Remember when the Given Imaging PillCam was still just a dream? We wrote about the PillCam 6 years ago. Well it like it is closer than ever to becoming a medical option for colonoscopies in the near future. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the PillCam Colon for colonoscopy procedures.
No more cameras on endoscopes going in the back door. Simply swallow a PillCam and wait as it slowly makes its way through the gastrointestinal tract taking video along the way. The PillCam video camera is just 12 x 33 mm and records color video at 35 frames per second from both ends of the pill. It also has an LED lighting system so the camera can record the GI tract.
More details and a video of the PillCam in action after the break.
“We have made tremendous strides in increasing the number of people who are getting screened for colon cancer, starting at age 50 for the average risk individual. Colonoscopy is the most comprehensive option, but for up to 10% of individuals, achieving a complete colonoscopy may not be possible. For those individuals, PillCam COLON capsule endoscopy could be an effective option to allow their gastroenterologist to complete a colon examination. And who wouldn't want that kind of peace of mind for this unique cancer — that we can largely prevent with the aid of diagnostic exams that detect the presence of polyps,” said Eric Hargis, CEO, Colon Cancer Alliance.
[Via]