Spectroscopic capsule technology for the detection of gastrointestinal bleeding

Since the early 2000s, capsule endoscopy has revolutionised the diagnostics of the gastro-intestinal tract. Such technology is critically complex, and is developed through international collaboration. Europe sits at the forefront of the technology, developing capsules with features such as locomotion, advanced imaging and micromanipulaton.
In recent years, European collaboration has yielded a capsule sensor for acute bleeding that is swallowed by the patient, attaches to the stomach wall, and detects bleeding through optical measurement. Yet, such technology is limited to the stomach, missing important bleeding in other segments of the gastro-intestinal tract.

The present project aims to develop a capsule sensor that can detect bleeding anywhere in the gastro-intestinal tract. In order to do so, it will use optical spectroscopy. The project addresses therefore the design of a swallowable optical spectrometer, of the data link to transmit the data outside the patient, of the power source, and of the electronics outside the patient. Finally, it will assemble the components in a complete sensing capsule and give a demonstration of its function.

The project establishes Scotland at the forefront of this highly novel technology, through collaboration with Ovesco Endoscopy AG, a key player in cutting-edge developments in endoscopic capsules.