PillCam Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is a medical procedure which allows your physician to visualize parts of your gastrointestinal tract. The GI tract is a part of the digestive system and extends from the mouth to the anus.

The PillCam Platform is an efficient, patient-friendly, and clinically-proven system consisting of PillCam video capsules for the esophagus and small bowel. More than 1,000,000 patients worldwide have benefited from the PillCam video capsules.

PillCam ESO

PillCam ESO provides a time-efficient and patient-friendly method for visualization of the esophagus. The PillCam ESO procedure can be performed in less than 30 minutes, and the results can be quickly interpreted.

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. The clinical value of PillCam SB as a tool in detecting small bowel abnormalities is demonstrated by more than 1,200 peer-reviewed clinical papers

How the Procedure Works

PillCam ESO (Capsule Endoscopy)

Capsule endoscopy with PillCam ESO can be performed in less than 30 minutes, and the results can be quickly interpreted.

Patients typically fast for two hours prior to undergoing the PillCam ESO procedure. Upon arriving the physician’s office, you will be instructed in a Simplified Ingestion Procedure (SIP). While standing, you will first drink 100 mL of water. You will then be asked to lie on your right side, swallow the PillCam ESO video capsule and take one sip of water every thirty second for seven minutes. After seven minutes, the nurse will instruct you to sit upright, drink another sip of water and wait for thirty seconds. The PillCam passes naturally with a bowel movement usually within twenty-four hours.

Upon completion of the procedure, images are downloaded from the accompanying DataRecorder for physician review.

PillCam SB (Capsule Small Bowel Series)

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.

Your physician will then download images from the DataRecorder for review.