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Recently, the U.S. FDA approved a vibrating capsule (Vibrant) for treating patients with chronic idiopathic constipation. The capsule contains a computer chip programmed to make the capsule vibrate in cycles, starting about 15 hours after being swallowed — when the capsule presumably has reached the colon. The premise is that the capsule's mechanical stimulation of the colonic wall augments natural colonic contractility.
The industry-sponsored clinical trial that led to FDA approval involved 312 patients who had chronic idiopathic constipation (1–2.5 spontaneous bowel movements weekly) and inadequate response to standard treatments. Participants were randomized to swallow single-use vibrating capsules or placebo capsules 5 nights weekly for …