The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Editorial

The Impact of Wireless Capsule Endoscopy on Gastrointestinal Diseases

Authors: Rami Eliakim, MD

Abstract

The M2A video capsule endoscope (Pillcam SB, Given Imaging LTD, Yokneam, Israel) is a wireless capsule (11 mm × 27 mm) comprised of a light source, lens, CMOS imager, battery and a wireless transmitter. The capsule moves via peristalsis from the mouth to the anus. The current battery provides 7 to 8 hours of work in which the capsule photographs 2 images per second that are transmitted to a recorder, worn on a belt. The photographs are downloaded into a computer and seen as a continous video film. Since its development, additional support systems have been added: a localization system, a blood detector, a double picture viewer, and, recently, a wider picture angle and better light source, all meant to assist the interpretor.

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