OLYMPUS TECHNOZONE Vol.64 2005-04
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Developing practical applications to exploit the huge potential of capsule endoscopes |
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DThe key themes for the Medical Systems Zone were the conquest of cancer and support for medical care that is gentle on people. The historical and comprehensive endoscope exhibit covered technologies for testing, diagnosis and treatment. The area devoted to the new concept of capsule endoscopes was crowded with visitors throughout the fair period. There are high expectations of this type of technology, as indicated by the intense media interest that followed its announcement at a press conference held the day before the opening of OTF85.
The creation of the capsule endoscope symbolizes Olympus' tradition of technological excellence. "I was amazed to see people running to view our exhibit. The reaction to television and newspaper coverage following the press conference exceeded all expectations. The display was based on a time line showing the development of the basic capsule, the wireless power supply system, the omnidirectional capsule guidance system, and the ultrasound technology. The aim was to show the types of practical applications that could be developed in the near future and the longer-term future. However, visitors appeared to believe that all of the anticipated applications would be ready for use in the short-term future. Takizawa recalls, "Some people were worried that they wouldn't be able to swallow something so big, while others expressed reservations about the twin-spiral and caterpillar propulsion systems. We had to keep telling them that these were just prototypes created to show the functioning of the device." As befits someone involved in the development of element technologies, he chooses his words carefully. "Practical applications are still some distance in the future." However, Olympus has extensive technology resources built through over 50 years of experience in the development of endoscope technology. Miyamoto is confident: "Olympus can do it. As we bring together various technologies to miniaturize videoscopes, ultrasound systems and instruments, I am certain that we will establish a clear path to the development of the capsule endoscope." Olympus aims to develop an effective and practical way of studying the small intestine, a task that is difficult with conventional endoscopy. Olympus first began to develop capsule endoscopes 20 years ago. Internationally, Given Imaging of Israel announced a capsule endoscope system in 2000. In 2001 it introduced a practical system for use in the small intestine and commenced sales in Europe and North America. Olympus began to move toward the introduction of a practical system in 2002. The project moved into high gear in April 2003 following the establishment of most of the basic technologies required. This work has now led to the development of a system designed for use in the small intestine, which is difficult to access using conventional endoscopy, and investigative clinical trials and testing are already in progress. Both medical professionals and the general public saw the announcement at OTF85 as an indication that the long-awaited dream of a capsule endoscope was about to be realized. "This was the first time that we have exhibited the technology in a visible form. Clinical trials require stringent information management, so we must avoid expressions that suggest premature conclusions. That is why we have worked behind closed doors as much as possible." As a manufacturer of equipment used in medicine, Olympus needed to give careful consideration to both safety and effectiveness before making any announcements. Increased use of capsule endoscopes in medical examinations will improve the early detection of cancer. In Europe and North America, most endoscopic examinations, whether for the lower digestive organs, such as the colon, or upper digestive organs, such as the stomach, are carried out under anesthetic to avoid the discomfort and pain experienced when an endoscope is passed down the throat. Because of the time required for anesthetics to wear off, these examinations require almost a full day. In Japan it is common to carry out endoscopic examinations without anesthetic, though in some cases this can cause pain. This is why capsule endoscopes have become the focus of such intense expectation. It is likely that the working version will be designed to be swallowed; it will record observations as it passes through the body and will then be excreted. If it becomes possible to examine the upper digestive organs using capsule endoscopes, there will be a dramatic increase in the percentage of patients undergoing endoscopic examinations. This is likely to result in an improvement in the early detection of stomach cancer and other conditions. "A likely scenario is that conditions will be detected by means of capsule endoscopes and treated using flexible endoscopes. Eventually we will probably be able to create technologies for capsule endoscopes that will also be able to deliver drugs, recover specimens and even treat diseases. However, at each stage we will need to remain focused on the effectiveness of available technologies from a medical perspective as we develop practical applications." Capsule endoscopes were once regarded as a science fiction fantasy, but they have suddenly taken on visual form and moved into the realm of reality. We have made a major leap forward toward the gentler medical treatments of the future. >> Click here for the further informarion of capsule endoscopes
From "OTF85/Medical Systems Zone" Exhibits in the Medical Systems Zone focused on advances in technologies for the early detection and treatment of cancer, advanced imaging technologies that allow accurate monitoring of changes in medical conditions, the development of examination and treatment environments in which patients will feel secure and comfortable, and initiatives relating to procedures and medical technologies that reduce the burden on patients.
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