Colon X-Ray Imaging Capsule Makes Prepping Redundant

A new investigational imaging capsule has the potential to safely produce high-resolution images of the colon without requiring patients to go through a bowel cleansing process beforehand.

The Check-Cap prepless disposable colon endoscopy capsule utilizes proprietary X-ray-based measurement technology to safely generate high-resolution, three-dimensional (3D) imagery of the colon, without prior cleansing or other types of aggressive bowel preparation, thus increasing compliance with screening recommendations. The low-dose high resolution X-ray scans are generated when movement in the colon is detected, and are transmitted to an external recorder unit worn by the patient. Unlike optic alternatives, folds do not obstruct the capsule's full 360-degree radius view.

The capsule is tracked during passage using radio frequency (RF) telemetry and an electromagnetic localization system (ELS). The X-ray image data is transmitted to a wrist-worn device, where it is stored for physician analysis. If nothing is detected, no colonoscopy is necessary. If the 3D images reveal polyps, a therapeutic colonoscopy is scheduled as needed. Patients can continue their daily routine as the capsule travels painlessly through the colon, to be excreted naturally a day or two later. The Check-Cap prepless colon endoscopy capsule is a product of Check-Cap (Isfiya, Israel).

“For many patients, the most difficult and unpleasant part of undergoing a colonoscopy is the preparation required with traditional colonoscopes,” said Guy Neev, CEO of Check-Cap. “We believe that as the first high-resolution screening modality for colorectal cancer that requires no bowel cleansing or other aggressive preparation, the Check-Cap imaging system has the potential to improve patient compliance to colon cancer screening guidelines.”

“Fewer than 20% of Europeans and 55% of Americans in the target population for colon screening actually undergo colonoscopies according to guidelines, and one of the major hurdles is the burdensome preparation process required to thoroughly cleanse the bowel,” said Nadir Arber, MD, of Sourasky Medical Center (Tel Aviv, Israel), who conducted a 10-case clinical study of the capsule. “There is a critical need for increasing colon cancer screening compliance and a prep-free alternative could help overcome this significant hurdle.”

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