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Visceral Medicine Feb 2018Endoscopes extend the eyes of the physician into the patient's body. They are widely used in gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostics and minimally invasive surgery. Endoscopes... (Review)
Review
Endoscopes extend the eyes of the physician into the patient's body. They are widely used in gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostics and minimally invasive surgery. Endoscopes can be classified into 3 types: rigid, flexible, and capsule endoscopes. Rigid and flexible endoscopes are traditionally held and manipulated by the physician to visualize the region of interest, while capsule endoscopes move passively along with the GI peristalsis. With the advancement of technology, robotic endoscopy has been increasingly developed and accepted. In this work, robotic endoscopy from 3 categories (robot-assisted rigid endoscopy, robot-assisted flexible endoscopy, and active GI endoscopy including active flexible colonoscopy and active capsule endoscopy) is reviewed by PubMed search with the criteria ('Robotics' OR 'Robot') and ('Endoscopy' OR 'Endoscope').
PubMed: 29594169
DOI: 10.1159/000486121 -
Micromachines Nov 2022Capsule endoscopes are widely used to diagnose gut-related problems, but they are passive in nature and cannot actively move inside the gut. This paper details the...
Capsule endoscopes are widely used to diagnose gut-related problems, but they are passive in nature and cannot actively move inside the gut. This paper details the design process and development of an anchoring mechanism and actuation system to hold a capsule in place within the small intestine. The design centres around the mechanical structure of the anchor that makes use of compliant Sarrus linkage legs, which extend to make contact with the intestine, holding the capsule in place. Three variants with 2 legs, 3 legs and 4 legs of the anchoring mechanism were tested using a shape memory alloy spring actuator (5 mm × ϕ 3.4 mm). The experiments determine that all the variants can anchor at the target site and resist peristaltic forces of 346 mN. The proposed design is well suited for an intestine with a diameter of 19 mm. The proposed design allows the capsule endoscopes to anchor at the target site for a better and more thorough examination of the targeted region. The proposed anchoring mechanism has the potential to become a vital apparatus for clinicians to use with capsule endoscopes in the future.
PubMed: 36557344
DOI: 10.3390/mi13122045 -
Acta Cirurgica Brasileira 2020Purpose To present new endoscopic robotic devices in the context of minimally invasive procedures with high precision and automation. Methods Review of the literature by... (Review)
Review
Purpose To present new endoscopic robotic devices in the context of minimally invasive procedures with high precision and automation. Methods Review of the literature by December 2018 on robotic endoscopy. Results We present the studies and investments for robotic implementation and flexible endoscopy evolution. We divided them into forceps manipulation platforms, active endoscopy and endoscopic capsule. They try to improve forceps handling and stability and to promote active movement. Conclusion The implementation and propagation of robotic models depend on doing what the endoscopist is unable to. The new devices are moving forward in this direction.
Topics: Animals; Endoscopes; Endoscopic Mucosal Resection; Endoscopy; Equipment Design; Humans; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Models, Animal; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Surgery, Computer-Assisted; Surgical Instruments
PubMed: 32348403
DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020200020000006 -
Indian Pediatrics Nov 2016Capsule endoscopy was invented to visualize the entire small intestine in a non- invasive manner in adults.
BACKGROUND
Capsule endoscopy was invented to visualize the entire small intestine in a non- invasive manner in adults.
CASE CHARACTERISTICS
1 y, 9 mo-old boy presented with generalized edema for last 3 months. His routine investigations, including the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, and contrast enhanced computed tomography scan (CECT) were normal. In view of clinical suspicion of protein losing enteropathy, we planned capsule endoscopy.
OBSERVATION
The capsule was not passed even after 3 weeks. Laparoscopy revealed impacted capsule in a dilated intestinal loop proximal to an ileal stricuture.
MESSAGE
Capsule endoscopy should be used judiciously in children.
Topics: Capsule Endoscopes; Edema; Foreign Bodies; Humans; Infant; Intestine, Small; Male
PubMed: 27889734
DOI: 10.1007/s13312-016-0980-3 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jan 2016Since its introduction into clinical practice 15 years ago, capsule endoscopy (CE) has become the first-line investigation procedure in some small bowel pathologies, and... (Review)
Review
Since its introduction into clinical practice 15 years ago, capsule endoscopy (CE) has become the first-line investigation procedure in some small bowel pathologies, and more recently, dedicated esophageal and colon CE have expanded the fields of application to include the upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders. During this time, CE has become increasingly popular among gastroenterologists, with more than 2 million capsule examinations performed worldwide, and nearly 3000 PubMed-listed studies on its different aspects published. This huge interest in CE may be explained by its non-invasive nature, patient comfort, safety, and access to anatomical regions unattainable via conventional endoscopy. However, CE has several limitations which impede its wider clinical applications, including the lack of therapeutic capabilities, inability to obtain biopsies and control its locomotion. Several research groups are currently working to overcome these limitations, while novel devices able to control capsule movement, obtain high quality images, insufflate the gut lumen, perform chromoendoscopy, biopsy of suspect lesions, or even deliver targeted drugs directly to specific sites are under development. Overlooking current limitations, especially as some of them have already been successfully surmounted, and based on the tremendous progress in technology, it is expected that, by the end of next 15 years, CE able to perform both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures will remain the major form of digestive endoscopy. This review summarizes the literature that prognosticates about the future developments of CE.
