Capsule Endoscope Aspiration after Repeated Attempts for Ingesting a Patency Capsule

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pulmonology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Capsule endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating gastrointestinal conditions.
• Aspiration of capsule endoscopes into the respiratory tract is a rare but serious complication.
• Predictive methods for preventing capsule aspiration are currently lacking.

Observation:

• An 85-year-old male experienced dysphagia during patency capsule ingestion.
• The patient subsequently had difficulty swallowing the capsule endoscope.
• Review of images revealed capsule endoscope aspiration into the respiratory tract for 220 seconds.

Findings:

• This is the first documented case of capsule endoscope aspiration following patency capsule ingestion.
• Repeated difficulty swallowing a patency capsule may indicate a risk for subsequent capsule endoscope aspiration.
• The patency capsule itself carries a risk of aspiration.

Implications:

• Monitoring patient symptoms during patency capsule ingestion can help prevent serious complications like aspiration.
• Increased awareness of patency capsule aspiration risk is necessary.
• Further research may be needed to identify and mitigate risks associated with capsule endoscopy.