Video Capsule Endoscopy and Ingestible Electronics

In this review, we focus on the hardware and software technologies used for the purpose of gastrointestinal tract monitoring in a safe and comfortable manner. We review the FDA guidelines for ingestible wireless telemetric medical devices, and the features incorporated in capsule systems such as microrobotics, closed-loop feedback, physiological sensing, nerve stimulation, sampling and delivery, panoramic imaging and rapid reading software. Both experimental and commercialized capsule systems with their sensors, devices, and circuits are discussed. Furthermore, the advances in biocompatible materials and batteries, edible electronics and alternative energy sources for ingestible capsule systems are presented. The clinical studies are reviewed to examine the safety and effectiveness of capsule procedures and the current challenges and outlook are summarized.