A new capsule for long term monitoring in suspected upper GI-bleeding – first in human use of the HemoPill monitor (Thieme)

Key Points:

1. The HemoPill monitor is a photometric capsule endoscopy device designed for non-invasive diagnosis and long-term monitoring of potential sources of bleeding in the upper GI tract. It is attached to an over-the-scope clip and introduced via standard gastroscope.
2. The device was tested in a patient with fundus variceal hemorrhage treated with cyanoacrylate. The patient was monitored for 28 days to assess the capsule’s performance and the patient’s condition.
3. The capsule transmits data to a receiver that displays a HemoPill index (HI), with an HI value ≥1.0 indicating active bleeding. The patient underwent regular follow-ups including daily telephone contact, blood pressure measurements, and weekly hemoglobin checks.
4.  Throughout the 28-day monitoring period, the patient showed no clinically relevant bleeding events, although the HemoPill detected several short-duration events that were deemed not clinically significant.