Georgia Aquarium Conducts Human Testing for Animal Healthcare

Georgia Aquarium uses cutting-edge technology to test a video capsule endoscopy with a human volunteer

Atlanta (February 19, 2009) –

On Thursday, the Georgia Aquarium used a human volunteer to determine if a cutting-edge imaging technology can assist aquarists and veterinarians in the difficult task of diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases in large fish and cetaceans. The technology, called PillCam SB video capsule, is the size of a vitamin and contains miniature video cameras that wirelessly transmit photographs of the digestive tract to a remote data recorder. PillCam capsules are typically used in humans to diagnose a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, such as obscure bleeding, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and tumors. If tests prove successful, this capsule could be used for treating whale sharks, beluga whales and other large animals at aquariums, as well as other animals in the field.
 
Dr. Stanley Cohen, a human gastroenterologist with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), was approached by the Georgia Aquarium with the idea of imaging animals with the Given Imaging PillCam video technology. With the company’s support, Dr. Cohen and a team of Aquarium veterinarians have now created an experimental protocol to test the new technology with a human volunteer.

We care very deeply for not only the animals in our care, but all species as a whole, and we take our obligation to the health of these animals very seriously,” said Dr. Gregory Bossart, Chief Veterinary Officer and Senior Vice President of Veterinary Services, Georgia Aquarium. “If our testing is successful, this would allow veterinarians and researchers throughout the world to care for and study large aquatic animals with a new technology that is less invasive.”

Dr. Lily Gomez, an Aquarium volunteer diver and emergency department physician at CHOA, conducted the first test Thursday by carrying a video capsule wrapped with strategically placed sensors while SCUBA diving in the Ocean Voyager gallery, built by The Home Depot. Doctors believe the first trial was a success, showing the pill can transmit to the receiver underwater.  The next phase of testing will be to develop a longer battery life for the transmitter and waterproof the underwater receiver. In the next test, the volunteer diver will swallow the capsule to ensure the whole system works before using in any animals.

“Veterinary medicine often draws its advancements from human healthcare, but to our knowledge, this is the first time humans will be the test subject for animal healthcare. We are thrilled to share this technology, which has saved and improved human lives since 2001, with our animal friends,” said Homi Shamir, chief executive officer, Given Imaging.

If the continued testing is successful, biologists and aquarists will consider giving the capsule to one of the Aquarium’s animals for a similar test by incorporating it into an animal’s daily diet. Once normal, healthy animals have been studied, the technique could be used on animals with suspected gastrointestinal disease. Each study lasts up to eight hours and will produce two digital photographs per second.

About Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s largest with more than eight million gallons of water and the largest collection of aquatic animals. The mission of the Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards; offering engaging and exciting guest experiences promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. The Georgia Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/.