Design and experiment of magnetic propelling system for active locomotion wireless capsule endoscope

CHEN Zhenzhi, LIU Sheng, GAN Zhiyin, ZHANG Honghai
(School of Mechanical Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, China)

Abstract: Aiming at overcoming the deficiencies of traditional pushpull endoscopes and passive wireless capsule endoscopes, a magnetic propelling system for active locomotion wireless capsule endoscope was investigated. The permanent magnets were used to generate and regulate the outside magnetic field, which was used to control the movement and gesture of magnetic shelled endoscopic capsule. The performance of the system was evaluated through invitro experiments. Test results show that the proposed magnetic propelling system is capable of steering the capsule freely and controlling its gesture in the simulated gastrointestinal tract, thus it greatly improves the efficiency of capsule endoscopy.
Key words: magnetic propelling; active locomotion; capsule endoscopy