D Nageshwar Reddy of AIG Hospitals, Dr. Rakesh Kalapala, Director – Centre for AI & Innovation, Dr. Alex Luebke of EndiaTx, and Dr. Vivek Kumbhari of Mayo Clinic, USA, at the event in Hyderabad on December 19.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
AIG Hospitals witnessed a landmark moment in medical innovation on Thursday, with the Indian debut of the PillBot, a capsule endoscopy technology developed by US-based medical company Endiatx.
The programme featured a live demonstration by Alex Luebke, co-founder of Endiatx, who swallowed the tiny capsule-shaped device before an audience of medical professionals and journalists.
As the capsule travelled through his body, its embedded high-resolution camera transmitted live visuals of his internal organs on a screen, offering a real-time glimpse into human anatomy. The PillBot’s movements were remotely controlled by Vivek Kumbhari, Chair of the Department of Gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic, using a gaming controller. He guided the capsule, pointing out various anatomical features revealed by its camera.
The PillBot, measuring 13 mm by 30 mm, resembling an ordinary pill, contains a miniature camera and sensors that allow it to traverse the digestive system, capturing and transmitting images and videos to detect conditions such as ulcers, bleeding, and other abnormalities. The capsule’s non-invasive nature eliminates the need for traditional endoscopic procedures and passes naturally through the body within the next 24 to 48 hours after completing its task.
Speaking about the technology’s future, Dr. Alex stated that clinical trials are currently underway, with a review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expected in 2025. The PillBot is projected to enter the global market by 2026. In India, its use is presently restricted to research at AIG Hospitals.
Tracing the evolution of diagnostic technology, Dr. Alex highlighted how the PillBot represents a new era in healthcare. “From surgical exploration in 6000 BCE to x-rays and endoscopes in the 19th century, and ultrasound and MRI in the 20th century, we are now entering the age of micro-robots. These devices can diagnose without surgery and offer a cost-effective solution for gastrointestinal care,” he said.
Chairman of AIG Hospitals D. Nageshwar Reddy underscored the PillBot’s potential to transform patient care in India. “The PillBot’s ability to provide high-resolution insights without invasive procedures is a pivotal moment in medical diagnostics. This technology promises more efficient and patient-friendly solutions that can save lives while making diagnoses affordable,” he said.
Dr. Alex echoed this vision, expressing optimism about the PillBot’s broader impact on healthcare. “Our goal is to make PillBot a widely accessible tool that redefines gastrointestinal health.”
Published – December 19, 2024 07:47 pm IST
