Magnetically guided ultrasound

The area of capsule endoscopy is growing rapidly with devices getting smaller, while at the same time gaining greater functionality and intelligence. New diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are being discovered and existing technologies that could previously not be contained within medical capsules are fast approaching a scale that can.
In collaboration with the University of Glasgow, we have created a pioneering capsule capable of performing diagnostic ultrasound within the gastrointestinal tract.

The capsule, “Magnocap,” is designed to be inserted into the gastrointestinal tract and then be positioned inside the body using magnetic coupling. The magnetic force is controlled via a robotic arm above the patient and can be used to not only position the capsule, but produce the movements necessary for ultrasound imaging. The on-board camera provides additional diagnostics and feedback to the user.