Cutting Edge Technology in Enteroscopy: Entero Pro, the Endo Capsule

Abstract

A capsule endoscope had been desired for a long time. Olympus Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan, launched a capsule endoscope in several countries in 2005. The image quality of the capsule endoscope, which contains CCD and LED, was designed to be identical to that of a conventional endoscope by using high-speed wireless transmission and advanced imaging processing technologies. Olympus Medical Systems is now planning to develop software which facilitates the diagnosis. In order to expand the application from the small intestine and improve the optics and the battery life, a self-propelling mechanism and a wireless therapeutic technology are being developed.

The other new technology is a single balloon enteroscope system. This allows a deeper intubation with conventional therapeutic ability. The system is composed of an endoscope, a disposable splinting tube, and a balloon control unit. The balloon is attached on the distal end of the tube, which is able to hold the small intestine by insufflation when shortening the intestine. The system has achieved great improvements in therapeutic enteroscopy.

The small intestine used to be called the “dark organ” because there was little chance of managing any diseases. Now Olympus Medical Systems has provided very efficient technologies in the enteroscopy field. The capsule endoscope can be used for a primary diagnosis, followed by the use of a single balloon enteroscope system as needed.