1. Capsule endoscope

2. 1.Description of capsule endoscope and the way it works:  Description Capsule endoscopy is a new technology, where a miniature capsule with a camepra installed in it is used to capture images with all information of an entire gastrointestinal wall for use in medical practice, while the traditional endoscopy uses a gastric camera, which is accompanied by a long, thin tube inserted into the rectum and transversed through the colon or into the oral cavity. This new technology is used by gastroenterologists to detect diseases such as Crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers, and colon cancer.  The way it works Patient swallows the capsule and returns to their normal daily activity. In the course of examination, the capsule collects images of the gastrointestinal tract and transmits them to a recorder, held by a belt at waist level. After the exam, the capsule is excreted from the body.  Medical imaging companies Medical imaging companies are a branch of the multimedia companies. They use the techniques and processes, which are used to create images of the human body for clinical purposes (medical procedures seeking to reveal, diagnose or examine disease) or medical science (including the study of normal anatomy and physiology).

3. 2.Key Features Image processing system The captured images transmitted to the receiver are processed into an extensive series of overlapped “mosaicing” images. These images are created to replicate a 6 to 8 meter long digestive canal. As the result, a pipe shaped tract can be dissected to view in long form. The developed tract can be stored in a long and continuous form. Any spot of the canal can also be magnified up to 75 times on the screen. Moving video pictures Moving video pictures can be replayed as they were recorded, which enable doctors to recognize the subtle motion of peptic cells.

4. 3.Significance of capsule endoscope  Size: The size of the capsule is very small so that it is easy to swallow and it gives much less discomfort to the patients compared to traditional endoscope.  Unlimited scope of vision: Capsule endoscope is able to visualize an entire gastrointestinal tract including small intestine, which is very long (average 20-25 feet=6-7.6 m) and very convoluted, while traditional endoscope is not able to traverse the entire length of the small intestine.  Good quality images: Superior quality images compared to traditional endoscope images.  Convenience: Capsule is disposable so that it eliminates any possibility of in-hospital infection.

5. 4.The influences on the medical imaging companies Patient-friendly The capsule is much easier for patients (especially those who has swallowing problem and elderly) to swallow compared to traditional camera. It also eliminate a possibility of in-hospital infection since it is disposable. Doctor-friendly The capsule is easier for Doctors to use in medical practice. DRs are able to provide proper treatments with more reliable diagnosis. Superior quality images The images are able to be magnified up to 75 times on the screen and moving pictures can be replayed, which can provide more reliable diagnosis.

6. 5.Diagrams (1)

7. Traditional endoscope imageCapsule endoscope image 5.Diagrams (2)