In vivo trial of a driving system for a self-propelling capsule endoscope using a magnetic field (with video)

Background: A capsule endoscope does not allow the examiner to observe a lesion from the desired direction in real time. Objective: To develop a driving system for a self-propelling capsule endoscope (SPCE) by using a magnetic field. Setting: Experimental endoscopic study in a live dog model. Design and Interventions: A microactuator was developed with the aim of remote-control operation. We developed a driving system for SPCE by attaching a capsule endoscope to this medical microactuator and performed the following experiments. (1) We operated this SPCE by remote control in the stomach of a dog under sedation and obtained endoscopic images using a real-time monitoring system only. (2) We placed a hemostatic clip on the gastric mucosa and recorded images of this clip with the SPCE. (3) We also placed clips at 2 other sites in the stomach and asked the SPCE operator, who was unaware of the location of the clips, to identify the site, number, and color of the clips. Main Outcome Measurements: Evaluation of performance of a driving system for SPCE. Results: The operator was able to obtain endoscopic images with the SPCE in the stomach of a dog in vivo, in any desired direction, by remote control. SPCE produced clear images of the clips placed in the stomach. The operator was able to easily identify the site, number, and color of the clips. Limitations: Animal model. Conclusions: Our trial suggests the possibility of clinical application of the driving system for an SPCE using a magnetic field.