style joysticks to move.
“Traditional endoscopy is an invasive procedure for patients, not to mention expensive due to anesthesia and downtime,” said Andrew Meltzer, professor of emergency medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. “The magnetically guided capsules could be used as a quick and easy way to screen for health problems in the upper digestive tract, such as ulcers or stomach cancer.”
This technology is still in the testing phase, although the results have been positive. Meltzer and colleagues at the medical technology company AnX Robotica conducted a study of 40 people and found that doctors were able to accurately guide the capsule to all major parts of the stomach with a 95 percent success rate. These patients also underwent conventional endoscopy to ensure that no high-risk lesions were missed by the camera.
The potential benefits to patients vary, as the camera is designed to pick up bleeding, inflammation and damage. It can also automatically send videos and images off-site for further review. An official study shows that the use of the camera capsule poses no health risks, although the technology does not allow biopsies to be taken, as it breaks down inside the body. The researchers note that this pilot testing program is still in its early stages, and a “much larger trial with more patients” is on the horizon.
