A new swallow capsule endoscope

Established Slovak research institute of one of the Slovak universities invented modified swallowable capsule endoscope that outperforms existing wired or wireless capsule endoscopes in several features. Endoscopes are electro-optical instruments that are used to visualize the internal cavities of the human body. Specialized electro-optical devices used to visualize the upper parts of the digestive tract are called esophagoscopes and the examination performed by them is called esophagoscopy. Esophagoscopy is a routine examination that is currently performed by various methods. The most widespread examination of the esophagus is called esophagogastrodudenoscopy (EGD), which allows the upper part of the digestive tract to be examined optically from the esophagus to the duodenum. Another way of gentle examination of the digestive system is the so-called capsule endoscopy wherein a wireless transmission from the capsule transmits an image from the gastrointestinal tract to a display device. Capsule endoscopy has been developed mainly for the examination of the small intestine, which is difficult to investigate by other endoscopic methods. Capsule endoscopy has been used in gastrointestinal tract examination for several years. Commercially available capsule endoscopy uses wireless technology to transmit the image from the capsule which transmits the image via electromagnetic waves to the imaging device. The disadvantage of imaging the esophagus is the fact that the capsule passes through the esophagus only once, and the doctor does not have the opportunity to move the capsule back to examine the parts of the esophagus in more detail. This drawback is partially remedied by capsule endoscopy, in which the capsule is attached by means of a vacuum suction cup to a selected part of the esophagus, on which it can be attached for several days and scan the surroundings of the attachment point. The disadvantage of this method is that the capsule only senses the surroundings of the grip and that the capsule attachment is done through the EGD of the esophagus, which puts a burden on the patient. These and other drawbacks of existing wired or wireless capsule endoscopes are corrected by the new swallow capsule endoscope developed by the university team from Slovakia. The institute is seeking an industrial partner for licensing for the further development and commercionalization of this technology.