The Pillcam is an imaging device invented by Dr. Gavriel Iddan at Given Imaging. The invention of the Pillcam opened up new possibilities in the field of gastrointestinal diagnostics. It offers an alternative to procedures that are less patient-friendly when screening for esophageal and gastrointestinal diseases by medical professionals.
The size of a multivitamin capsule, the Pillcam is a miniature wireless camera that is easy to swallow and travels naturally through the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, allowing medical professionals a direct view of the inside of the tract in order to evaluate the patient’s condition.
Following a cleansing procedure, the patient swallows the Pillcam with water, just as is done with a multivitamin. As the capsule travels through the digestive tract, the camera takes thousands of pictures that are broadcast to an external data recorder worn on a belt around the waist over a shirt.

While the capsule is transmitting the images, the patient is able to follow his/hers normal daily routine.

The procedure is complete after eight hours. The Pillcam is disposable and is expelled into a toilet. No pain or discomfort is felt.
The Pillcam is FDA approved.

By R.L.H.