A global perspective on capsule endoscopy
Review Article

A global perspective on capsule endoscopy

Tanja Nowak1,2

1Master Program MHMM (Health and Medical Management), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany; 2Consultant Medical Affairs, Hamburg, Germany

Correspondence to: Dr. Tanja Nowak, PhD. Max-Brauer-Allee 100, D-22765 Hamburg, Germany. Email: tanja.nowak@medical-affairs.de.

Abstract: A search of the internet today to quantify the estimated value of capsules from a global perspective, easily delivers figures stating around $200 million in 2014 to about $400 million by 2020, which would be approximately 10% of the gastrointestinal endoscopic market. Is this a steep rise within just six years or could the capsule market do even better? What chances does this offer and what are the key aspects for future success? By 2020, more than 1 billion people are aged sixty or older and around one third of them will live in what the UN calls “more developed regions”. Naturally, this brings an increased demand for colorectal cancer screening and surgery. But keeping in mind that basically every healthcare system, in any country, is already operating at its limits, how do we secure future treatment for a growing community? Surely more competition will steadily bring down prices for capsules. However, that does not ease the amount of time that is spent to properly read any video and issue a valid diagnosis for every patient. This article intends to give an overview about the current global market for capsule endoscopy (CE) with a perspective on typical patients, their indications, and how the capsules are used and by whom. Further aspects, such as standardization of training, reading and future trends will also be elaborated on.

Keywords: Capsule endoscopy (CE); remote capsule service; home delivery; pan-intestinal capsule; e-health; Crohn’s disease; inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); centralized reading

Submitted Feb 16, 2017. Accepted for publication Jul 24, 2017.

doi: 10.21037/atm.2017.10.20

Global market—overview

Ahead of discussing possible future market trends, a closer investigation of the current state of capsule endoscopy (CE) is mandatory. The market can be described from different perspectives: first, the technological progress which includes different capsule types and technical developments. Second, different indications are established or planned. The two last perspectives concern general market access and how that is enabled or constraint by reimbursement policies. The latter is of most interest to those who pay the bill: the patients themselves, society and those who develop, enhance and distribute new technologies—the manufacturers and service providers.

Capsule types and technology

First video capsule ever was called “M2A” (mouth to anus), and was launched in 2001 by Given Imaging Ltd. M2A was intended to be used as a “whole gut” capsule. However it turned out that this first capsule was best used to visualize the small bowel (SB), which was a “black box” at that time. The company renamed the product PillCam SB® (small bowel) capsule and provided units to 2 million patients by 2014. Meanwhile, Given Imaging resides within Medtronic and the portfolio has expanded to include other capsule types [UGI (upper GI), colon, SBC (small bowel colon)]. Other manufacturers, such as Ankon Technologies, CapsoVision, Chongqing Jinshan Science & Technology, IntroMedic and Olympus, with further technical developments such as magnetic guidance entered the market (1-3).

Not only have the optical lenses and image resolutions improved, but also the software has constantly advanced. The resolution of modern capsule images is at a maximum 512×512 pixel (4). With the help of software algorithms picture quality is enhanced to provide enough details for all relevant findings. Additional tools like a suspected blood indicator (5), Lewis Score for evaluating Crohn’s disease (6) and reading “accelerators” are available (7). Localization or 3D imaging is one key parameter to guide follow-up procedure, new techniques are currently under development (8).

No commercially available capsule is capable of taking biopsies, but a polyp, tumor or other relevant findings should be detected with high precision (9). Practice suggests that most limitations in the use of CE come from inadequate bowel preparation especially when visualizing the large bowel. Due to the regular application of a cleansing scale (10) in video reports, however, it is obvious that currently available regimens can yield good results (9).

Other technical approaches are described, e.g., an X-ray imaging capsule aiming for a prep-less visualization of the colon (11). A Spanish team developed the so-called Endoluminal Image Analysis (EIA) which is supposed to capture intestinal motility information due to changing patterns during the peristaltic waves in ill versus healthy patients (12). A completely different technology is available with the wireless motility capsule which aims to provide information on transit times, pH and pressure parameters but no visualization of the mucosa (13). Furthermore, concepts and projects such as EndoVESPA and Sonopill are subject to further articles in this edition.

Indications of CE

The most used capsule so far is targeting the SB where it is seen as gold standard if GI bleeding is suspected, but nothing was found during upper and lower endoscopy (14). Rockey describes that “occult gastrointestinal bleeding [defined as bleeding that is unknown to the patient] manifests as fecal occult blood and/or iron deficiency anemia (IDA); it is extremely common and can be caused by virtually any lesion in the gastrointestinal tract” (15). Depending on the bleeding sources, a video capsule might detect miscellaneous findings varying from angioectasia to tumors, from ulcers to abnormal mucosal villi. In some patients, a screening for intestinal blood loss may even help to identify SB metastasis of malignant melanoma (16).

