Study on a Manipulatable Endoscope with Fins Knit by a Biodegradable String

Abstract

The accuracy of the inspection of the capsule endoscope is increased, if it can be manipulated by the operator with wireless communication. To develop it, the feasibility is important, however there are various studies. We consider the behavior of the endoscope in the broken-down. Therefore, this paper describes the manipulatable capsule endoscope that can behaves as the normal endoscope even if it is broken in the body of the patient, and that is not modified from the normal endoscope drastically. The fin for the maneuverability is knit using the biodegradable string for the surgical operation which is dissolved in the body, since the various shape can be realized. The safety is guaranteed, since the fin is dissolved in case that it comes off in the body. And, the small motor is employed as the actuator for the movement of the fin in the fundamental experiment to prevent from changing the shape of the capsule endoscope. The proposed endoscpoe can behave as the normal capsule endoscope, since the shape is similar to the normal capsule endoscope. Using it, the feasibility of the proposed endoscope is confirmed by the fundamental experiments.