Miniature wireless devices are being developed with nano and micro technologies for providing high quality images not possible with traditional devices.

Given Imaging has developed a pill containing a miniature video system. When the pill is swallowed, it moves through the digestive system and takes pictures every few seconds. The entire digestive system can be assessed for tumors, bleeding, and diseases in areas not accessible with colonoscopies and endoscopies.

Another company, MediRad is trying to develop a miniature x-ray device that can be inserted into the body. They are attempting to make carbon nanotubes into a needle shape cathode. The cathode would generate electron emissions to create extremely small x-ray doses directly at a target area without damaging surrounding normal tissue.