Innovations of wireless capsule robots in gastrointestinal endoscopy: a review

Abstract

Gastrointestinal endoscopy as crucial observation procedure for detecting numerous critical disorders has many limitations with current tethered devices. Specialists recommended further investigation by Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) in which they investigate gastrointestinal tract by a capsule-sized robot equipped with out-body image transmitter. WCE is utilized in further observation of the small bowel for different disorders such as tumors, polyps, bleeding, and Crohn’s disease. Although numerous advances have been done in the last decade and the technology progress is so fast, some restrictions still remained in terms of visioning issues, orientation, drug delivery, biopsy, and others. Using passive motion, very time-consuming process, localization, and lack of movement control are the main challenges of researchers in this criteria. In this article, recent technological advancements in the area of WCE inspection are highlighted. As WCE inspection generally become the top priority for finding of gastrointestinal tract disorders, a comprehensive review has been considered to evaluate technologies and limitations in terms of technical specifications.