Video Capsule Found Comparable to Endoscopy

Data from almost 30 studies presented on the use of a video capsule in oral and poster sessions at the United Gastroenterology Week in Prague (Czech Republic) in September 2004 showed the capsule to be comparable to conventional endoscopy.

Previously called M2A, the line of video capsules has been renamed PillCam by its developer, Given Imaging (Yoqneam, Israel). The capsule transmits images from the gastrointestinal tract to a data recorder as the capsule passes through the digestive system. A doctor then downloads images from the data recorder for review and diagnosis, using the Given Imaging diagnostic system.

Numerous studies were presented demonstrating the PillCam's function in the diagnosis of a variety of diseases of the small bowel, including Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and small bowel cancer. "While we are expanding the strong body of evidence that exists for the role of the PillCam video capsule in small bowel imaging, we are also building a solid foundation for the role of the PillCAm video capsule in diagnosing esophageal disorders,” explained Gavriel D. Meron, CEO and president of Given Imaging.

The first presentation of data from a study of 80 patients comparing the PillCAm with traditional esophagoscopy showed the capsule endoscopy to be a convenient, safe, and sensitive method that could be used to screen patients for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and Barrett's esophagus.




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