PillCam by Given Imaging

What if swallowing a pill is all it took to detect early signs of gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorders instead of subjecting the patient to unnecessary and uncomfortable tests? Well that idea is not a "if" anymore. PillCam is dream come true for detecting and monitoring patient with GI tract disorders.

PillCam is a innovation solution by Given Imaging. The company has developed three PillCam which are a small disposable capsule that can visualize the small bowel, esophagus, and colon to monitor and diagnose GI tract disorders without subjecting patient to sedation and/or invasive endoscopic.

1. PillCam SB is the most widely used, patient-friendly tool for directly visualizing the small bowel to detect, diagnose, and monitor abnormalities. 

2. PillCam ESO is a patient-friendly tool for visualizing the esophagus. 

3. PillCam Colon is used to non-invasively complete the colon exam for patients who have had an incomplete colonoscopy. 

Take a look at the pictures below. 

For more information on each PillCam check out the company's website here and check out the video here to see how the PillCam works. 

Each PillCam has a small portable recording device that communicates with the PillCam capsules as it passes through the GI tract. The recorder is attached to the sensor belt which is worn around the patient's wrist for ease of movements. PillCam uses a software called RAPID that allows real-time viewing during the procedure. 

The device is easily discarded through excretion and the cost of the pill is significantly lower than the cost of a traditional exam. 

-B