DOTMed News reported three recent breakthroughs in gastrointestinal endoscopes:
1. Ingestible capsule endoscopes. Olympus and Siemens announced a partnership last year to create a magnetically guided endoscope capsule. A 2010 feasibility study suggests the procedure could be useful for gastric examinations and the technology is expected to be released shortly. Also, Olympus has been improving its current capsule endoscope and is marketing the EC Type 1 charged-couple device.
2. Treatment of esophageal achalasia. Peroral myotomy provides a less invasive permanent treatment for esophageal achalasia, which involves difficulty swallowing, and has lower morbidity than traditional open surgery.
3. Endoscopic advancements for obesity. Trials are being performed to decrease the capacity of the stomach and to bypass absorption areas of the small bowel. Other technologies are being developed to help people feel fuller, and will decrease the desire to eat more.
Read the DOTMed News report on breakthroughs in GI endoscopy.
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