Cutting edge capsule endoscope
Stomach examinations will never be the same
Thanks to a new technology first introduced to the public at a gastroenterology trade show in Barcelona in October 2010, stomach examinations will never be the same. Jointly developed by Siemens and Olympus, the technology features a miniature capsule which is swallowed by a patient and is then navigated with a joystick and a magnetic field through the stomach. The capsule then wirelessly transmits images from inside the stomach to an image processing system on which a doctor views the images.

The MGCE (magnetically guided capsule endoscope) sytem consists of an innovative guidance magnet, an image processing and guidance information system as well as a capsule endoscope. After swallowing the capsule with water, a patient is positioned within a system so that his/her stomach, including the capsule, is located at the centre of an artificially generated magnetic field. The magnet generates varying fields in real time to navigate the capsule. The magnetic field enables the physician to control the capsule with a joystick. Cameras at both ends of the capsule transmit images from inside the stomach to the image processing system on which a doctor can view the proceedings. The capsule is approximately 31 mm long and 11 mm in diameter.

The study performed at the renowned Institute Arnault Tzanck in Saint Laurent du Var (France) was published by the journal “Endoscopy” and showed that the new technology appears to be feasible and sufficiently accurate for gastric examination. It also permits endoscopic examinations that are more patient-friendly and without sedation. In a study with more than 50 people, 30 findings were detected in the stomach. Fourteen of the 30 findings were detected with both the capsule and the conventional endoscope. Ten out of 30 were located with the capsule examination only and six with the conventional endoscope only.

The magnetically guided capsule system provides reliable results for gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations compared to conventional endoscopy. The capsule enables much less invasive stomach examinations. It means an enormous boost in acceptability for the patient. The study participants were equally enthusiastic: 93% thought the examination comfortable, 89% found it easy to swallow the capsule, and regarding future examinations, all patients questioned preferred the magnetically guided capsule endoscope over conventional gastrointestinal endoscopy.

The product mentioned here is not commercially available. Due to regulatory reasons the future availability in any country cannot be guaranteed. Further details are available from the local Siemens organizations.

The outcomes achieved by the Siemens customers were achieved in the customer's unique setting. Since there is no "typical" hospital and many variables exist (e.g., hospital size, case mix, level of IT adoption) there can be no guarantee that others will achieve the same results.

For questions or additional information, please contact: Alexandra Roderigo Medical Systems & Micro-Imaging Solutions Group OLYMPUS EUROPA HOLDING GMBH Phone: +49 40 23773-3160 Email: alexandra.roderigo@olympus-europa.com