Endoscopic smart probe and method

• US 20020103417A1
• Filed: 03/08/2002
• Published: 08/01/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: West View Research LLC
• Original Assignee: Robert F. Gazdzinski
• Inventors: Gazdzinski, Robert F.
• Granted Patent: US 6,984,205 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/109
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00006 of control signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0002 provided with data storages
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00029 externally powered, e.g. wireless
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00032 internally powered
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00036 Means for power saving, e.g. sleeping mode
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00156 using self propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00158 using magnetic field
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/043 for fluorescence imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0684 using light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/02 Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy A61B10/0038 and A61B10/0045 take precedence; needle locating or guiding means A61B17/3403; samplers for enzymology or microbiology C12M1/26; sampling or preparing biological specimens G01N33/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/04 Endoscopic instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/20 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/11 Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb for measuring pulse A61B5/02 ;A61B5/1038 takes precedence; motion detection to correct for motion artifacts in physiological signals A61B5/721
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1107 Measuring contraction of parts of the body, e.g. organ, muscle apparatus for measuring work or force in general G01L
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 : Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/42 : Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the gastrointestinal, the endocrine or the exocrine systems A61B1/00, A61B5/4857, A61B5/486, A61B5/4866, A61B5/4869 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4255 : Intestines, colon or appendix
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 : combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7225 : Details of analog processing, e.g. isolation amplifier, gain or sensitivity adjustment, filtering, baseline or drift compensation A61B5/30, A61B5/316 take precedence; transformers for specific applications H01F38/00; amplifiers H03F
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7232 : involving compression of the physiological signal, e.g. to extend the signal recording period
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7257 : using Fourier transforms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/037 : Emission tomography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4258 : for detecting non x-ray radiation, e.g. gamma radiation A61B6/037 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4494 : Means for identifying the diagnostic device
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/12 : in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters catheters per se A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4245 : involving determining the position of the probe, e.g. with respect to an external reference frame or to the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/445 : Details of catheter construction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4472 : Wireless probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4488 : the transducer being a phased array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/56 : Details of data transmission or power supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/1726 : the body parameters being measured at, or proximate to, the infusion site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/07 : Proteins
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/10 : with powered movement mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3507 : with implanted devices, e.g. external control
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3523 : using telemetric means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/1042 : Alimentary tract A61M2210/0618 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 31/002 : Devices for releasing a drug at a continuous and controlled rate for a prolonged period of time artificial gland structures or devices A61F2/022; intra-uterine contraceptive devices A61F6/14; tampons for introducing into the vagina A61F13/20, A61L15/00; suppositories or bougies for intra-vaginal or intra-uterine application A61K9/02; physical forms of medicinal preparations for sustained or differential drug release A61K9/20, A61K9/50
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/145 : using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1723 : using feedback of body parameters, e.g. blood-sugar, pressure measurement of body parameters A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/002 : in combination with another treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/1005 : with asymmetrical radiation pattern
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/1007 : Arrangements or means for the introduction of sources into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/1014 : Intracavitary radiation therapy
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/004 : by using forward error control H04L1/0618 takes precedence; coding, decoding or code conversion, for error detection or correction H03M13/00

Abstract

An improved endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein. In a first embodiment, the probe utilizes a miniature charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and a fiber optic/diode illumination system for inspection of the intestine wall. The CCD camera operation is supported by data processing electronics and an inductive data transfer circuit located within the probe which facilitate the real-time transfer of the acquired image data out of the probe to an external monitoring and control device. Power is supplied to the probe inductively from an external power source. The probe is completely sealed so as to be protected against damage by gastric acids or other potentially damaging substances residing within the patient. A second embodiment of the probe incorporates a miniature diode laser which is used in conjunction with the CCD array to produce autofluorescence spectra of the interior of the intestinal wall. In another aspect of the invention, an improved endoscopic device useful for implanting the aforementioned endoscopic smart probe is disclosed. A method for inspecting and/or treating the interior regions of the intestinal tract using the aforementioned smart probe is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A probe for traversing substantially all of the intestine of a living subject, and autonomously collecting data, comprising:

at least one sensor which generates data relating to said intestine;

at least one digital processor disposed within said probe and operatively coupled to said at least one sensor, said at least one digital processor having at least one algorithm running thereon, said at least one algorithm being adapted to process at least a portion of said data;

at least one data transfer circuit adapted to transfer said data to an external device; and

at least one power source operatively coupled to said at least one sensor, data transfer circuit, and digital processor.

