How to Evaluate a Wireless Capsule for Endoscopy

A wireless capsule used for endoscopy is a small pill-size probe that contains a camera allowing for physicians to better visualize the gastrointestinal tract. Patients swallow the capsule like any other drug, where it travels down the esophagus in the same direction as food. The procedure lasts eight hours and the patient resumes normal activity while visual images are transmitted to antenna pads worn by the patient. The patient then returns the transmitted images to the doctor. The capsule is disposable and not returned.

Instructions

• 1

  Administer laxatives in the patient. The gastrointestinal tract must be cleared of all food and bacteria before evaluation. This allows physicians to receive clear images during the procedure for accurate diagnosis.

• 2

  Have the patient swallow the pill-size capsule. As the pill travels down the gastrointestinal tract, images are transmitted through radio.

• 3

  Place the receiver pack around the patient's waist. The receiver will transmit all the images from the procedure for 24 hours. Explain to the patient that the capsule will pass through and be flushed down the toilet and the images will be downloaded.

• 4

  Download all the images from the receiver pack. Physicians evaluate the images and use physical exam findings to conclude a diagnosis.