Technological innovations in the health sector continue to emerge. One of them is a camera in the form of a capsule or pill, which is made to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases.
Scientists from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences from The George Washington University in the United States and the technology company ANX Robotica created an innovation called NaviCam. The camera is so small that it is the size of a medicine capsule so that it can be swallowed by humans.
Despite its small size, this capsule camera is able to simplify the task of doctors in diagnosing diseases in the human body. Because the NaviCam capsule is able to visualize and photograph potential problem areas in digestion and other body parts.
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According to Professor Andrew Meltzer who was involved in the development project for the tool, this capsule-shaped camera uses an external magnet and a joystick like a video game to make movements inside the body.
“Magnetically controlled capsules can be used as a quick and easy way to screen for health problems in the upper digestive tract such as ulcers or stomach cancer,” said Professor Andrew Meltzer.
quoted The telephone from Engadget on Thursday (08/06/2023), professor Meltzer and his team conducted a study of 40 people to test the NaviCam capsule.
The result is satisfying because the doctor is able to control the capsule to all the main parts of the stomach with a 95% visualization success rate. The capsules can also detect bleeding and swelling inside the body. Photo and video results can also be transferred to other platforms for further review.
Professor Meltzer assessed that this capsule could replace the role of conventional endoscopy technology that has been used so far. This means that the treatment process can be cheaper and also more comfortable for patients.
“Traditional endoscopy is an invasive procedure for the patient, not to mention expensive due to the need for anesthesia and time off from work,” says Professor Meltzer.
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The researchers note the trial program is still in its early stages and a much larger trial with many more patients is on the horizon.
