The use of wireless capsule endoscopy in clinical diagnostic gastroenterology

This profile describes a new wireless video endoscopy device designed to image previously inaccessible areas of the gastrointestinal tract with unprecedented precision and clarity. This PillCam technology involves a disposable, ingestible camera that transmits more than 50,000 digital images of the small bowel to personal computer software. The wireless capsule endoscopy technology supplements and is rapidly replacing standard small bowel imaging techniques, and its use has revolutionized conventional ideas about the small bowel's role in many conditions such as Crohn's disease and occult blood loss. In addition to the small bowel device, an esophageal adaptation was released in January 2005. This capsule technology anticipates exponential growth in both diagnostic and possible therapeutic dimensions in the future.