Detection of Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding Using a Novel Bleeding Sensor Capsule -A Pilot Study

The PillSense System consists of the PillSense Capsule, an atraumatic, ingestible, and disposable capsule and PillSense Receiver, an external real-time monitor for results display. The PillSense Capsule is a non-invasive, single use device designed to detect blood in the stomach and wirelessly transmit the data to the external PillSense Receiver. The receiver is a handheld device which displays real-time information gathered from the capsule and clearly displays results, "Blood Detected" or "No Blood Detected".

All enrolled participants were admitted for suspected UGIB and were required to ingest a PillSense Capsule followed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) within 1 hour of PillSense Capsule administration. All Patients underwent standard endoscopy following PillSense Capsule evaluation and results were compared with the PillSense System result, i.e., "Blood Detected" or "No Blood Detected".

The study was also designed to confirm transit of the PillSense Capsule through the GI tract and patient tolerability of the PillSense Capsule.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 -80 years
• Ability to give written informed consent
• Clinical suspicion of bleeding

Exclusion criteria

• Circulatory or hemodynamic instability with a clear need for urgent endoscopy or surgery (systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg,heart rate > 100 / min)
• Known current stenosis of the GI tract
• Subject is using a pacemaker or other implantable electrical device
• Dysphagia or difficulties in swallowing pills the size of the capsule
• History of achalasia or known esophageal dysmotility
• History of gastroparesis
• History of severe constipation (1 bowel movement per week or less)
• Patients who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or intend to become pregnant during the investigation
• Presence of psychological issues preventing participation
• Stomach bezoar
• History of Crohn disease
• History of diverticulitis
• History of bowel obstruction
• Suspected gastrointestinal tumor disease
• Planned MRI investigation (MRI needed before the capsule is excreted)