Recent Patents on Wireless Capsule Endoscopy

Abstract

Wireless capsule endoscopy is a medical procedure which has revolutionized endoscopy as it has enabled for the first time a painless inspection of the small intestine. The procedure was unveiled in 2000 and is based on a vitaminsize pill which captures images of the digestive tract while it is transported passively by peristalsis. The device consists of an image sensor, an illumination module, a radio-frequency transmitter and a battery. Wireless capsule endoscopy is a novel breakthrough in the biomedical industry and future progresses in key technologies are expected to drive the development of the next generation of such devices. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to illustrate the most recent and significant inventions patented from 2005 to present in those areas concerning measurement of human body parameters, advanced imaging features, localization, energy management and active propulsion. Finally, the manuscript reports a discussion on current and future developments in wireless capsule endoscopy. Keywords: Wireless capsule endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, robotic capsules, active locomotion capsules, self propelled capsules