General

Synonym/Acronym:
Pill GI endoscopy.

Rationale
To assist in visualization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to identify disease such as tumor and inflammation.

Patient Preparation
The patient with an implanted cardiac device should contact his or her health-care provider (HCP) for evaluation regarding compatibility with the capsule device prior to the procedure. There are no activity restrictions unless by medical direction. Inform the patient to stop taking medications that have a coating effect, such as sucralfate and Pepto-Bismol, 3 days before the procedure; they may prevent the camera from providing clear images. Instruct the patient to abstain from the use of tobacco products for 24 hr prior to the procedure and not to take any medication for 2 hr prior to the procedure, by medical direction. Instruct the patient to start a liquid diet on the day before the procedure, then from 2200 the evening before the procedure, the patient should not eat or drink except for necessary medication with a sip of water. Ask the patient to wear loose, two-piece clothing on the day of the procedure because this assists with the placement of the sensors on the patient’s abdomen.

As appropriate, provide information for the patient to take a standard bowel prep the night before the procedure. Protocols may vary among facilities.

Normal Findings

• Esophageal mucosa is normally yellow-pink. At about 9 in. from the incisor teeth, a pulsation indicates the location of the aortic arch. The gastric mucosa is orange-red and contains rugae. The proximal duodenum is reddish and contains a few longitudinal folds, whereas the distal duodenum has circular folds lined with villi. No abnormal structures or functions are observed in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A