Abstract
Wireless capsule endoscopy was first developed to observe the small intestine. A small capsule can be swallowed and images of gastrointestinal tract are taken with natural movement of peristalsis. Application of capsule endoscopy for observing the stomach has also received much attention as a useful alternative to esophagogastroduodenoscopy, but anatomical characteristics of the stomach have demanded technical obstacles that need to be tackled: clear visualization and active movements that could be controlled. Different methods of controlling the capsule within stomach have been studied and magnetic manipulation is the only system that is currently used in clinical settings. Magnets within the capsule can be controlled with a hand-held magnet paddle, robotic arm, and electromagnetic coil system. Studies on healthy volunteers and patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms have shown that it is a safe and effective alternative method of observing the stomach. This work reviews different magnetic locomotion systems that have been used for observation of the stomach as an emerging new application of wireless capsule endoscopy.
Highlights
Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) was first introduced in 2000 as a novel and least invasive modality for visualization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract [1], the small bowel mucosa [2]
Flexible fiberscopes were the only available method of observing the stomach or colon and the effort to observe the small bowel, which could not be reached by conventional endoscope, led to the development of WCE
WCE is composed of four components, including the wireless capsule endoscope that is swallowed, the datareceiving box that receives images transmitted from the capsule endoscope, the working station for analysis of images obtained, and the application software [1,3]
Summary
Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) was first introduced in 2000 as a novel and least invasive modality for visualization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract [1], the small bowel mucosa [2]. Experimental study on the application of a magnetic system for manipulation of a catheter within the brain has been reported [17] and a magnetic navigation system for controlling catheter movements during ablation procedures for arrhythmia are already in commercial use [18]. This type of locomotion allows miniaturization of capsules by reducing their power demands and dependence on the internal mechanical system. This review focuses on studies that describe the clinical applications of MCE as an advanced method for endoscopic visualization of the stomach
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