Barium Capsule Detects Small Bowel Disorders

An ingestible, dissolvable capsule containing barium is designed to help doctors detect the presence of obstructing strictures and adhesions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The capsule system is to be launched at the annual United European Gastrointestinal Week in Madrid (UEGW, Spain).

The capsule, called the M2A Patency System, is the same size as its forerunner, the M2A Capsule Endoscope, and contains a tiny radiofrequency (RF) identification (ID) tag and a handheld scanner to determine a signal from the RFID tag. In those cases when the capsule is not excreted after ingestion, the doctor can use the handheld scanner to detect the barium and thus the capsule within the body, and then also determine the exact location of the obstruction under fluoroscopy. If obstructed, the capsule is designed to dissolve after two or three days and be passed naturally.

The system has received the CE Mark. Results from studies conducted at five European sites will be presented at the UEGW meeting.

"The Patency System, along with the M2A capsule endoscope, further enhances the gastroenterologist's ability to treat small bowel disorders by allowing, in most cases, the completion of a full workup in the GI clinic,” said Gavriel D. Meron, president and CEO of Given Imaging (Yoqneam, Israel), which developed the system.




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