PillCam COLON 2 capsule endoscopy offers a patient-friendly option for visualization of the colon mucosa. This advanced imaging technology is complementary to traditional, therapeutic colonoscopy and may be an appropriate exam for those patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo traditional colonoscopy. Advancements in the PillCam Platform with PillCam COLON 2 enables a smarter approach to colon capsule endoscopy, with the goal of improving patient care and reducing mortality.
PillCam COLON was cleared for marketing in the European Union in October 2006 and Israel in February 2008; the second-generation capsule, PillCam COLON 2, was cleared by the European Union in September 2009. PillCam COLON 2 offers intelligent functionality, superior imaging and a convenient workflow. Smart technology enables it to adjust the frame rate in real time to maximize colon tissue coverage, and, the imaging devices on either end of the capsule provide a near 360˚ view of the colon.
How the Procedure Works
Preparation for the PillCam COLON 2 procedure is similar to a traditional colonoscopy prior to capsule ingestion. A patient maintains a liquid diet the day prior to the exam and takes laxatives the night before the procedure. The following morning the patient arrives at the physician’s office, where he or she is prepped for the procedure. This includes attaching the SensorArray to the patient’s abdomen and the DataRecorder to a belt around the patient’s waist. Once these tasks have been completed the patient will be given a glass of water to help swallow the vitamin-sized pill and additional cleansing agents as required by the physician. After ten hours the patient returns the device and the pill passes naturally with a bowel movement usually within 24 hours.
Images are downloaded from the DataRecorder by the physician to a computer with proprietary RAPID software for review.