One Million Patients Swallow Zarlink Radio Chip As Part Of Given Imaging Video Capsule

Ottawa, Canada -- Zarlink Semiconductor announced that it has shipped over one million custom RF integrated circuits for use in Given Imaging's PillCam SB video capsules for wireless examination of the gastrointestinal tract.

Zarlink's ultra-low power RF chip transmits two images per second - more than 50,000 pictures over an eight-hour period - from the PillCam to an external data recorder as the vitamin-sized capsule passes naturally through the patient's small bowel. To-date, Zarlink's RF chips have transmitted approximately 50 billion images to help physicians visually examine the entire length of the small bowel to diagnose disorders such as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), Crohn's disease, celiac disease, tumors and a range of other small bowel disorders.

"Zarlink is a long-standing partner providing leading-edge wireless technology and medical regulatory expertise that has helped support the successful introduction and expansion of our wireless video capsule platform," said Kevin Rubey, Chief Operations Officer, Given Imaging. "Our PillCam SB is now in use in more than 70 countries worldwide, and we are committed to developing new capsule endoscopy products that will enable earlier detection of disorders, improve patient care and ultimately save lives."

"The success of Given Imaging's PillCam is evidence of the increasing demand for ultra low-power radio solutions for wireless medical devices," said Steve Swift, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Zarlink's Medical Products group. "As a leading provider of radio chips for the wireless healthcare market, Zarlink is well positioned to benefit from this growing opportunity. We congratulate Given Imaging for achieving the milestone of one million capsules shipped, and look forward to an ongoing partnership focused on innovative new wireless products to improve patient care and lower healthcare costs."

The PillCam SB video capsule measures 11 mm x 26 mm and weighs less than four grams. It contains an imaging device, light source and Zarlink's RF transmitter chip. The video capsules require no sedation and allow the patient to carry on with normal daily activities. Prior to PillCam capsule endoscopy, exploratory surgery was the only available method for visualizing the entire small intestine.

SOURCE: Zarlink Semiconductor