Endoscopy in “pill” form utilises Covestro’s polycarbonate

The introduction of capsule endoscopy has resulted in great progress in the detection of gastrointestinal diseases and is an important complement to gastroscopy and colonoscopy. For the examination, the patient swallows the small capsule, which is transported like food through the digestive tract while delivering images of the stomach and intestinal walls. Doctors store the images on external image recorders and analyse them to arrive at a diagnosis.

Because patients ingest the capsules, the materials used must meet extremely stringent requirements. For the capsule shell, China-based medical devices maker Shenyang Shangxian Technology uses a special grade of the high-tech polycarbonate Makrolon from Covestro, formerly Bayer MaterialScience. The material is biocompatible and is impervious to both stomach acid and the alkaline intestinal flora. It is also mechanically strong and safe, ensuring a trouble-free examination.

Shenyang Shangxian Technology explained that capsule endoscopes are composed of a miniature camera, digital processor system, and a transceiver for wireless data transmission. The capsules are taken with water, just like medicine. The materials therefore have to be safe and corrosion-resistant, while also allowing for a large filming angle for the camera. Doctors also have stringent requirements for image quality.

Covestro’s polycarbonate is perfectly suited for this application, said Shenyang Shangxian Technology. The plastic is highly transparent, enabling clear, well-resolved images. It also offers ample design freedom, facilitating a large filming angle for the camera so that a wide field of view can be covered. These advantages make an important contribution toward eliminating uncertainties in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases and spare the patients discomfort during the examination.

Covestro’spolycarbonates are supporting innovation in medical technology, Likewise, its high-tech polymer materials are utilised In major segments such as automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and sports and leisure industries.