PillCam SB

PillCam SB is the most widely used, patient-friendly tool for visualization of the entire small bowel and is the standard of care for detecting small bowel abnormalities. It is the only capsule endoscope indicated for use in patients two years of age and older.

The PillCam SB video capsule measures 11mm x 26mm and weighs less than four grams. The video capsule contains an imaging device and light source at both ends of the capsule and transmits images at a rate of two images per second, generating more than 50,000 pictures during the eight-hour procedure.

PillCam SB was initially cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001. Now in its second-generation, PillCam SB 2 captures the broadest mucosal area per image with the widest field-of-view. In addition, advanced optics and Automatic Light Control provide optimal image quality and illumination.

How the Procedure Works

Patients typically begin fasting at midnight the day before the procedure. The following morning you would arrive at your doctor’s office to be prepped for the procedure. The nurse will fit you with a comfortable belt (SensorBelt), containing sensors, with easy-fasten straps for quick adjustments and removal. After being fitted with the belt, you will be given a glass of water to help swallow the vitamin-sized pill. After you have successfully swallowed the PillCam video capsule, you will be able to resume daily activities. After eight hours, you will be asked to return to the physician’s office with the SensorBelt and DataRecorder. The PillCam video capsule passes naturally with a bowel movement, usually within 24 hours.

The above contents are from http://www.givenimaging.com/en-us/Patients/Pages/pageSmallBowel.aspx



PillCam Capsule Endoscopy

Benefits

PillCam capsule endoscopy is the most widely used, patient-friendly tool for direct visualization of the GI tract.  To date, more than 1,200,000 patients worldwide have benefited from PillCam endoscopy.

In PillCam capsule endoscopy the patient swallows a PillCam video capsule that is the size of a large vitamin.  The capsule then passes through the digestive system, transmitting images and data wirelessly to a DataRecorder worn by the patient.  Once the procedure has been completed, the images are reviewed by a physician.

PillCam capsule endoscopy offers a simple, safe and non-invasive alternative to traditional imaging procedures.  The procedure does not require sedation, intubation, bowel insufflation or radiation.  Patients may even continue with their normal daily activities during the procedure.

In addition, the Agile™ patency capsule provides a simple and convenient means to verify functional patency of the GI tract in patients with known or suspected strictures.

Risks

PillCam capsule endoscopy is not for everyone.  PillCam video capsules are contraindicated in patients with: known or suspected gastrointestinal obstructions; strictures or fistulas; cardiac pacemakers or other implantable electromedical devices; and swallowing disorders.

Agile patency capsules are contraindicated in patients with swallowing disorders.  The Agile Patency Scanner is contraindicated in patients with cardiac pacemakers or other implanted electromedical devices.

Capsule retention has been reported in less than two percent of all capsule endoscopy and patency procedures.  Capsule retention is defined as having a capsule that remains in the digestive tract for more than two weeks. 

Causes of retention cited in the literature include: NSAID strictures, Crohn’s disease, small bowel tumors, intestinal adhesions, ulcerations, and radiation enteritis. Summaries in published literature identify the risk of retention for obscure bleeding to be 1.5%; for suspected Crohn’s disease to be 1.4%; for known Crohn’s disease the risk is higher at 5%; and for neoplastic lesions, the rate of retention is 2.1%; as compared to healthy volunteers.1,2  To verify passage of the capsule from the GI tract, an abdominal X-ray may be obtained at the discretion of the physician.

There is a rare risk of capsule aspiration while patients are attempting to swallow a PillCam video capsule or Agile patency capsule.  There is also a low risk of skin irritation from the SensorArray sleeve adhesive or silicone exposure.

Medical, endoscopic, or surgical intervention may be necessary to address any of these complications, should they occur.

The PillCam SB video capsule and/or the Agile patency capsule may be administered by using transendoscopic delivery in patients who are either unable to ingest the capsule or are known to have slow gastric emptying.  If using transendoscopic delivery, potential complications include, but are not limited to: perforation, hemorrhage, aspiration, fever, infection, hypertension, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrhythmia or arrest.

All medical procedures carry some risks. Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor about your specific diagnosis and treatment.

References
¹Cave et al. Endoscopy 2005; 37: 1065-1067.
²Zhuan et al. GI  Endoscopy 2010; 71: 280-286.

The above page is from http://www.givenimaging.com/en-us/Patients/Pages/PillCamCapsuleEndoscopyRiskInformation.aspx