Oral Sulfate Solution Capsule Endoscopy Transit Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bowel preparation methods for capsule endoscopy are inadequate in ensuring rapid and complete visualization of the gastrointestinal tract, often resulting in incomplete transit of the capsule endoscope due to slow transit times and battery exhaustion, necessitating improved solutions for cleansing and propulsive enhancement.
Innovation Solution
An oral sulfate solution comprising sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate, administered in specific concentrations, is used to purge and cleanse the gastrointestinal tract, acting as a transit speed enhancer to facilitate rapid capsule endoscope movement through the GI tract without phosphate salts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bowel preparation methods are used, then the GI tract is cleansed, but transit time is too slow causing incomplete visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the bowel preparation solution by using sulfate salts (magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate) instead of traditional phosphate-based solutions. This parameter change in the preparation solution's ionic composition stimulates more rapid intestinal motility while maintaining effective cleansing, thereby reducing transit time and ensuring complete capsule endoscope passage through the GI tract.
2Duration of action of moving object
If capsule endoscope battery capacity is increased, then transit duration is extended, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by optimizing the bowel preparation before capsule endoscopy to ensure rapid and complete transit through the GI tract. By using sulfate-based preparation solutions that stimulate faster intestinal motility, the capsule completes its journey more quickly, reducing the required battery duration and allowing for simpler, more compact capsule designs without compromising visualization completeness.
3Reliability
If phosphate-based bowel preparation is used, then cleansing is effective, but electrolyte disturbances occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces long-standing phosphate-based bowel preparation solutions with sulfate-based alternatives (magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate). These sulfate salts effectively stimulate intestinal motility and provide thorough cleansing similar to phosphate solutions but with a more favorable electrolyte profile that causes fewer disturbances, making them a superior disposable preparation option for capsule endoscopy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The oral sulfate solution significantly increases small bowel and colon transit times, ensuring comprehensive visualization and reducing the risk of battery exhaustion during capsule endoscopy, while minimizing salt absorption and potential electrolyte disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
sulfate salts, and more specifically magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), have long been recognized as having cathartic properties
Implementation Method 2
magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), have long been recognized as having cathartic properties, and more recently have been shown to increase small bowel and colonic transit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a bowel preparation procedure for capsule endoscopy for the examination of GI tract. The present disclosure also provides an improved method of examining the interior of the GI tract and of identifying the type, location, and cause of a GI pathology using an oral sulfate composition that enhances capsule endoscopic procedures, including transit time, and which purges and cleanses the GI tract of the patient.