Wireless capsule endoscopes for enhanced diagnostic inspection of gastrointestinal tract

• Published in: 2010 IEEE Conference on Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics pp. 68 - 71
• Main Authors: Rasouli, Mahdi, Kencana, Andy Prima, Van An Huynh, Kiat, Eng, Lai, Joshua Chong Yue, Phee, Louis Soo Jay
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.06.2010
• Subjects: Actuators; Biomedical imaging; Cameras; Control systems; Digestive system; Endoscopes; Gastrointestinal tract; in-body medical device; ingestible capsule; Inspection; Machine vision; medical imaging; medical robot; Microcontrollers; Wireless capsule endoscopy
• DOI: 10.1109/RAMECH.2010.5513210
• ISBN: 1424465036; 9781424465033
• ISSN: 2158-2181

Wireless capsule endoscopy has become a common procedure for diagnostic inspection of gastrointestinal tract. This method offers a less-invasive alternative to traditional endoscopy and provides the opportunity for exploring inaccessible areas of the small intestine. Current capsule endoscopes, however, move by peristalsis and are not capable of detailed and on-demand inspection of desired locations. Here, we propose and develop two wireless endoscopes with maneuverable vision systems to enhance diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders. The vision systems in these capsules are equipped with mechanical actuators to adjust the position of the camera. This may help to cover larger areas of the digestive tract and investigate desired locations.