Different capsules enlarge the variety of utilization and diagnostics. A team from London described findings like hiatus hernia, esophagitis and erosive gastritis in the upper part (17), whereas polyps, cancer, Crohn’s disease lesions, diverticulitis, and others can be found in the lower part of the gut (18).

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) allows the visualization of the colon from proximal to distal while colonoscopy, the current gold standard for colon examination, moves anti-clockwise. This procedural difference is utilized in the case of unsuccessful colonoscopies, procedures where the endoscope did not reach the cecum. A capsule is regularly able to visualize the unseen segment as shown in clinical trials (19,20) and in daily clinical routine (21). In 2012, this was one indication that was recommended by the ESGE that published a comprehensive guideline (22). Consequently, adequate additional trials were initiated, and meanwhile, the FDA approved CCE for patients with “incomplete colonoscopy” and “at major risks for colonoscopy or moderate sedation” in the US (23). This is similar to the current situation in Japan (PMDA) (24). Aside from incomplete colonoscopy, the ESGE mentions that “CCE is feasible and safe and appears to be accurate when used in average-risk individuals”. By this, CCE could be an additional tool in colorectal cancer screening. However, its widespread implementation is not only a question of study data or consecutive results, but much more subject to acceptance, clinical pathways and a proof of cost-effectiveness.

Study data show that capsules can also be used for a pan-intestinal videography, which makes it attractive as a tool in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This is valid for Crohn’s disease (25) as well as Ulcerative Colitis (26), depending on the patient profile, age and the overall needs, e.g., to identify the location and extension of the disease (27) and to monitor the activity of the disease (28) and treatment effectiveness or to rule-out Crohn’s disease (29).

While the focus may vary, capsules are used for patients from 2 years and upwards, as documented in regulatory approvals such as CE-Mark, with a few contraindications to be respected (30).

Reimbursement and access to CE

The first capsules have been used in trials only. Based on the safe and minimally invasive character plus the excellent diagnostic yield, at least the SB capsule in its indication “obscure GI bleeding” is licensed and reimbursed in many countries all over the world such as Portugal as described by Bruno Rosa (31). Nevertheless, despite variety of indications, a standardized procedural and reading approach is important. Based on the principle of the MST (Minimal Standard Terminology) for endoscopy, the terminology of SB CE has been categorized, called CEST (Capsule Endoscopy Standard Terminology) (32).

Training is strongly advised or even mandatory according to local regulations. Within the USA the ASGE (33) provides consistence guidance, while across Europe medical education of GIs (34) differs. In Germany, e.g., the public health system states that a capsule training is mandatory for office-based GIs to receive reimbursement for a SB CE. Wherever applicable, experienced capsule users provide theoretical and practical training on beginners and advanced levels (35,36), supported by manufacturers or societies (37,38). Moreover an international team from Europe elaborated on parameters to improve and standardize training, by providing a core curriculum (39).

A comprehensive e-learning tool is available for CCE as described by Watabe et al. (40), and should be available for other capsule types in the near future as stated by Kattrina Richardson, Group Manager, Global Market Development at Medtronic. Dedicated associations like the Japanese Association of Capsule Endoscopy (JACE) are aiming to deliver standards for capsule training and reading for the use in both the SB and colon (41).

In few regions, the regulatory process is highly complex and time consuming and need support by specialized local companies. Therefore, capsules are offered only to patients, if they can afford it privately, e.g., in Russia.

The manufacturers’ perspective is always driven by turnover. They tend to observe the market for innovations which hit the needs of many. This happened with the invention of the SB capsule, where a novel product closed the gap on directly visualizing the mucosa in the small intestine. As of today, when considering the large intestine, optical colonoscopy is an established procedure and seen as the undisputed reference standard. Thereby, CCE still faces a niche existence for patients where colonoscopy reaches its limits.

While some countries start to walk down a different path, new business opportunities are emerging. Long waiting lists in Australia (42), Denmark, UK etc. and limited capacities, as well as the knowledge that screening programs help save lives in the same way that they avoid costs associated with belated treatment, has opened the door for pilot projects. In Germany, the awareness for colon cancer is regularly brought back to mind and one of the biggest public health insurances (AOK Bavaria) started to offer colon capsules for CRC screening as an (additional) option to colonoscopy in a pre-defined geographical area (43). Here, an interventional colonoscopy is even offered on the same day, when a capsule video revealed findings (44). Overall results of the project are expected soon.

Denmark followed with the “CareforColon” project, where in multiple clinical trials patients are offered CCE that is delivered as a fully outsourced, end-to-end “CCE-service” by CorporateHealth International. This service comprises of home service nurses carefully instructing patients and supervising the CCE procedure at home or an office. This is being followed by the electronic transfer of the (anonymized) video to a central reading site where experts evaluate the results and return a report to the responsible doctor within 3 days. A key element for the seamless and cost effective service delivery is the use of a newly designed IT platform. For the Danish project, the national health portal Sundhed.dk provides the fully compliant linkage into the electronic health record for each patient (45). Thus, even a home-delivered CCE procedure and centralized video evaluation has become feasible. During the first phase trial (46), a colon capsule was offered after positive FIT (fecal immunochemical test) before sending patients to colonoscopy. The aim was to evaluate the efficiency of CCE in the detection of neoplasms compared to conventional colonoscopy to understand its role as a filter test. Manuscript is submitted.

