Clin Endosc.  2016 Jan;49(1):8-15. 10.5946/ce.2016.49.1.8.

Current Status and Research into Overcoming Limitations of Capsule Endoscopy

• Kwack WG
• Lim YJ

• KMID: 2166542
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2016.49.1.8

Abstract

Endoscopic investigation has a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Since 2001, capsule endoscopy (CE) has been available for small-bowel exploration and is under continuous development. During the past decade, CE has achieved impressive improvements in areas such as miniaturization, resolution, and battery life. As a result, CE is currently a first-line tool for the investigation of the small bowel in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and is a useful alternative to wired enteroscopy. Nevertheless, CE still has several limitations, such as incomplete examination and limited diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. To resolve these problems, many groups have suggested several models (e.g., controlled CO2 insufflation system, magnetic navigation system, mobile robotic platform, tagging and biopsy equipment, and targeted drug-delivery system), which are in development. In the near future, new technological advances will improve the capabilities of CE and broaden its spectrum of applications not only for the small bowel but also for the colon, stomach, and esophagus. The purpose of this review is to introduce the current status of CE and to review the ongoing development of solutions to address its limitations.

Keyword

Capsule endoscopy; Small bowel; Colon; Esophagus

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Capsule Endoscopy*
Colon
Diagnosis
Esophagus
Hemorrhage
Insufflation
Miniaturization
Stomach

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. New capsule endoscope proposed for self- or external ordinary positioning or propulsion. (A) A capsule that emits magnetic force. (B) A capsule with legs for mucosal ambulation. (C) A capsule that involves use of a paddling stroke. (D) A capsule with four propellers. Permissions for all pictures were obtained. (A) Adapted from Lucarini et al.28 (B, C) Adapted from Quirini et al. [29] and Kim et al. [30], with permission from Elsevier, respectively. (D) Adapted from Tortora et al. [31], with permission from Taylor & Francis.

• 

  Fig. 2. Schematic illustration of future imaginary capsule endoscopy based on current research. This illustration was made by the present author, Won Gun Kwack. FICE, Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy; IRFE, infrared fluorescence endoscopy; 3D, three-dimensional; LED, light-emitting diode; DSP, digital signal processing.

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