Preoperative Use of a Magnetically Controlled Capsule Endoscopy in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Feasibility Prospective Trial
Preoperative Use of a Magnetically Controlled Capsule Endoscopy in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Feasibility Prospective Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to test if a swallowable camera capsule can safely examine the upper digestive tract in people preparing for weight loss surgery. The camera capsule (called NaviCam® Xpress™ Stomach System) is controlled by magnets from outside the body and doesn't require sedation, unlike traditional endoscopy. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Can the camera capsule be safely used in people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 38? Can doctors successfully control and move the camera capsule to see the necessary areas of the stomach and esophagus? Researchers will evaluate 30 participants who are preparing for weight loss surgery.
Participants will:
Swallow the camera capsule with water after not eating or drinking since midnight Have their upper digestive tract examined while the doctor controls the capsule from outside their body Complete a brief satisfaction survey about their experience Be followed up with a phone call 2-3 weeks after the procedure
This study could help determine if the camera capsule is a good alternative to traditional endoscopy for people preparing for weight loss surgery, potentially avoiding the need for sedation.
Detailed Description:
The NaviCam® Xpress™ Stomach System represents a novel approach to upper gastrointestinal visualization in the bariatric surgery population. This magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy (MCCE) system consists of a single-use wireless capsule that contains imaging components and magnetic materials that allow external control through a physician-operated magnet.
Technical Specifications and Procedure:
The capsule is equipped with cameras capable of capturing both still images and continuous video footage. After the patient swallows the capsule with 500ml of water, it initially descends the esophagus via natural peristalsis while continuously recording. The capsule is initially attached to a tether, which is released via a 15ml air injection mechanism once the capsule reaches the appropriate position. Once inside the stomach, the external magnetic control system allows the physician to systematically manipulate the capsule's position and orientation, enabling thorough visualization of the gastric mucosa.
Clinical Significance:
This study addresses a critical gap in pre-bariatric surgery evaluation. While traditional esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) remains the gold standard, it presents unique challenges in the bariatric population due to:
Increased sedation risks associated with high BMI Higher technical complexity of the procedure Greater risk of respiratory complications during sedation
Innovation and Technological Advancement:
This represents one of the first applications of MCCE technology specifically targeted at the bariatric surgery population. The study's focus on patients with BMI >38 kg/m² will provide valuable data about the system's performance in body habitus previously considered challenging for magnetic control systems.
The feasibility assessment incorporates multiple technical parameters:
Magnetic control responsiveness across varying body habitus Quality of mucosal visualization in different anatomical regions System reliability and technical performance metrics Procedure duration and technical success rates
This study will help establish the potential role of MCCE in the standard pre-bariatric surgery evaluation pathway and may inform future technological refinements specific to this patient population.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: