Technology Insight: current status of video capsule endoscopy.
Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is the most recent major practical and conceptual development in the field of endoscopy. The video capsule endoscope-a small, pill-sized, passive imaging device-has been demonstrated to be the pre-eminent imaging device for disorders of the small intestine. The initial use for VCE was to detect the origin of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Several other indications have now been justified, or are in the process of evaluation. More than 200,000 of these disposable devices have been used worldwide, with an extraordinarily good safety record: indeed, the device has been approved for use in children as young as 10 years of age. In addition, a double-ended capsule has now been approved for the evaluation of mucosal disease in the esophagus. The now-widespread deployment of the device into gastrointestinal practice in the US and many other countries suggests that VCE has achieved mainstream utility. The development of similar competitor devices, and devices whose movement can be controlled, is in progress.
Cave
David R
DR
University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. drcave@pol.net
D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008904:Miniaturization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014741:Video Recording