NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER’S DIVISION OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY LAUNCHES WIRELESS CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY

February 7, 2008

Contact:  Shelley Lotenberg
(516) 572-6055
shelley@numc.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

East Meadow, New York…Arthur A. Gianelli, President/CEO of the Nassau Health Care Corporation announced that the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Nassau University Medical Center, has launched the “Wireless Capsule Endoscopy”, a novel noninvasive technology to provide diagnostic imaging of the small intestine.

“Our capabilities to diagnose and promptly treat small intestinal disorders are increased significantly with this new technology, emphasizing our commitment to improved quality of care for all patients,” stated Mr. Gianelli.

According to Drs. Kaleem M. Rizvon, MD, Director of Endoscopy and Paul J. Mustacchia, MD, Chief and Program Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Wireless capsule endoscopy or video capsule endoscopy is a novel noninvasive technology designed primarily to provide diagnostic imaging of the small intestine.  Unlike the stomach or the large intestine, the long coiled loops of small intestine, measuring about 20 feet, cannot be completely visualized easily with conventional endoscopy.”

The simple procedure involves the patient swallowing a factory sterilized capsule, the size of large vitamin after an overnight fast.  The capsule contains a color video camera, wireless radiofrequency transmitter and enough battery power to take 50,000 high-resolution color images during an eight-hour journey through the digestive tract.  The images are relayed to a recorder worn around the belt as the patient goes about his or her usual routine.  The high-resolution images are uploaded to a computer and the specialist physician views the images taken by the capsule with the help of advanced diagnostic software.

Photo left to right:
Keith Dahl MD, Chief Resident, Deborah Ciaravino, RN I, Cynthia Dequito-Ensminger RN I, Genevieve Charles RN II, Nausheer Khan MD, GI Fellow, Carol Theodore, Clinical Tech, Omer Masood MD, GI Fellow, Gloria Sierra , Colorectal Cancer Screening Coordinator, Duane Moise MD, GI Fellow, Kaleem Rizvon MD, Director of Endoscopy and Paul Mustacchia MD, Chief of Gastroenterology.