Endoscopy, though useful in diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, is uncomfortable and painful for patients. The feeling of a long plastic tube going down the throat makes patients throw up. Capsule endoscopy technology, which is nothing more than swallowing a capsule-like camera, makes the endoscopy experience easy for patients and also helps doctors identify and diagnose several GI conditions.
The global capsule endoscopy market was valued at $ 465.5 Mn in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2021 to 2028. While several capsule endoscopy devices are available in the market, NaviCam® stomach system stands out.
Let’s know more about NaviCam capsule endoscopy in this article.
NaviCam capsule endoscopy
NaviCam Stomach Capsule System is first of its kind sedation-free 360-degree robotically controlled stomach capsule endoscopy. It is developed by AnX Robotica, a company that develops medical devices using AI and robotic technology.
Unlike conventional endoscopy, NaviCam capsule endoscopy is non-invasive and allows the physician to visualise the inside of your GI tract to diagnose abnormalities. The wireless robot captures thousands of photographs of your gut to give an accurate picture of what’s happening inside.
How does NaviCam capsule endoscopy work?
NaviCam stomach capsule endoscopy system uses a wireless single-use capsule embedded with a camera. It is a magnetically controlled endoscopy system that can be controlled remotely.
Before swallowing the capsule, the patient is given a defoaming agent to reduce gastric mucus and improve visualisation of the GI tract. The patient is then laid on a bed, part of a magnetic guidance robot, that guides the capsule through the upper GI tract. The process is either automated or manually done by an endoscopist.
Once inside the GI tract, the capsule captures images and sends them to a portable data recorder worn by the patient, which transfers the data to the computer for the clinician to examine. After completion of the upper GI tract examination, the patient is allowed to carry on with his regular activities. The capsule automatically passes through the lower GI tract, and the capsule continues recording for the next 8 hours or until it passes through excretion.
As the capsule can be controlled, the clinician can change the direction to get a better understanding of your GI tract with ease.
After swallowing the capsule, your doctor may advise the following instructions:
- Allow at least 2 hours before consuming clear drinks.
- Wait at least 4 hours before having a modest snack.
- Avoid vigorous tasks, especially those involving sudden, jarring movements or bending and stooping movements, until the capsule is excreted.
Note: The NaviCam is contraindicated in pregnancy and for people with pacemakers, implantable electronic devices or implanted metal parts (similar exemption criteria to MRI scans).
What are the advantages of capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy allows examination of the small intestine, which is difficult to access with upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. Additionally, it can also assist in finding intestinal abnormalities that are not visible on imaging tests like CT scans or X-rays.
Benefits of capsule endoscopy include:
- Painless visualisation of gastrointestinal tract images
- Faster diagnosis and results
- Features like longer battery life and enhanced data storage capability.
- Easy transmission, larger frame rate, 360-degree panoramic view and improved image quality.
Complications that may arise with capsule endoscopy
While capsule endoscopy is usually a painless and safe procedure, there are some risks with the capsule getting stuck in your GI tract (happens only if your GI tract is narrow due to certain conditions).
Generally, the capsule is excreted by the body within 24 hours. If the capsule remains in your system, you may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. In such cases, call your doctor. They may use imaging technology such as an X-ray to see where the capsule is stuck in your GI tract and may suggest surgical removal if it may not be excreted naturally.
Other capsule endoscopy devices in the market
- PillCam by Medtronic
- OMOM RC by Jinshahi
- EC-10 by Olympus
- MiroCam by Intro Medic
- CapsoCam Plus by CapsoVision
- MC1200B by Stratis Medical
What makes NaviCam unique from its competitors?
While several capsule endoscopy devices exist in the market, most are time-consuming, cannot be remotely controlled or are not easy to use. With next-gen technology, the NaviCam capsule endoscopy system combines magnetic control with innovative and intelligent software.
Its quick and efficient visual diagnostic system gives medical professionals external robotic control of the capsule inside the human body. The capsule can be guided in real-time in five dimensions (two rotational and three translational planes), allowing for different views and details to be captured by an operator from either a control console or a remote console.
Their technology has been in development for several years and has undergone revisions to improve performance and reliability. As of now, the NaviCam Stomach Capsule System is FDA approved for the visualisation of the stomach of adults (≥22 years old) with a BMI less than 38. It can be used in clinics and hospitals, including emergency room settings.
Capsule endoscopy changing the health tech space
Remotely controlled capsule endoscopy holds promising potential as the fully autonomous navigation of capsules, especially in the small intestine, is a major leap in patient care. It reduces clinical time and patient discomfort associated with conventional endoscopy and traditional optical colonoscopy.
The increasing rate of cancer and the growing global population has increased the demand for minimally invasive diagnostic procedures. With advanced clinical technology, capsule-like devices are the major breakthrough in the health tech space.
However, capsule endoscopes are currently limited to detection and diagnosis purposes and cannot be used for taking biopsies or administering treatments. Also, not all health insurance companies have coverage for capsule endoscopy, and associated medical costs are turning out to be a major drawback in its adoption across medical systems.
With technological advancement and new players emerging in the market, we believe more and more patients will be able to take advantage of capsule endoscopy.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
