Researchers at Given Imaging (Yoqneam, Israel) incorporated a digital camera, battery, radio transmitter, and light source into a pill-sized package that can be swallowed by patients to enable nonsurgical imaging of the gastrointestinal tract (Figure 1).

The torpedo-shaped capsule can provide more than five hours of real-color images. The patient need not be in a hospital or clinic during this time. The disposable capsule, which is 30 mm long and 11 mm in diameter, is propelled by peristalsis through the gastrointestinal tract. The images are transmitted from the capsule using UHF signals to an antenna array attached to the patient (much like an ECG test). The aerials also record position information. The received images are stored in a recorder worn on a belt around the waist.