Take a pill for intestinal problems

Physicians in the US state of Wisconsin are testing the SmartPill GI monitoring system to evaluate slow gastric emptying, a gastrointestinal motility disorder known as gastroparesis.

Symptoms include heartburn, nausea, vomiting of undigested food, abdominal bloating and an early feeling of fullness when eating. The condition affects a wide range of patients, including up to an estimated 50% of diabetics.

The capsule is a wireless, ingestible device about the size of a large vitamin pill. The patient ingests the single-use pill in a doctor’s surgery, then returns to daily activities.

As the capsule travels through the gastrointestinal tract, it collects pressure, pH and temperature data and wirelessly transmits that information to a data receiver.

This is worn on the patient’s belt or around the neck on a lanyard, is later returned to the doctor, where the data is downloaded to a computer providing gastric emptying time, combined small and large bowel transit time and total GI transit time.

The pill allows patients a more convenient, comfortable and less-invasive alternative to traditional procedures.

Traditional testing usually means a hospital visit of several hours, as well as X-rays, whereas the capsule eliminates the need for radiation and allows patients to go about their daily activities after a short 15-30 minute surgery visit.