Computer controlled colonoscopy

Abstract

Endoscopy of lower gastrointestinal tract which includes colonoscopy provides a visualization of the large intestine in a minimally invasive fashion. Even in the hands of an experienced operator colonoscopy, with present instrumentation, is in many cases long and painful procedure. This project's aim is the development of a new computer controlled endoscope which uses air actuation of a multi-link mechanism with sensory feedback provided by a 3D magnetic sensor placed in the biopsy channel of a gastroenterological endoscope. This novel medical device should successfully integrate two technologies-3D imaging system, accurate and non-radiological method of imaging the colonoscope and 3D actuating along the colon. With these two technologies, protocol for the examination of patients becomes more automatic and faster.