Fluorescence imaging is commonly used for the detection and resection of tumors. It relies on machines with precisely tuned light sources and camera detectors. These end up being no smaller than hand-held devices. Researchers at the University of Glasgow, Scotland managed to cram LED illumination, a detector called a “complementary metal oxide semiconductor single photon avalanche detector imaging array,” and wireless communication inside a pill that can be swallowed.
The idea is to be able spot cancer within the GI tract in a more efficient and dignified way. The capsule may end up spending more time and covering more area within the gun than endoscopy. But so far it’s too soon to tell as this is just a prototype device that has only been trialed on image fluorescence phantoms.
Professor David Cumming, the University of Glasgow’s Chair of Electronic Systems, said: “We’ve played an important role in developing the technology behind video-pill systems, and this is an exciting new development, which offers a valuable new resource for gastrointestinal imaging.
“There’s still some way to go before it will be ready for commercial production and clinical use, but we’re in early talks with industry to bring a product to market. We’re also interested in expanding the imaging capabilities of video-pill systems to new areas such as ultrasound in the near future.”
Study in Scientific Reports: Wireless fluorescence capsule for endoscopy using single photon-based detection…
Source: University of Glasgow…