1. What is the size of the capsule?
The dimensions of the capsule are 11mm X 26mm and it weighs about 4 grams.

2. What components comprise the “wireless endoscopy” technology?
The Given® Diagnostic Imaging System is comprised of three components: the ingestible PillCam™ Capsule, the size of a large vitamin, which is made up of a miniature color video camera, a light source, batteries, a miniature transmitter, and an antenna; the Given® Data Recorder including sensor array which is worn about the waist during the examination; and the RAPID™ Workstation which processes the data downloaded from the Given Data Recorder into a short video film clip and presents other relevant GI parameters.

3. How does this tiny capsule endoscope work?
The disposable PillCam™ incorporates a light source, a miniature color video camera, battery, antenna and a radio transmitter. The image of the intestine is captured by the video camera and transmitted by radio frequency to an array of sensors worn around the patient’s abdomen. The signals are recorded digitally on a device, which resembles a portable “Walkman™” carried on the belt. The patient removes the belt and data recorder after approximately eight hours (or after detecting that the capsule has been excreted – if earlier) and returns the belt and recorder to the clinic. At the clinic, the images are downloaded from the recorder onto the RAPID™ Workstation. The doctor can then examine the video (Patient Rapid Report) to look for abnormalities.

4. How does the capsule move through the gastrointestinal tract?
A patient ingests the capsule with a sip of water. It moves through the intestinal tract by the natural contraction and relaxation of the gastrointestinal tract called peristalsis. The capsule is excreted naturally.

5. How does the PillCam™ Capsule retain a stable orientation so that images of the gastrointestinal tract can be recorded?
The PillCam™ Capsule is designed for stable orientation in the small intestine. This design has allowed us to present high quality images of the entire small intestine.

6. What if the capsule moves backward through the intestinal track rather than forward?
Standard endoscopy takes images in both directions, and it is not clearly established that one direction has an advantage over the other. In both possible cases (the capsule moving forward or backward), the internal surface of the intestine is acquired and visualized.

7. What is the capsule made of?
The capsule is made of specially sealed biocompatible material that is resistant to the digestive fluids throughout the GI tract.

8. Do doctors see the pictures of the GI tract and its environs on a TV screen? Are these still pictures or “real time” pictures?
After the patient returns the Given® Data Recorder to the clinic at the end of the examination, and after the data has been downloaded onto the dedicated workstation, the transmitted images are viewed by the gastroenterologist on the monitor of the RAPID™ Workstation, using the proprietary RAPIDTM software. This software allows the physician to view both streaming video images and also to view image-by-image, whichever the doctor prefers. Thus, the pictures are not “real time”.

9. What function does the RAPID™ software perform?
After the patient returns the Given® Data Recorder to the physician and the data has been downloaded from the recorder to the RAPID™ Workstation, Given’s proprietary RAPID™ software performs advanced image and data processing on the video and data. It transforms them into a video that may be viewed and reviewed by the physician offline at a rate faster or slower than real-time.

10. What happens to the PillCam™ after the 24 hours or so that it takes for it to run through the patient’s gut? Does it pass through the body and out? Is it somehow absorbed?
The PillCam™ moves naturally through the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted naturally, without any sensation whatsoever. The PillCam™ Capsule is disposable, so patients are not required to return the device to the physician. It is NOT absorbed in the body!

11. Are there any side effects?
To date, no side effects have been found with use of the capsule according to Given’s guidelines.

12. Swallowing the capsule has been compared to “swallowing an aspirin.” Is it that easy and painless?
Yes. It really is easier than swallowing an aspirin! It seems that the most important factor in ease of swallowing is the lack of friction. The capsule is very smooth, enabling it to slip down the throat with just a sip of water. After swallowing the PillCam™, the capsule passes through the GI tract with absolutely no sensation.

13. How much will the test cost?
Currently the test is not covered by OHIP. The technology is expensive as the capsule can not be reused. In addition, the 50,000 images have to be reviewed by our doctors. This process can take up to 6 hours.

14. Does my health insurance plan cover the test?
Some insurance plans will cover the procedure.  You should contact your insurance company directly to find out whether you are covered. In addition, you should speak to your accountant as the procedure may entitle you for a tax credit.