Another reason why CCE might find more market traction is because of its role in risk management. A recent paper elucidates that eighty-five percent of endoscopes required repair due to findings like blood, tissue and bacteria (47). This is an alarming aspect translating into considerable increased risk of contamination and costs which are difficult to display in a reimbursement dossier. Living in the 21st century and having in mind, that multi-resistant germs like MRSA are observed to spread, it is eligible to question if simple screening of low-risk or healthy individuals should be still subject to precious medical capacities or if comprehensive, minimally invasive single use tools may be allowed to ease the pressure on extensive waiting lists, while they help as well in minimizing the risk of infections.

A major benefit of CCE (see Table 1) is that videos can be stored, transferred and reviewed, as part of the patients’ record. Therefore, a review of any segment is possible at any time, while in standard practice for colonoscopy or ultrasound only a few snapshots are saved. While technological breakthrough of automated video reading is still being sought, manual analysis is required. The goal for an easy use of capsules in clinical routine is a quick reading of the whole video without missing relevant findings. Since there is no standardized approach, in some regions, nurses play an important role and support doctors not only with uploading the data but also with pre-reading (48). Here, a systematic, scalable approach of centralized reading embedded into a sophisticated IT platform becomes part of the solution.

Table 1
Table 1 Overview on capsule features
Full table

Centralized reading services might increase the quality as well as improve time management and flexibility, especially in hospitals where capsule reading is rare and where there are no dedicated specialists. As well—from the holistic point of view—this might also open capsule diagnostics to general practitioners or other medical doctors, who could initiate a capsule procedure with the aim to refer only patients with findings to the GI. This would accomplish the idea of a remote diagnostic tool which was already discussed in 2015 (49).

Diagnostic tools should be chosen according to the patient’s profile and (suspected) indication. With the new generation of mobile devices and physicians who are familiar with e-learning, e-health and electronic patient records, the classical treatment strategies might be challenged. Looking at indications such as Crohn’s Disease, a capsule with a pan-intestinal view can help to assess mucosal healing and thus treat to target. There are lots of different methodologies available and colorectal endoscopy will continue to be the final solution to combine diagnostics with interventions including taking a biopsy. Nevertheless, a pan-intestinal tool as an SBC capsule might strengthen cost effectiveness by replacing multiple tests such as diagnostic endoscopy accompanied by MRI plus Ultrasound. Much more this helps to enhance health-related quality of life for those who suffer.

In the review “Update on Electronic Health Records”, Kinberg reveals the opportunities of “e-health” for clinical research in gastroenterology, especially when considering diseases like colorectal cancer and IBD which are of special interest due to its costs, complexity and progressive course (50). The implementation of an “e-capsule service” as described above should open new possibilities for research and treatment. Especially the latter can be addressed when combining it with the pan-intestinal “Crohn’s capsule” that might display the treatment effectiveness of Crohn’s lesions over time (51).

In Scotland, NHS Highland is piloting a new scheme aimed at combining specialist nursing skills with “smartphone technology” to help improve the quality of life of IBD patients (52). The aim is to track their health status on a regular basis and potentially predict when they might become unwell. Related to this kind of e-health innovation, a diagnostic approach that can be performed outside a clinic definitely looks promising. Teleradiology (53) shows how it can work.

Conclusions

Video capsule is a highly innovative product which is globally available for a majority of patients, supplementing the toolbox for GI disease detection. The technology is embedded into clinical or ambulant work flow of Gastroenterologists. However, capacities are limited and patients are queuing up. The question is whether individuals with a low risk of severe findings or those who need to assess the course of their disease should be allowed to swallow the capsule where ever it suits them. By all measures, offering a remote capsule service with centralized reading is the next logical step to provide the technology in the short-term to doctors who need a diagnostic tool. That would help to refer all those patients to GIs who need a follow-up. GIs can then focus on interventions, treatment and clinical research of diseases.

Aside from new developments and features, a key aspect to future success of the current video capsule is automation. Instead of individual reading—even if centralized—artificial intelligence could take over describing the level of cleansing, as well as the kind of findings and its precise location. In a future unit, this information would be send to the endoscopic screen to guide next steps.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to Dirk Stutz, e-learning Manager, ThyssenKrupp Hamburg, and Jon Hill, Independent IT Consultant & currently a postgraduate at the Usher Institute in Edinburgh, for the valuable inspirational discussions and proofreading.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: T Nowak consults CorporateHealth International ApS, as Director Medical Affairs.

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Cite this article as: Nowak T. A global perspective on capsule endoscopy. Ann Transl Med 2017;5(21):422. doi: 10.21037/atm.2017.10.20

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