The Application of Remote-Controlled High-Definition Capsule Endoscopy in Canine Bladder Examination

Summary

Here, we present a protocol for examining the canine bladder using a high-definition capsule endoscope, surgically implanted and maneuvered to capture images of the bladder wall and urination dynamics. The procedure offers insights for developing precise urodynamic studies.

Abstract

This study investigated the feasibility and potential applications of capsule endoscopy for bladder examination using a canine model. Three adult male Beagle dogs underwent surgical implantation of capsule cystoscopes and were divided into three groups, each group with one Beagle: Group A (Beagle A) remained in a fixed supine position for 8 h, Group B (Beagle B) moved freely for 8 h, and Group C (Beagle C) had manually adjusted positions (prone, supine, squatting) for 20 min each. The implanted capsule endoscopes functioned successfully in all dogs. Group A primarily captured images of the bladder base (6 h 27 min). Group B acquired images of the bladder neck and base (7 h 12 min), including dynamic visualization of the bladder neck, prostatic fossa, and external urethral sphincter during natural urination. Group C yielded images of the bladder neck, base, and apex (56 min). The findings of this study demonstrate the ability of capsule endoscopy to provide dynamic, high-quality images of the canine bladder wall and suggest its potential for developing accurate and urodynamic assessments.

Introduction

Transurethral cystoscopy, a common diagnostic tool in urological surgery, is widely used clinically not only as a reliable method for diagnosing bladder cancer but also as an important means for treatment and postoperative follow-up¹. However, traditional cystoscopic examination, whether rigid or flexible, often causes discomfort to patients and may lead to complications such as urethral damage and retrograde infection². Additionally, traditional urodynamic tests, by disturbing the normal physiological activity of the urinary tract and the mental and psychological activities of patients, inevitably introduce certain erro....

Protocol

This research was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, strictly adhering to the Guidelines for the Ethics and Welfare of Experimental Animals. The ethical approval document number is 2021-06-008-K01.

1. Subjects

1. Use three healthy adult male Beagles for the study. Randomly divide them into groups A, B, and C, with one dog per group.
2. Inclusion criteria: Include animals that are 24 months old, approximately 12 kg in weight, and are free from cardiovascular, renal diseases, and other chronic conditions.
3. Exclusion criteria: Exclude anim....

Results

In this study, each Beagle (n = 3) received one capsule endoscope surgically implanted into its bladder, and all animals demonstrated normal post-operative recovery. The capsule endoscopes functioned properly and remained safely within the dogs, as confirmed by imaging studies (Figure 2). Under remote control, the devices captured clear images of all anatomical regions of the bladder at various stages, including the dome, posterior wall, anterior wall, neck, and both the right and left side .......

Discussion

In recent years, with the advancement of endoscopic technology, both rigid and flexible cystoscopes have been widely applied in clinical practice. The conventional application of rigid cystoscopy is often cumbersome, with numerous blind spots and significant trauma. Patients experience high psychological stress during the procedure and may encounter discomfort or pain, as well as physiological responses such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and psychological stress reactions⁷. Fle.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
2-0 Silk suture	Ethicon Inc. (Beijing)	20193021851
20 G intravenous catheter	Shanghai Zhangdong Medical Technology Co., Ltd.	383012
4-0 absorbable suture	Ethicon Inc. (Beijing)	20193021851
8 mm endotracheal tube	Henan Yadu Industrial Co., Ltd.	Not applicable
Ampicillin	Chengdu Better Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.	H19993625
Animal anesthesia machine	Nanjing Suprex Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.	Not applicable
Animal ECG monitor	Smiths Medical (US)	Not applicable
Animal laryngoscope	Shanghai Maiben Medical Technology Co., Ltd.	Not applicable
Beagle	School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University	Not applicable
Gauze Sponges	Gauze Sponges	13-761-52
Isoflurane	Abbott Laboratories (Shanghai)	H20059911
OMOM intelligent capsule endoscope	Chongqing Jinshan Science & Technology (Group) Co., Ltd.	NCG100
Povidone-iodine solution	Chengdu Yongan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.	H51022885
Propofol injection	Xi'an Libang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.	H19990281
Scalpel blade	Shanghai Pudong Golden Ring Medical Supplies Co., Ltd.	35Y1004
Sterile normal saline	Shijiazhuang No.4 Pharmaceutical Factory	H20066533
Surgical instruments	Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai)	Not applicable
Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride	Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd.	H20190407