How Capsule Endoscopy Works

MedTech Outlook | Thursday, June 10, 2021

Capsule endoscopy uses a small camera inside a pill-shaped capsule to take images of the GI tract, and it is a safe procedure with minimal risk.

FREMONT, CA An endoscopy is a process that utilizes imaging to examine the body's organs and tissues, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Visualizing the GI tract can assist the doctor in identifying and diagnosing various types of conditions.

There are numerous endoscopy methods. Capsule endoscopy, which utilizes a tiny wireless camera to take pictures of the GI tract, is one of these. This camera is contained in a pill-sized capsule, which the patient can swallow.

What is capsule endoscopy?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already certified the capsule endoscopy for use. People may also hear about wireless capsule endoscopy or video capsule endoscopy.

Capsule endoscopy takes images of the GI tract using a tiny wireless camera. The camera used in the process is stored in a tiny capsule shaped like a pill.

When patients swallow the capsule, the camera inside starts its journey through the gastrointestinal tract. The camera takes numerous photographs throughout that time. These images are sent to a recording device, which users wear around the waist.

Even though it can be used to examine many different parts of the GI tract, capsule endoscopy is especially useful for inspecting the small intestine. This is due to the difficulty of accessing the small intestine using more traditional endoscopy methods.

What happens during capsule endoscopy?

Procedure review

When patients arrive for the appointment, the doctor will walk them through the process to understand what to expect.

Device setup

During the process, the patient will be wearing a recording device around the waist. This machine will store the images taken by the capsule as it travels through the GI tract. The patients may be instructed to remove their clothing for a brief period so that a series of electrode patches can be implemented to the skin of the chest and abdomen.

Swallowing the capsule

They will be instructed to take the capsule with a small amount of water. The capsule is nearly the size of a multivitamin pill.

Daily activities

After swallowing the capsule, patients can resume their normal activities for the next 8 hours. After that, the doctor will give them instructions to follow while the capsule is in the system.