Novel external sensor array for capsule endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy (CE) requires placement of an eight-lead sensor array over the abdomen that receives image and localization data transmitted from the capsule. The current process of applying this array to the skin has several disadvantages: firstly, it is time-consuming; secondly, it can be cumbersome for the patient; and thirdly, it is often difficult to place the leads consistently. A new external sensor array system designed to improve this process was tested. It was hypothesized that the new method would be able to receive the transmitted data adequately during CE. The new method and device were tested on an in-patient who had two sets of sensor arrays, batteries, and data recorders placed on her simultaneously. One set was placed in the standard fashion, which served as the control, while the other set was placed using the novel external method. The data provided by the two recorders were compared and the patient’s preferences were noted. The quality of the CE images provided by the two methods was identical, but the CE localization tracings were different, presumably due to movement of the gown and leads during the recording period. No signal interference was noted. The patient preferred the external device. A prepositioned external sensor array is capable of transmitting CE data without any loss in image quality, but the localization tracing differs due to movement of the external array. This new method will require testing with a larger sample size in an outpatient setting to allow full assessment of the clinical value of the new approach.

References

• 1 Appleyard M, Fireman Z, Glukhovsky A. et al . A randomized trial comparing wireless capsule with push enteroscopy for the detection of small bowel lesions.  Gastroenterology. 2000;  119 1431-1438
• 2 Lewis B S, Swain P. Capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of patients with suspected small intestinal bleeding: results of a pilot study.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2002;  56 349-353
• 3 Costamagna G, Shah S K, Riccioni M E. et al . A prospective trial comparing small bowel radiographs and video endoscopy for suspected small bowel disease.  Gastroenterology. 2002;  123 999-1005
• 4 Ell C, Remke S, May . et al . The first prospective controlled trial comparing wireless capsule endoscopy with push enteroscopy in chronic gastrointestinal bleeding.  Endoscopy. 2002;  34 685-689
• 5 Van Gossum A, Francois E, Hittelet A. et al . A prospective, comparative study between push enteroscopy and wireless video capsule in patients with obscure digestive bleeding.  Gastroenterology. 2003;  125 276
• 6 Scapa E, Jacob H, Lewkowicz S. et al . Initial experience of wireless capsule endoscopy for evaluating occult gastrointestinal bleeding and suspected small bowel pathology.  Am J Gastroenterol. 2002;  97 2776-2779
• 7 Lewis B S. Enteroscopy: endangered by the capsule?.  Endoscopy. 2002;  34 416-417