Topics: Animals; Biopsy; Capsule Endoscopes; Capsule Endoscopy; Drug Delivery Systems; Electric Power Supplies; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Insufflation
PubMed: 26755883
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.369 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Sep 2008Wireless capsule endoscopy has become the first imaging tool for small bowel examination. Recently, new capsule endoscopy applications have been developed, such as... (Review)
Review
Wireless capsule endoscopy has become the first imaging tool for small bowel examination. Recently, new capsule endoscopy applications have been developed, such as esophageal capsule endoscopy and colon capsule endoscopy. Clinical trials results have shown that colon capsule endoscopy is feasible, accurate and safe in patients suffering from colonic diseases. It could be a good alternative in patients refusing conventional colonoscopy or when it is contraindicated. Upcoming studies are needed to demonstrate its utility for colon cancer screening and other indications such us ulcerative colitis. Comparative studies including both conventional and virtual colonoscopy are also required.
Topics: Capsule Endoscopes; Capsule Endoscopy; Cathartics; Colonic Diseases; Colorectal Neoplasms; Humans; Patient Compliance
PubMed: 18785277
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.5265 -
Micromachines Nov 2022This paper presents a novel tattooing capsule endoscope (TCE) for delivering a certain amount of ink to the submucosal layer of digestive tract organs. A dual-function...
This paper presents a novel tattooing capsule endoscope (TCE) for delivering a certain amount of ink to the submucosal layer of digestive tract organs. A dual-function permanent magnet is used for locomotion and injection activation. The developed capsule endoscope can move actively in 5 DOF due to the interaction between the permanent magnet and a controllable external magnetic field produced by an electromagnet actuation system. In addition, the permanent magnet is involved in a specially designed mechanism to activate a process that creates a squeezing motion to eject the liquid from the storage room to the target. The dimension of the prototype is 12.5 mm in diameter and 34.6 mm in length. The proposed TCE is tested ex vivo using a fresh porcine small-intestine segment. We were able to direct the TCE to the target and deliver the tattoo agent into the tissue. The proposed mechanism can be used for drug delivery or lesion tattooing, as well as to accelerate the realization of the functional capsule endoscope in practice.
PubMed: 36557410
DOI: 10.3390/mi13122111 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Sep 2008Capsule endoscopy is now considered as the first imaging tool for small bowel examination. Recently, new capsule endoscopy applications have been developed, such as... (Review)
Review
Capsule endoscopy is now considered as the first imaging tool for small bowel examination. Recently, new capsule endoscopy applications have been developed, such as esophageal capsule endoscopy and colon capsule endoscopy. Esophageal capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected esophageal disorders is feasible and safe, and could be also an alternative procedure in those patients refusing upper endoscopy. Although large-scale studies are needed to confirm its utility in GERD and cirrhotic patients, current results are encouraging and open a new era in esophageal examination.
Topics: Capsule Endoscopes; Capsule Endoscopy; Esophageal Diseases; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Hypertension, Portal
PubMed: 18785275
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.5254 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology May 2015Currently, the major problem of all existing commercial capsule devices is the lack of control of movement. In the future, with an interface application, the clinician... (Review)
Review
Currently, the major problem of all existing commercial capsule devices is the lack of control of movement. In the future, with an interface application, the clinician will be able to stop and direct the device into points of interest for detailed inspection/diagnosis, and therapy delivery. This editorial presents current commercially-available new designs, European projects and delivery capsule and gives an overview of the progress required and progress that will be achieved -according to the opinion of the authors- in the next 5 year leading to 2020.
Topics: Capsule Endoscopes; Capsule Endoscopy; Equipment Design; Forecasting; Humans; Miniaturization; Nanostructures; Nanotechnology; Time Factors; Wireless Technology
PubMed: 25954085
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i17.5119 -
Endoscopy International Open Sep 2021We developed a self-propelled capsule endoscope that can be controlled from outside the body with real-time observation. To improve the device, we conducted a...
We developed a self-propelled capsule endoscope that can be controlled from outside the body with real-time observation. To improve the device, we conducted a clinical trial of total gastrointestinal capsule endoscopy in healthy subjects to ascertain whether our first-generation, self-propelled capsule endoscope was safe and effective for observing the entire human gastrointestinal tract. After adequate gastrointestinal pretreatment, five healthy subjects were instructed to swallow a self-propelling capsule endoscope and the safety of a complete gastrointestinal capsule endoscopy with this device was assessed. We also investigated basic problems associated with complete gastrointestinal capsule endoscopy. No adverse effects of the magnetic field were identified in any of the subjects. No mucosal damage was noted in any of the subjects with the use of our first-generation, self-propelling capsule endoscope. We found that it took longer than expected to observe the stomach; the view was compromised by the swallowed saliva. The pylorus was extremely difficult to navigate, and the endoscope's fin sometimes got caught in the folds of the small intestine and colon. To resolve the problems associated with the existing self-propelling capsule endoscope, it may be necessary to not only improve the capsule endoscopes, but also to control the environment within the gastrointestinal tract with medications and other means. Our results could guide other researchers in developing capsule endoscopes controllable from outside the body, thus allowing real-time observation.
PubMed: 34466364
DOI: 10.1055/a-1507-4540