Early Detection of Esophageal Squamous Cancer With the Capsule Sponge Device

The capsule-sponge is a minimally-invasive sampling device consisting of a polyurethane sponge compressed in a cellophane capsule attached to a string. When swallowed, the capsule dissolves in the stomach, releasing the cell collection sponge that expands to 3 cm in diameter. Next, a nurse or qualified medical technician retrieves the sponge by pulling back on the string and retracting it through the mouth. During extraction, the rough texture on the surface of the sponge collects epithelial cells in the cardia and along the entire length of the esophagus.