Preoperative Use of a Magnetically Controlled Capsule Endoscopy in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery (NAVICAM)

Jerry Dang

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Hypertension; Diabetes; Bariatric Surgery Candidate; Obesity

Treatments: Device: Magnetically Controlled Capsule Endoscopy (MCCE)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; Industry

Identifiers

NCT07587437

24-365

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this clinical trial is to test if a swallowable camera capsule can safely examine the upper digestive tract in people preparing for weight loss surgery. The camera capsule (called NaviCam® Xpress™ Stomach System) is controlled by magnets from outside the body and doesn't require sedation, unlike traditional endoscopy. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Can the camera capsule be safely used in people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 38? Can doctors successfully control and move the camera capsule to see the necessary areas of the stomach and esophagus? Researchers will evaluate 30 participants who are preparing for weight loss surgery.

Participants will:

Swallow the camera capsule with water after not eating or drinking since midnight Have their upper digestive tract examined while the doctor controls the capsule from outside their body Complete a brief satisfaction survey about their experience Be followed up with a phone call 2-3 weeks after the procedure

This study could help determine if the camera capsule is a good alternative to traditional endoscopy for people preparing for weight loss surgery, potentially avoiding the need for sedation.

Full description

Detailed Description:

The NaviCam® Xpress™ Stomach System represents a novel approach to upper gastrointestinal visualization in the bariatric surgery population. This magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy (MCCE) system consists of a single-use wireless capsule that contains imaging components and magnetic materials that allow external control through a physician-operated magnet.

Technical Specifications and Procedure:

The capsule is equipped with cameras capable of capturing both still images and continuous video footage. After the patient swallows the capsule with 500ml of water, it initially descends the esophagus via natural peristalsis while continuously recording. The capsule is initially attached to a tether, which is released via a 15ml air injection mechanism once the capsule reaches the appropriate position. Once inside the stomach, the external magnetic control system allows the physician to systematically manipulate the capsule's position and orientation, enabling thorough visualization of the gastric mucosa.

Clinical Significance:

This study addresses a critical gap in pre-bariatric surgery evaluation. While traditional esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) remains the gold standard, it presents unique challenges in the bariatric population due to:

Increased sedation risks associated with high BMI Higher technical complexity of the procedure Greater risk of respiratory complications during sedation

Innovation and Technological Advancement:

This represents one of the first applications of MCCE technology specifically targeted at the bariatric surgery population. The study's focus on patients with BMI >38 kg/m² will provide valuable data about the system's performance in body habitus previously considered challenging for magnetic control systems.

The feasibility assessment incorporates multiple technical parameters:

Magnetic control responsiveness across varying body habitus Quality of mucosal visualization in different anatomical regions System reliability and technical performance metrics Procedure duration and technical success rates

This study will help establish the potential role of MCCE in the standard pre-bariatric surgery evaluation pathway and may inform future technological refinements specific to this patient population.

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years old
• Diagnosed with morbid obesity
• Undergoing primary bariatric surgery by current international guidelines
• BMI greater than 38 kg/m² and less than or equal to 65 kg/m²
• Waist circumference less than or equal to 77 inches

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with permanent pacemakers and other surgically placed metallic devices which function can interfere with the magnetic field
• Patients with dysphagia and those who are at risk of capsule retention (gastric outlet obstruction, intestinal stenosis, inflammatory bowel disease, previous abdominal surgeries with suspicious of adhesive bowel disease)
• Patients with reported upper gastrointestinal symptoms who would require a conventional EGD
• Patients currently participating in other clinical studies
• Patients who do not speak English

Trial design

Primary purpose: Diagnostic

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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30 participants in 1 patient group

Magnetically Controlled Capsule Endoscopy (MCCE) Arm

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will undergo preoperative upper gastrointestinal tract evaluation using the NaviCam® Xpress™ Stomach System, a magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy device. After fasting overnight, participants will swallow the capsule with 500ml of water. The capsule will initially be tethered and will capture images as it descends the esophagus. Once positioned appropriately, the tether will be released via 15ml air injection, and the surgeon will control the capsule's movement in the stomach using an external magnetic control system. All participants will be followed for 14-21 days post-procedure.

Treatment:

Device: Magnetically Controlled Capsule Endoscopy (MCCE)