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Wireless Endoscopy

Given Imaging uses Zarlink's ultra low-power RF transmitter chip in its PillCam video capsule endoscopy products. The PillCam video capsule consists of a microchip camera, light-emitting diodes that act as a flash, Zarlink's RF transmitter chip, and two silver oxide batteries. After the patient swallows the video capsule, the camera's images are relayed by the Zarlink RF transmitter to a portable data recorder. Data is then downloaded to a computer and a video is produced. 

The defining characteristic of Zarlink's custom RF (radio frequency) transmitter - its miniscule power consumption - assures the operating life and image capabilities of the video capsule over the course of an examination. Zarlink's custom transmitter chip consumes less than 7.5 milliwatts of power.

Zarlink's custom RF transmitter chip is used in Given Imaging's PillCam SB video capsule designed specifically to help doctors see inside the small bowel (small intestine) to diagnose disorders such as Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, benign and cancerous tumors, ulcerative colitis as well as others disorders. Zarlink's chip transmits video-quality images at a rate of two images per second for approximately eight hours, resulting in more than 50,000 images.

Our RF chip is also used in the PillCam ESO video capsule designed specifically for wireless examination of the esophagus to diagnose diseases such as esophageal varices, which may result in fatal bleeding, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus, which is an early indication for esophageal cancer. The PillCam ESO contains an imaging device and light source at both ends of the capsule. The Zarlink chip relays up to up to 14 images per second or a total of 2,600 color images as the capsule passes down the esophagus.

Since the first PillCam video capsule was approved by the FDA in 2001, more than 500,000 patients have safely swallowed one of the PillCam video capsules. Medical reports have found capsule endoscopy to be more accurate than traditional, invasive methods in diagnosing disorders of the small intestine.
 

To learn more about Given Imaging's PillCam capsule endoscopy, visit http://www.givenimaging.com/.