Researchers develop gastrointestinal imaging capsule for esophagus surveillance and interventions

In an advancement in gastrointestinal health, researchers from Johns Hopkins University have developed the Multifunctional Ablative Gastrointestinal Imaging Capsule (MAGIC)—a gastrointestinal imaging capsule for esophagus surveillance and interventions.

MAGIC combines the latest optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology with an ultracompact endoscope camera and an ablation laser, offering unprecedented capabilities in esophageal imaging and potential treatment. Operating at dual wavelengths of 800 and 1300 nm, MAGIC provides superior resolution and imaging contrast, enabling doctors to detect early lesions with unmatched accuracy.

The integrated ablation laser further extends MAGIC’s functionality, allowing for potential ablative treatment of esophageal abnormalities. This means that doctors can not only detect problems but also treat them, all within a single procedure.

The MAGIC technology is a major step forward in addressing the clinical need for a comprehensive esophagus surveillance and treatment solution. Current tethered capsule endoscopy (TCE) technologies, while promising, have been limited by suboptimal resolution, imaging contrast, and lack of visual guidance. MAGIC overcomes these limitations, paving the way for wider clinical adoption and improved patient outcomes.

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