Colonoscopy technologies for diagnostics and drug delivery

Abstract

With a global increase of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and other colon-related illnesses, advanced technologies are needed for imaging of the colon and localized drug delivery. Optical colonoscopy is the gold standard for imaging of the colon. However, existing colonoscopy approaches have a high adenoma misdiagnosis rate, which can be lethal for patients. This article reviews the emergence of virtual colonoscopy, dye-based chromoendoscopy, electronic chromoendoscopy and capsule endoscopy in diagnosis. Flexible spectral imaging colour enhancement, the use of second-generation capsule endoscopy and i-scan were described. Moreover, a drug delivery system using capsule endoscopy was discussed. Finally, this review includes market analyses of commercial products, clinical trials and future prospects of colonoscopy devices. K E Y W O R D Scolonoscopy, diagnostics, drug delivery, endoscopy, sensors

The Evolving Landscape of Colonoscopy: Recent Developments and Complication Management

“…Crystal violet is one example of an absorbent dye that penetrates epithelial cells and makes it easier to differentiate between tumors and infections. Absorptive dye requires initial treatment, such as mucus clearance from the mucosa wall, compared to contrast dye [16]. Responsive staining, such as Congo red, employs chemical reactions to draw attention to certain features inside the tissue.…”

“…In clinical use, it has not become a widely accepted alternative for conventional colonoscopy, in part due to the unpleasant and lengthy nature of dye application. Furthermore, some research indicates that some dyes, such as methylene blue, can be cancerous [16].…”

Frontiers of Robotic Colonoscopy: A Comprehensive Review of Robotic Colonoscopes and Technologies

“…The technology used for SC consists of a long semirigid insertion tube around 13 mm in diameter, with a steerable tip, but nevertheless more rigid than the colon, which is introduced through the anus and pushed forward to inspect the colonic wall. Colonoscope looping may occur during insertion, considerably stretching the colon, thus generating pain and potential tissue damage, or even perforation (0.1–0.3% for diagnostic colonoscopies) [ 34 , 35 ] ( Figure 2 A). Furthermore, even well-experienced endoscopists are often limited by the lack of manoeuvrability, which can result in about 20% of missed polyps [ 36 ].…”