Researchers from Hong Kong-based Chinese University created a robotic endoscope that goes deeper into patients in less time, while employing nanotechnology to deliver drugs or collect samples, the South China Morning Post reports.
Here's what you should know.
1. The instrument is 10 mm wide and has the capability to examine the entire small intestine within 30 minutes. A balloon enteroscopy takes an hour on average while covering only 80 percent of the organ.
2. The researchers developed the technology in collaboration with Zurich, Switzerland-based ETH Zurich.
3. Researchers have successfully tested similar technology on heart patients in Switzerland.
4. Researchers are testing the device on animals and intend to enter into a clinical study within three years.