Novel anti‐biofilm mechanism for wireless capsule endoscopy in the urinary tract: preliminary study in a sheep model

To develop and test the safety and feasibility of a novel anti-biofilm mechanism configured for wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) in a sheep bladder model.A WCE mechanism, designed for long-term bladder monitoring, was developed and introduced into a sheep bladder for 5 months. The transparency of the surface was assessed by evaluating a resolution target placed inside the capsule at serial intervals using cystoscopy under general anaesthesia. Animal behaviour, voiding patterns and urine cultures were monitored throughout the study. At study termination, the capsule was extracted and assessed using scanning electron microscopy.The resolution target was visualized clearly at all investigation points. No notable adverse effects were noted during the entire follow-up period and no urinary tract infection occurred. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the efficacy of the technology to prevent biofilm formation and surface encrustation.We report a novel technology that effectively prevents biofilm formation on the outer surface of foreign objects in the urinary tract. Further studies are under way to test the applicability of this technology in bladder WCE to enable high-quality wireless image transmission.