Computer-Aided Magnetic Levitation Capsule Endoscopy Real-Time Image Transmission Computer-Aided Engineering
Issue Date:
2008
Publisher:
Institute of Information Theories and Applications FOI ITHEA
Abstract:
Swallowable capsule endoscopy is used for non-invasive diagnosis of some gastrointestinal (GI)
organs. However, control over the position of the capsule is a major unresolved issue. This study presents a
design for steering the capsule based on magnetic levitation. The levitation is stabilized with the aid of a
computer-aided feedback control system and diamagnetism. Peristaltic and gravitational forces to be overcome
were calculated. A levitation setup was built to analyze the feasibility of using Hall Effect sensors to locate the in-
vivo capsule. CAD software Maxwell 3D (Ansoft, Pittsburgh, PA) was used to determine the dimensions of the
resistive electromagnets required for levitation and the feasibility of building them was examined. Comparison
based on design complexity was made between positioning the patient supinely and upright.