A groundbreaking pill-sized capsule is transforming endoscopy. Patients can now swallow the device, which uses advanced imaging to capture detailed internal views, eliminating the discomfort of traditional tubes. This innovation ensures a hassle-free experience, faster diagnostics, and greater accessibility, making gastrointestinal health checks more patient-friendly and efficient.
Imagine sitting comfortably on your sofa, watching your favourite show, while a doctor performs an endoscopy of your stomach from miles away in their office. Sounds like a scene from a sci-fi film, right? But this is quickly becoming a reality.
A person experiencing stomach pain, blood in their stool, and frequent vomiting may have an intestinal illness.
However, to determine the exact disease, doctors need to visually inspect the intestine. This can only be done through an endoscopy, a medical procedure that uses a flexible tube equipped with a camera and light to examine internal organs.
Before the procedure, patients are typically asked to fast for several hours, and an intravenous (IV) line may be inserted for administering sedatives or medications. Moderate sedation is usually used to ensure comfort, although general anaesthesia may be required in some cases.
During the procedure, the patient lies on their side or back. For upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, a local anaesthetic may be applied to numb the throat before inserting the endoscope through the mouth. In lower GI endoscopy, the scope is inserted through the rectum.
The endoscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing doctors to examine the digestive tract for issues such as inflammation, ulcers, or tumours. Biopsies or therapeutic interventions can also be performed.
Endoscopy is generally safe but may carry risks, including bleeding, infection, perforation, adverse sedation reactions, and temporary throat discomfort.
By 2024, India is expected to witness approximately 3.1 million endoscopy procedures, marking a steady increase from the 2,883,926 procedures recorded in 2022. This growth underscores a rising demand for endoscopic examinations, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses and enhanced access to healthcare services.
The rise in wealth across South Indian states has brought lifestyle changes that, unfortunately, include an increased consumption of junk food. This dietary shift has led to a surge in gastrointestinal issues.
A pill to revolutionise the endoscopy process
What if the entire process of endoscopy – traditionally requiring a tube to be inserted into the body – could be replaced by simply swallowing a pill? Imagine sitting comfortably on your sofa, watching your favourite show, while a doctor performs an endoscopy of your stomach from miles away in their office. Sounds like a scene from a sci-fi film, right? But this is quickly becoming a reality.
This innovative concept is now here with PillBot, a robotic capsule endoscopy technology introduced in India by Hyderabad-based AIG Hospitals in collaboration with US-based innovator Endiatx.
The tiny, swallowable robot, measuring just 13mm by 30mm – the size of a vitamin capsule – is equipped with advanced cameras, sensors, and wireless connectivity. Once ingested, the capsule navigates the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, transmitting high-resolution, real-time images directly to physicians for diagnosis.
“This cutting-edge technology represents a monumental leap forward in gastroenterology. PillBot combines precision with patient convenience, offering a glimpse into the future of diagnostic care,” said Chairman of AIG Hospitals, Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, in a statement.
Features
Unlike traditional methods that require sedation and invasive procedures, PillBot allows for examinations to be conducted comfortably in a patient’s home. This not only enhances convenience but is also expected to lower diagnostic costs and improve access to care.
- Remote control precision: Healthcare professionals can remotely control the PillBot using a handheld game controller, manoeuvring it through the stomach to capture detailed images of the digestive system.
- High-quality live imaging: Equipped with advanced cameras, PillBot transmits live video at a rate of 2.3 megapixels per second, providing doctors with a real-time, detailed view of the patient’s gastrointestinal tract.
- Safe and biocompatible design: Encased in a biocompatible shell, PillBot is safe for ingestion and is naturally expelled from the body after completing its diagnostic mission.
- No sedation required: By eliminating the need for sedation and invasive procedures, PillBot ensures a more comfortable and efficient experience for patients.
How PillBot works
The process of using PillBot is remarkably simple and patient-friendly:
- Preparation: The patient fasts and drinks water to ensure optimal visibility during the procedure.
- Swallowing the capsule: The PillBot capsule is ingested just like a regular pill.
- Real-time examination: Within 10 minutes, the doctor remotely navigates the capsule through the stomach using a handheld controller, capturing high-resolution images in real time.
- Natural exit: Once its mission is complete, the capsule is naturally passed through the digestive system and flushed out.
AI integration: The future of GI care
PillBot integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its diagnostic potential. AI models analyse data from the device, enabling early detection and personalised treatment plans for GI conditions.
Dr Rakesh Kalapala, Director of the Centre for AI and Innovation at AIG Hospitals, emphasised the hospital’s role: “Our partnership with Endiatx goes beyond showcasing technology. By contributing clinical data to Endiatx’s research, we aim to improve PillBot’s efficiency and accelerate the development of AI-driven autonomous diagnostics.”
Currently in the research phase, PillBot has not yet received FDA approval and is being used in India for clinical trials.
“This technology represents years of research by engineers, clinicians, and scientists,” said Dr Vivek Kumbhari of Mayo Clinic. “The collaboration between AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad and Endiatx demonstrates how global partnerships can drive meaningful innovation.”
Dr Alex Luebke, Co-founder of Endiatx, stated: “Our goal is to make PillBot a widely accessible tool. By harnessing AI, we envision a future where PillBot not only diagnoses autonomously but also guides preventive care strategies.”
Dr Reddy concluded: “This technology has the potential to redefine GI care in India, not only saving lives but also making diagnostics more cost-effective. Currently, the production cost is around 100 dollars, but once mass-produced, we are confident we can reduce the price to as low as 35 dollars.”
As clinical trials continue, PillBot is poised to usher in a new era of patient-friendly, AI-powered diagnostics, making advanced gastrointestinal care more accessible and affordable for people across India. #hydkhabar
About The Author
Faraaz Mohammed