Using enteroscopes with therapeutic capacity to explore the small intestine entails certain limitations, including long exploration times, patient discomfort, the need for sedation, a high percentage of incomplete explorations and a long learning curve. This article describes the advances and setbacks encountered in designing the new Endoworm enteroscopy system, a semi-autonomous device consisting of a control unit and three cavities that inflate and deflate in such a way that the bowel retracts over the endoscope. The system can be adapted to any commercial enteroscope. Endoworm was tested in different intestine models: a polymethyl methacrylate rigid tube, an in vitro polyester urethane model, an ex vivo pig model and an in vivo animal model. The general behavior of the prototype was evaluated by experienced medical personnel. The mean distance covered through the lumen was measured in each cycle. The system was found to have excellent performance in the rigid tube and in the in vitro model. The ex vivo tests showed that the behavior depended largely on the mechanical properties of the lumen, while the in vivo experiments suggest that the device will require further modifications to improve its performance.
Keywords: Endoscopy; gastroenterology; medical control systems; medical diagnosis.