The PillCam SB video capsule measures 11 mm x 26 mm and weighs less than 4 grams. It contains an imaging device and light-source on one-side and transmits images at a rate of 2 images per second generating more than 50,000 pictures over an 8-hour period.
PillCam SB was initially cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001 and today is used by physicians to detect and diagnose disorders of the small intestine. This includes Crohn’s disease, small bowel tumors, malabsorption disorders (such as celiac disease), GI injuries induced by extended NSAID use and suspected GI bleeding of the small bowel.
The Company’s next generation small bowel video capsule, PillCam SB 2, was cleared for marketing by U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2007. It is the same size as the PillCam SB video capsule and offers advanced optics and a wider field of view to image the small intestine. PillCam SB 2 also captures nearly twice the mucosal area per image.
How the Procedure Works
A patient fasts starting at midnight the day before the procedure. The following morning they arrive at the physician’s office where they are prepped for the procedure. This includes attaching the sensor array to the patient’s abdomen and the data recorder 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. The patient can resume daily activities once he or she has successfully swallowed the PillCam video capsule. After 8-hours the patient returns to the physician’s office to return the device and the pill passes naturally with a bowel movement usually within 24 hours.
Images are downloaded by the physician to the Given workstation for review and diagnosis. The proprietary RAPID software installed on the workstation contains an image atlas to help facilitate the analysis.