Next-generation ingestible devices: sensing, locomotion and navigation.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a vital tool for non-invasive gastrointestinal (GI) tract exploration.
• Current WCEs are passive, limiting their application in targeted therapies and precise diagnostics.
• Ingestible sensing technology offers a platform for monitoring physiological and biological activities within the body.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare current technological developments in ingestible sensing, locomotion, and navigation for WCEs.
• To explore key features for next-generation active WCEs.
• To evaluate methods based on safety, velocity, design complexity, control, and power consumption.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of existing ingestible device technologies.
• Exploration of essential features for active WCE implementation.
• Evaluation of locomotion and navigation methods for ingestible devices.

Main Results:

• Significant advancements in ingestible sensing capabilities.
• Challenges remain in achieving controlled locomotion and navigation within the GI tract.
• Active WCEs offer potential for improved drug delivery, localization, and reduced diagnostic time.

Conclusions:

• Active ingestible WCEs are crucial for enhancing diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic applications in gastroenterology.
• Further research and development are needed to overcome locomotion and control challenges.
• Next-generation active WCEs promise safer, more efficient, and targeted GI diagnostics and treatments.