New Approval
- Capsule Endoscopy. A newer version of PillCam has been developed and approved for use. PillCam is a small capsule with tiny video cameras that the patient swallows. This new version takes color photographs of the patient’s esophagus at a rate of 14 frames per second, as opposed to the earlier PillCam, which photographed 4 frames per second. The photographic procedure takes about 20 minutes, and the capsule passes from the digestive system naturally after about 24 hours. The new PillCam provides the doctor with better views of the entire esophagus and is superior in identifying GERD.
Withdrawn From Clinical Use
- Enteryx Implant. The Food and Drug Administration cleared Enteryx for use in 2003. Although studies showed that the implant was effective, the manufacturer voluntarily withdrew this product in September 2005 because of severe complications associated with the implant injection technique.
