Thesis

Towards an endoscopic capsule for the detection of gastrointestinal bleeding: spectroscopic sensing and optical data communications

Downloadable Content

Download PDF
Creator
Rights statement
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2024
Thesis identifier
  • T17204
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201763822
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Introduction: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common and potentially life-threatening condition that necessitates prompt diagnosis and intervention. While endoscopy remains the gold standard for detecting GI bleeding, it has limitations, notably its inability to reach the small intestine, where critical bleeding may be missed. In 1981, Gavriel Iddan’s introduction of the wireless camera pill revolutionized gastroenterology by enabling comprehensive imaging of the entire GI tract. Despite advancements, existing wireless capsules primarily rely on optical sensors limited to two wavelengths, restricting their ability to detect various substances. Furthermore, the communication system using radio frequency (RF) faces bandwidth constraints, hindering data transfer capabilities. Methods: This PhD thesis aimed to enhance both the sensing and communication systems of wireless capsule endoscopes. The first objective was the development of an optical sensor with a higher optical channel count than existing capsule-based devices. This is a necessary step for detecting a broader range of substances within the GI tract. The second objective was the development of an optical communication link with high bandwidth. To assess the feasibility of the proposed optical communication system, theoretical simulations were performed to estimate the data transmission rates achievable through biological tissue. Additionally, practical bench tests were conducted using phantoms and biological tissue to evaluate the performance of the new optical communication system. Results: The multi-wavelength optical sensor was successfully developed, offering the ability to sense a wider spectrum of wavelengths compared to traditional systems. In addition to the spectrometer’s capabilities, separate theoretical simulations indicated that optical communication could support higher data transmission rates than RF communication. Experimental testing further demonstrated that the optical system was capable of transmitting data through biological tissue at a data rate of up to 12 Mbps. Furthermore, the optical communication system successfully transmitted an uncompressed colour image with a data rate of up to 1 Mbps, demonstrating its potential for high-quality image transmission from the capsule to external receivers. Discussion: The results indicate that the number of channels and bandwidth of a multiwavelength optical sensor can indeed be improved. This shows promise to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of wireless capsule endoscopes. By expanding the range of detectable wavelengths, the new system provides detection with higher specificity. Moreover, the successful implementation of optical communication addresses the limitations of RF communication, enabling faster data transmission and the possibility of real-time high resolution image delivery. The main limitation of the thesis is that the work is only qualitative, and no reference tests exist to demonstrate the capabilities quantitatively. Future work will need to define reference tasks, test the system under these tasks, and under clinical conditions.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Corrigan, Damion
  • Giardini, Mario Ettore
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2023
Funder

Relations

Items

Thumbnail Title Date Uploaded Visibility Actions
file details PDF of thesis T17204 2025-02-03 Public Download