CapsoCam: Wireless Capsule Endoscopy for the Small Bowel
Pan-imaging capsule endoscopy from CapsoVision — 360-degree small bowel imaging without a wearable recorder. For Australian gastroenterology services evaluating capsule platforms.
What CapsoCam Does
CapsoCam is a swallowable capsule that captures 360-degree panoramic images as it passes through the small bowel. The patient swallows the capsule, and over the following 8–15 hours it images the small bowel as it transits. The capsule is then passed naturally and retrieved by the patient for return to the clinic, where the on-capsule storage is read out and interpreted by the gastroenterologist.
The pan-imaging approach — multiple lateral cameras capturing a full 360-degree view — differs from the forward-facing camera design used by most capsule endoscopy systems. The clinical case for pan-imaging is improved visualisation of the bowel wall circumferentially, reducing the risk that lesions on the lateral or posterior wall are missed.
Clinical Indications
CapsoCam, like other capsule endoscopy platforms, is used for small bowel investigations that conventional upper endoscopy and colonoscopy cannot reach. The main indications:
- Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after negative gastroscopy and colonoscopy
- Suspected Crohn's disease of the small bowel — assessment of disease extent and severity
- Iron deficiency anaemia of unclear source after standard endoscopic workup
- Suspected small bowel tumours — both for primary detection and surveillance in genetic syndromes
- Coeliac disease complications in non-responsive disease
Contraindications are consistent across capsule endoscopy systems: known or suspected bowel obstruction, strictures, swallowing disorders, and the presence of certain implanted devices (the contraindication for cardiac pacemakers has been substantially revised in recent guidance but still requires case-by-case assessment).
The Workflow Difference
Most capsule endoscopy systems require the patient to wear a recording belt or harness throughout the procedure, with the capsule transmitting images via radiofrequency to the wearable recorder. This works, but introduces logistical issues — patient compliance, equipment loan and return, signal interference, and the visible nature of the device during the procedure day.
CapsoCam's on-capsule storage eliminates the wearable recorder entirely. The patient swallows the capsule and goes about their day normally. There is no harness, no signal monitoring, and no equipment return logistics until the capsule itself is retrieved. For some patient populations and clinical settings, this is a meaningful workflow simplification.
Practical Considerations
The on-capsule storage model means the capsule must be physically retrieved before images can be reviewed. Most patients pass the capsule within 24–72 hours; a small proportion experience capsule retention requiring intervention. Pre-procedural patency testing (a dissolvable test capsule) is recommended in patients with known or suspected strictures.
Image review time per study is comparable to other capsule endoscopy platforms — typically 30–60 minutes of clinician time depending on the indication and findings. AI-assisted review tools are increasingly available across the capsule endoscopy market and reduce review time.
Distribution in Australia
Distribution arrangements for CapsoCam in Australia are currently being finalised through the same supplier network as Elastography Australia. Gastroenterology services and imaging centres interested in CapsoCam access can register interest now to receive product information and commercial terms as availability is confirmed.
CapsoCam may suit your service if:
- You currently refer out for capsule endoscopy and want to bring the service in-house
- Your existing capsule endoscopy platform has workflow friction with the wearable recorder
- You want pan-imaging coverage for higher detection sensitivity
- You're evaluating capsule endoscopy procurement for the first time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CapsoCam?
CapsoCam is a wireless capsule endoscopy device manufactured by CapsoVision. The patient swallows a small camera capsule that captures 360-degree panoramic images of the small bowel as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. CapsoCam differs from many capsule endoscopy systems in that the images are stored on-capsule and retrieved after the capsule is passed, rather than transmitted in real-time via a wearable recorder.
What is CapsoCam used for clinically?
CapsoCam is used to investigate small bowel pathology that is inaccessible to standard upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. Common clinical indications include suspected small bowel bleeding, Crohn's disease assessment, suspected small bowel tumours, and unexplained iron deficiency anaemia after negative gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Like other capsule endoscopy systems, it is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected bowel obstruction.
How does CapsoCam differ from PillCam and other capsule systems?
Three main differences: (1) image storage — CapsoCam stores images on the capsule itself and is retrieved after the capsule passes, whereas PillCam (Medtronic) transmits via radiofrequency to a wearable recorder; (2) imaging angle — CapsoCam captures 360-degree panoramic views via multiple lateral cameras, while PillCam uses forward-facing cameras; and (3) the patient experience — CapsoCam patients don't wear a recording belt during the procedure, which some clinics find improves patient compliance.
Is CapsoCam available in Australia?
Distribution arrangements in Australia are currently being finalised. Practices interested in CapsoCam access or evaluating capsule endoscopy systems can contact Elastography Australia to register interest and receive product information as availability is confirmed.
Does Medicare cover capsule endoscopy in Australia?
Yes — there are MBS items covering small bowel capsule endoscopy when clinically indicated, typically MBS item 11820 (capsule endoscopy of the small intestine). Eligibility criteria include specific clinical indications such as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after standard endoscopic investigation. Always interpret current MBS item descriptors with a billing specialist for the most accurate guidance.
Register interest in CapsoCam
Get product information, pricing, and Australian availability updates as the distribution pathway is confirmed.
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