The U.S. has developed a doctor-guided swallowable capsule with a video camera
The United States has developed a doctor-guided, swallowed capsule with a video camera that could become an alternative to traditional endoscopy in the future. Researchers plan to equip the device with a navigation system with artificial intelligence to automate the diagnostic procedure.Researchers at George Washington University have created a swallowed capsule with a video camera that, unlike similar devices, can move around the stomach under the doctor's control. This allows a specialist to carefully check the entire area to detect any problems with the health of the gastric mucosa, Med Gstget reported.
The technology requires placing an external magnet near the stomach. The doctor uses a joystick, like in a video game, to control the movement of the capsule. Researchers hope this method will replace more invasive approaches such as traditional endoscopy.
Millions of traditional endoscopies are performed each year in the United States. However, many patients decline this invasive procedure because of the discomfort it causes, and some may require anesthesia. In addition, it is usually impossible to perform an endoscopy in an outpatient clinic or emergency room, which means that patients with severe stomach pain cannot get a diagnosis promptly: they must first make an appointment for an endoscopy and undergo it.
Several versions of swallowed cameras have already been developed around the world, but the doctor is unable to control their movement. As a result, the camera can miss large areas of the stomach and fail to detect the problem. A system proposed by researchers at George Washington University overcomes these barriers.
If larger studies prove the effectiveness and accuracy of the method, the magnetically guided capsules could be used as a quick and easy way to detect health problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers or gastric cancer, the authors of the development are convinced. In the future, the capsule could be equipped with a navigation system with artificial intelligence-based technology to help the doctor diagnose even better.