A domestically developed capsule endoscope - the world's smallest - will hit the market early next year.

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology developed the capsule "Miro"
미로 early this year to relieve patient discomfort during endoscopy examinations.

The Commerce Ministry says clinical testing on 45 volunteers by a Yonsei University team led by Professor Song Si-young was successful and delivered clear images of patients' insides.

The ministry says the tests indicate the capsules which measure 23 millimeters long and are eleven millimeters around are safe to use as all were discharged by the examinees' bodies in under three days.

The manufacturer IntroMedic will begin domestic sales from early next year and has also requested approval from the European Union and the U.S. to sell the device abroad.