Blowfish-Inspired Alternative Magnetic Field Inflation Module for On-Demand Anchoring and Enhanced Visual Detection of Capsule Endoscopes

초록

Capsule endoscopes are valuable in gastrointestinal diagnostics; however, it has limited effectiveness in the large intestine, as its stability is affected by the colon's large size and continuous muscular activity. Therefore, to enhance capsule endoscopes' anchoring performance in the large intestine, an innovative inflation module is developed to attach to their tail or integrate as a soft shell. The module supports the intestinal wall, stabilizing the device and broadening its field of view while allowing targeted examinations. A detailed characterization analysis of the inflation module is conducted using controlled settings to validate its design. In addition, the module is rigorously tested in simulated environments to assess its core functions; this is followed by in-vitro trials within a large intestine phantom and ex vivo porcine large intestine models. These tests demonstrate the combined module and capsule endoscope's ability to anchor securely, provide a steady field of view, and adapt to the large intestine's unique structure, supporting its application in diagnostic imaging of the gastrointestinal tract. This approach has the potential to enhance capsule endoscopes' diagnostic precision and advance non-invasive gastrointestinal tract observation technology.

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