Japanese researchers at the Osaka Medical College and Ryukoku University has created a self propelled endoscope capsule capable of photographing the digestive track as it moves. The device, dubbed the "Mermaid," was first announced at the International Conference on Digestive Diseases in Chicago back in May 2011. Along the development track, the team said it has been tested on dogs in 2009 and since made small. The Mermaid can be swallowed to image the stomach, or inserted rectally for a trip through the intestinal track. Professor Kazuhide Higuchi, team member, boasted the main benefit, "It can examine the digestive canal from the esophagus to the colon in a few hours. It reduces burdens on patients and can led to the discovery of cancer."
The Mermaid, in its current form, is approximately 1 cm (0.4") in diameter and 4.5 cm (1.8") long. The operator controls the Mermaid via a joystick and monitor, and the device's magnetic driving gear gives precise control over its movement.
Imaging endoscopes are nothing new. Wide use has been ramping up since 2000. However, the self propelled is a faster alternative to the natural muscle passing of the scope. Kazuhide Higuchi again, "by remotely controlling the capsule, we can precisely photograph the area which needs to be tested."
Although the medical benefits are great, the idea of the Mermaid swimming around inside is quite disturbing.
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