The SmartPill
In the United States over 95 million people, experienced some problems with their gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal disorder) and ten million are hospitalized. Included among GI disorders are Gastroparesis and Crohn’s disease (granulomataus, enteritis or colitis). Gastroparesis is a disorder that results in a delaying emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine. Primary symptoms include nausea, vomiting (Vomiting usually occurs after meals and severe cases happens without eating due to accumulation of secretions in the stomach.), abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. Symptoms affect fifty percent of diabetics, and those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions. Gastroparesis caused by diseases (diabetes) of the stomach muscles or nerves that control the muscle. Also, attributed to imbalance of minerals in the blood such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Crohn’s disease is chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines (ileum). This disorder causes ulceration’s (breaks in the lining) of the small and large intestines. Also, affects the digestive system from the mouth to the anus. Approximately 20 percent of people with Crohn’s disease have a blood relative. There is no conclusion evidence as to the cause of Crohn’s disease, except some theorize a virus or bacterium causes the ongoing inflammation in the small intestine. People with Crohn’s disease tend to have an abnormal immune system. These common gastrointestinal disorders (Gastroparesis and Crohn’s) and similar GI tract diseases are examined or diagnosed by Endoscopy (Flexible tube instrument with a small light and camera lens at the end. Examining the GI tract, inserting the instrument into the mouth), Antral and Duodenal Manometry (A small catheter (tube) is passed through the nose into the stomach. Evaluating the pressure activity in the stomach and the upper small intestines, related to GI symptoms disorders,), Radiological Imaging (Images are produced by transmission (x-rays or CT scan), reflection (sending high frequency sounds to the body or organ to be studied) or emission imaging (Tiny nuclear particles or magnetic energy are detected by a scanner and analyzed by a computer)) and Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy (Using special radioactive material, allows a physician to identify abnormalities related to emptying the stomach, and the use of an X-ray) . These tests expose patients to harmful radiation, anxiety, and discomfort due to insertion of tubes in the GI tract. The Food and Drug Administration approved a new safe alternative method to examine the GI tract called a SmartPill, without any discomforts experienced from previous tests (mentioned).
A medical device company, The SmartPill Corporation (Buffalo New York), has been developing an electronic capsule, since being founded in 2003 (Resulted from a merger of APPRO Healthcare and The SmartPill Corporation) called SmartPill, about the size of a large vitamin pill, weighs less than three grams, and encased in a medical grade polycarbonate (safe for human consumption). Also, containing a chamber housing a power source or battery (The battery can function up to five days). The capsule is an easy pill to swallow, travels through the gastrointestinal tract collecting data and transmitting the information to a wireless receiver operating on a battery powered device, and worn on the patient’s belt or around the neck. The capsule takes a few days to pass (Excreted naturally through from the body without any pain or discomfort.) and then becomes disposable. Afterwards, the patient brings the cell – phone size receiver back to the doctor, where the data is downloaded onto a computer, through a SmartPill Data Receiver Docking Station. The data includes real time recording information, measuring pressure, temperature and pH as it progressed through the stomach, intestines, and bowl. The cost for the SmartPill diagnostic device is $500. During the time the capsule passes through the body and information is transmitted, the patient is free to conduct activities (72 hours). The devise is especially helpful when diagnosing gastroparesis. The Food and Drug Administration approved the SmartPill in July 2006, after clinical trials had concluded in November 2005. The SmartPill will be made available for sale in the fall of 2006. Also, the manufacture is seeking approval for use in Europe.
According to David Barthel, President and CEO of the SmartPill Corporation, said: “Our goal all along has been to provide gastrointestinal professionals with a new, less invasive, cutting-edge medical device for patient evaluation. SmartPill can now begin to actively marketing and selling our products to GI professionals, and in turn, help patients throughout the US.”
