Novel upper gastrointestinal bleeding sensor capsule: a first human feasibility and safety trial

Abstract

Background/aims: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is the most common GI condition requiring hospitalization, and can be diagnosed by direct visualization. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using the PillSense system (EnteraSense Ltd.), a novel diagnostic tool designed for the rapid in vivo detection of UGIB, in human volunteers.

Methods: In the present study, 10 volunteers swallowed a PillSense capsule, followed by 2 servings of an autologous blood preparation. Participants were monitored for capsule passage, overall tolerability of the procedure, and adverse events.

Results: The procedure was completed per the protocol established in the present study in 9/10 cases. In 9 of the subjects, after capsule ingestion, the device indicated the absence of blood with sensor output values of 1. After the ingestion of the first blood mixture, the sensor outputs of all devices increased from 2.8 to 4, indicating that each camera detected blood. The sensor output remained within that range after the ingestion of the second mixture; however, in one case, the baseline capsule signal was positive, because of a preexisting condition. The passage of the capsule was verified in all patients, and no adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: The first trial of the PillSense system in human subjects demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of utilizing this product as a novel, noninvasive, and easy-to-use triage tool for the diagnosis of patients suspected of having UGIB.

Keywords: Capsules; Gastrointestinal hemorrhage; Triage.

Fig. 1.

PillSense system bedside receiver, touch pen, and swallowable single-use capsule.

Fig. 2.

PillSense capsule and details of the gap where the analysis of the wavelengths of visible light passing through the liquid and reaching the sensor occurs.

Fig. 3.

Real-time data are displayed on the bedside receiver, with an automated interpretation based on a pre-determined cut-off value: ≥1.8, blood detected; <1.8, no blood detected.