Innovations in Hollow Viscera Imaging: Engineering Breakthroughs and Clinical Translation

Dear Colleagues,

The imaging of hollow abdominal viscera—including the gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder, and biliary system—presents unique challenges due to their dynamic morphology, low intrinsic contrast, and complex luminal environments. Traditional imaging modalities such as endoscopy, ultrasound, and CT often struggle to balance resolution, invasiveness, and functional assessment. However, recent advances in bioengineering are revolutionizing this field by integrating novel materials, computational models, and intelligent systems to overcome these limitations.

Emerging technologies such as swallowable microsensor capsules, AI-enhanced luminal surface reconstruction, and functional luminal impedance mapping are redefining diagnostic paradigms. For instance, engineered contrast agents with pH-responsive nanoparticles enable the targeted visualization of ulcerative lesions, while deep learning algorithms can reconstruct 3D models of peristaltic motion from sparse endoscopic frames. These innovations not only improve diagnostic accuracy but also pave the way for personalized interventions, such as biomechanically optimized stents or smart drug-delivery systems tailored to luminal physiology.

This Special Issue will place a spotlight on bioengineering-driven solutions that bridge the gap between technological innovation and clinical utility in hollow viscera imaging. Key themes include the following:

• High-resolution functional imaging: Technologies capturing real-time biomechanical and biochemical data (e.g., shear stress in the colon and bile viscosity).
• Minimally invasive devices: Micro-robotic platforms for autonomous luminal navigation and biopsy.
• Computational integration: Multiscale modeling of viscera–wall interactions to predict pathologies like intestinal obstruction or diverticulitis.

By addressing both engineering ingenuity and clinical applicability, this Special Issue aims to accelerate the translation of lab-based breakthroughs into tools that directly enhance patient care.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Magnetic actuation systems for capsule endoscopy trajectory control.
• Optoacoustic imaging probes for the real-time differentiation of dysplastic vs. normal mucosa.
• Stretchable electronic skins for continuous intraluminal pressure monitoring.
• Enzyme-activated fluorescent markers for the early detection of gastrointestinal ischemia.
• Generative AI for artifact reduction in low-quality endoscopic videos.
• Reinforcement learning-guided detection of microperforations in Crohn’s disease.
• Finite element modeling of gastric wall stress in obesity-related motility disorders.
• CFD analysis of urinary flow dynamics in neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
• Three-dimensional-bioprinted lumen-mimicking phantoms for device testing.
• Smart stents with embedded sensors for monitoring stricture recurrence.
• Paper-based microfluidic chips for the rapid detection of luminal biomarkers (e.g., calprotectin in IBD).
• Smartphone-coupled disposable specula for low-cost bladder volume estimation.
• Biocompatibility testing of engineered contrast agents and implantable microdevices.
• Cybersecurity frameworks for wireless luminal imaging systems.
• Cost-benefit analyses of bioengineered tools in resource-limited settings.

Prof. Dr. Kelvin K. L. Wong
Prof. Dr. Adrian David Cheok
Prof. Dr. Dhanjoo N. Ghista
Dr. Simon Fong
Guest Editors

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