Prepless, disposable and ingestible X-ray imaging capsule
Prepless, disposable and ingestible X-ray imaging capsuleEnlarge image
The capsule system that Dr. Rajan and others are studying uses an ingestible capsule that emits and detects ultra-low-dose radiation and requires no cathartic cleansing or separation. The capsule generates a 3D reconstruction of the colonic lumen for detection of polyps and cancer. The system also includes a tracking device that utilizes processing units combined with radiofrequency (RF) communication to allow data transmission to an externally worn recorder attached to the lower back. In addition, it utilizes electromagnetic tracking technology to enable the device to track the capsule’s 3D position and orientation within the body.
After ingesting the capsule, patients drink a small amount of contrast agent and fiber supplements with each meal during the capsule passage. Patients can go about their daily activities and return to work. While the capsule travels naturally through the gastrointestinal tract, it scans the colon in a 360-degree arc and sends information to a recorder. Once the capsule is extracted, data from the recorder is downloaded to a workstation and analyzed to create a map of the colon.
