Unsedated Self-Examination of the Esophagus Using a Tethered-Capsule Endoscope (TCE)

Abstract

A major cost of screening for Barrett's esophagus, varices, and other esophageal diseases is due to the associated conscious sedation. Unsedated techniques involve trans-nasal ultrathin endoscopy and capsule endoscopy. A tethered-capsule endoscope (TCE) is introduced as an alternative technology. A small capsule of 6.4 mm diameter and 18 mm in length has been fabricated with a 1.4 mm diameter soft and supple tether. Unlike capsule endoscopy that uses flashes of white light for illumination and a camera with a lens for imaging, the TCE uses a vibrating single optical fiber to scan red, green, and blue laser light.