Yesterday, I swallowed a camera - all in the name of science

Posted by Janice Kaye on 19th Jan 2023

Israel is a country steeped in history and tradition, but it is also a leader in modern technology and innovation. This contrast is never more evident than in my hometown of Yokneam. Here, in the North of Israel, sits Medtronic, a company that is revolutionizing the field of medical diagnostics with its cutting-edge technology, the PillCam. The contrast between the ancient and modern in Israel can also be seen in the location of Medtronic’s 's headquarters, very close to the archaeological site of Tel Yokneam. As you drive up to the company's headquarters, you can see the ancient Carmel Mountains looming in the background. These mountains have been a source of inspiration and reverence for thousands of years, and they are a reminder of the deep history and culture of Israel.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to participate in the clinical trials of the PillCam, and it really was a fascinating experience and they paid me for the inconvenience. The device is incredibly small, about the size of a vitamin, and it was actually quite easy to swallow despite my initial fear. It looked pretty big, but it just slid right down with some water. I had to wait there all day whilst it made its way through my digestive tract, capturing images and sending them to the data recorder device I was wearing. These are then be sent to the specialists for analysis.

The technology behind the PillCam is truly amazing, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way that all sorts of gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease, polyps and colon cancer are diagnosed. . It’s main advantage over traditional diagnostic methods, such as colonoscopies is that it is non-invasive and you don’t need sedation. The PillCam is now approved for use in many countries around the world and is considered a valuable tool for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal conditions with several million sold.

It is this contrast between the ancient and modern that makes Israel such a unique and fascinating place. The country has a rich history and culture that is deeply ingrained in its landscape, but it is also a leader in technological innovation and progress. The PillCam from Medtronic, is just one example of how Israel is at the forefront of medical technology, and it is a testament to the country's commitment to improving the lives of people around the world.

I am so proud that this amazing technology was created and developed in what when I moved here 25 years ago was a small sleepy provincial town. It is now well and truly established as a major player in the global high-tech industry.

The Carmel Mountains are a stunning natural feature that dominate the landscape of Yokneam and the surrounding area. These majestic mountains, which rise up from the Mediterranean coast, offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and climbing to sightseeing and bird watching. They are also home to the Mukhraka Monastery, which perches atop of a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Monastery is a sacred site for both Christians and Jews, and it is believed to be the place where the prophet Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. The climb up to the Monastery is steep and rocky, but the views from the top are worth the effort. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature and history.

Israel is a country that is steeped in history and tradition, but it is also a country that is at the forefront of technological innovation. Nowhere is this contrast between the ancient and modern more evident than in the small town of Yokneam, located in the foothills of the Carmel Mountains.

In Yokneam, you can find the headquarters of Meid, a medical device company that specializes in developing innovative diagnostic tools for the medical industry. One of their most notable products is the PillCam, a small camera that can be swallowed by a patient to capture images of the digestive tract.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to participate in the clinical trials of the PillCam, and it was a fascinating experience. The device is incredibly small, about the size of a vitamin, and it was easy to swallow. As I lay on the examination table, I watched on the monitor as the PillCam made its way through my digestive tract, capturing images of my stomach and intestines.

The technology behind the PillCam is truly amazing, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions. For example, instead of undergoing invasive and painful procedures, such as colonoscopies, patients can simply swallow the PillCam and receive a detailed diagnostic report within minutes.

• #Carmel Mountains

•  #PillCam

•  #Yokneam