Our aim is to develop functions for active, intelligent capsule endoscopes that include adaptive anchoring mechanisms, the ability to take tissue and liquid biopsies, and in vivo microbiome analysis using gas sensors.
In Germany, around 6 million endoscopies are performed every year. They play a central role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Capsule endoscopes are an attractive alternative to traditional diagnostic procedures, as they allow the entire gastrointestinal tract to be inspected without discomfort for the patient or sedation. In addition, the risk of injury is significantly reduced and there is no need for expensive sterilization due to the single use. However, the range of functions still lags far behind that of established endoscopes.
Our vision is to develop functions for active, intelligent capsule endoscopes that include adaptive anchoring mechanisms, the ability to take tissue and liquid biopsies and in vivo microbiome analysis using gas sensors. In addition, secure communication through the body at high data rates must be guaranteed. Such capsules have a wide range of applications and can replace or even surpass the use of conventional endoscopes in many areas.
The joint project “Active Intelligent Capsule Endoscopy” is being carried out by a consortium of chairs at TUD Dresden University of Technology and industrial partners from Germany. The partners cover a broad range of topics including biomedical engineering, microelectronics, microsystems technology, microfluidics, gas sensor technology, assembly and connection technology in electronics and medicine.
The aim of the research and development work in this project is to contribute to patient well-being and to reduce the workload of gastroenterologists.
- Prof. Andreas Richter | TUD Dresden University of Technology, Institute of Semiconductors and Microsystems
- Prof. Uwe Marschner | TUD Dresden University of Technology, Institute of Semiconductors and Microsystems
- Karlheinz Bock | TUD Dresden University of Technology, Institute of Electronic Packaging Technology
- Sebastian Zeißig | TUD Dresden University of Technology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Clinic 1
- Sebastian Schostek | Ovesco Endoscopy AG
- Christian Meyer | Renesas Germany GmbH (associated partner)
