According to reports from the Smart Medical Devices Network, a research team at the California Institute of Technology has developed a revolutionary medical device called PillTrek. This is a micro smart capsule with a diameter of only 7 millimeters and a length of just 25 millimeters (while conventional capsule endoscopes typically measure between 10-12 millimeters in diameter and 20-30 millimeters in length), making it more compact than existing capsule endoscopes. It can perform multiple precise tests within the human digestive tract and monitor intestinal health in real-time. The related research results were published in the latest issue of Nature Electronics.
The PillTrek smart capsule integrates three major innovations: low-power electronic technology, an integrated high-sensitivity sensor array, and an intelligent wireless transmission system.
The research team stated that PillTrek acts like a “chemical detective” in the digestive tract, accurately capturing pH values, temperature changes, and tracking key indicators such as glucose and serotonin. Additionally, through a modular design, PillTrek can switch between different functional sensors like changing camera lenses.
Moreover, the innovative 3D printing sensor technology makes mass production of the smart capsule possible. Currently, the research team is working on wireless power supply and miniaturization technology, with future versions of PillTrek expected to be even more compact and have longer battery life.
It is understood that capsule endoscope technology has undergone rapid technological innovation since its first introduction in 2001. Early capsule endoscopes could only provide static images, while modern capsule endoscopes are equipped with high-resolution cameras and wireless transmission technology, capable of transmitting high-quality video images in real-time. Additionally, some new types of capsule endoscopes have integrated micro-sensors that can measure pH values, temperature, and other physiological parameters, providing doctors with more comprehensive diagnostic information.
Capsule endoscopes are primarily used for diagnosing small intestine diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding. As technology matures and application areas expand, capsule endoscopes are also beginning to be used for diagnosing stomach and colon diseases. Furthermore, with the aging population and the high incidence of digestive tract diseases, the clinical demand for capsule endoscopes continues to grow.
According to reports from market research institutions, the global capsule endoscope market has shown a stable growth trend in recent years. North America and Europe dominate the market due to their advanced medical systems and higher health awareness. However, the Asia-Pacific region, with its large population base and rapidly growing medical needs, has significant market potential and is expected to become the fastest-growing region in the future.
In China, major companies in the capsule endoscope sector include Anhan Technology. In June, according to information from the National Medical Products Administration, the colorectal capsule endoscope diagnostic system of Anhan Technology (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. was not registered, with acceptance number CQZ2302090.
Anhan Technology has stated that its gastrointestinal disease screening products (Anhan’s Magnetic-Controlled Capsule Gastroscopy System) and constipation treatment products (Weitong VibraBot™ “Gastrointestinal Vibration Capsule System”) fill gaps in global medical technology. Among them, the “Magnetic-Controlled Capsule Gastroscopy System” achieves comfortable gastric examinations without intubation, obtaining a Class III medical device registration certificate from the National Medical Products Administration and CE certification from the European Union, and has passed the De Novo FDA registration for innovative medical devices in the United States. Currently, this product has been clinically applied in nearly a thousand medical institutions across 31 provinces and cities in the country and is exported to overseas markets.
The first capsule endoscope in China was born in 2004 at Jingshan Technology. Since the first domestic capsule endoscope was launched in 2004 and became a frontline examination method for small intestine diseases, there have been revolutionary changes in the diagnostic and treatment models for small intestine diseases and even the entire digestive tract, from technological advancements to expanded indications, from non-controlled capsule endoscopes to intelligent navigation capsule robots, and from diagnosis to preliminary exploration of treatment and prevention of complications.
It is understood that Jingshan focuses on micro-system MEMS technology and has undertaken dozens of national-level scientific research programs, including the national “863 Program”, national science and technology key projects, and international cooperation programs, successfully developing capsule endoscopes, capsule robots, full HD electronic endoscope systems, electronic gastrointestinal endoscopes, gastrointestinal pressure detection systems, pH capsules, and dozens of internationally leading medical devices, with the company’s patent pool exceeding 1300 items.
Additionally, Jingshan Technology has showcased the world’s first fully automated magnetic-controlled capsule endoscope robot that integrates artificial intelligence technology, micro-system medical technology, and medical robotic systems. This product has been clinically used in medical institutions worldwide and features automation, intelligence, and information technology.
This robot is the world’s first product capable of performing fully automated gastric examinations, utilizing the world’s leading fourth-generation capsule endoscope technology. Medical staff have the patient swallow a capsule, and after one button is pressed, the robot automatically completes the examination in about ten minutes, with examination image data uploaded to the cloud, and artificial intelligence assisting in image reading, followed by a licensed physician reviewing and signing the examination report.
Experts believe that the application of Jingshan Technology’s AI devices and technologies in the medical field has significant innovative significance and practical value. They point out that the fully automated capsule endoscope robot and capsule endoscope reading AI-assisted diagnosis technology not only improve the efficiency and accuracy of digestive tract disease examinations but also provide strong support for early cancer screening. The real-time assistance function of the self-developed gastrointestinal endoscope AI diagnostic technology helps doctors detect lesions in a timely manner, enhancing diagnostic levels.