2. The probe of claim 1, further comprising an outer housing having said at least one sensor and said at least one data transfer circuit disposed substantially therein.

3. The probe of claim 2, wherein said at least one sensor is an imaging device.

4. The probe of claim 3, wherein said imaging device is a charge coupled device (CCD).

5. The probe of claim 4, further comprising a light source which radiates light external to said outer housing.

6. The probe of claim 5, wherein said at least one digital processor comprises a digital signal processor (DSP) having a program memory, said program memory having a plurality of program instructions stored therein.

7. The probe of claim 6, further comprising an analog-to-digital converter.

8. The probe of claim 1, wherein said probe further comprises an outer housing shaped and sized so as to permit said probe to traverse the intestinal tract of a human being.

9. The probe of claim 8, wherein said outer housing is of substantially ellipsoid shape.

10. The probe of claim 1, wherein said data transfer circuit comprises an inductively coupled circuit.

11. The probe of claim 1, wherein said power source comprises:

an alternating current energy source; and

a receiver circuit;

said receiver circuit inductively coupled to said alternating current energy source and converting energy transferred from said energy source into electrical power within said probe.

12. The probe of claim 6, further comprising at least one data storage device in data communication with said at least one digital processor, and adapted to store a plurality of data therein.

13. The probe of claim 12, wherein said at least one data storage device comprises a random access memory (RAM).

14. The probe of claim 13, wherein said at least one storage device is disposed entirely within said probe housing.

15. The probe of claim 1, wherein said generated data comprises video image data.

16. The probe of claim 6, wherein said DSP further comprises at least one algorithm adapted for data compression.

17. The probe of claim 16, wherein said at least one algorithm is stored at least in part within said program memory.

19. The probe of claim 18, wherein said probe further comprises at least one light source for illuminating portions of said intestinal tract.

20. The probe of claim 19, wherein said sensor comprises a CCD.

21. The probe of claim 20, wherein said CCD is capable of detecting autofluorescence emissions from said intestinal tract.

22. The probe of claim 20, wherein said power supply comprises:

an alternating current energy source; and

a receiver circuit;

said receiver circuit inductively coupled to said alternating current energy source and converting energy transferred from said energy source into electrical power within said probe.

24. The probe of claim 23, further comprising:

a converter operatively coupled to said sensor and adapted to convert said signals from to a digital representation thereof,

a digital processor adapted to process said digital representation and produce processed digital data; and

a transmitting circuit adapted to transmit at least a portion of said digital data to a receiver.

27. The medical diagnosis aid of claim 26, wherein the act of introducing a probe into said intestinal tract is performed using an endoscopic device.

28. The medical diagnosis aid of claim 26, wherein said aid is autofluorescence data.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said act of coupling comprises coupling via an inductive wireless data interface.

18. A probe for use within the intestinal tract of a living organism, comprising:

a sensor for collecting data in a first form;

a data converter operatively connected to said sensor, said data converter converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processor having at least one algorithm running thereon adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form;

a data storage device operatively connected to said digital processor which stores data in said second form; and

a power supply for powering said sensor, said processor, and said storage device;

wherein said probe is capable of traversing at least a portion of said intestinal tract due to the peristaltic action thereof.

23. A probe for use within the intestinal tract of a living organism, comprising:

a laser diode adapted for autofluorescence analysis;

a sensor adapted to collect autofluorescence energy resulting from the irradiation of tissue with energy emitted from said laser diode and produce signals relating thereto; and

a power supply to power said sensor and said laser diode;

wherein said probe is capable of traversing substantially all of the intestine of said living organism due to the peristaltic action thereof.

25. A method of evaluating the intestinal tract of a living organism, comprising:

introducing a probe into said intestinal tract, said probe being capable of collecting data autonomously within said intestinal tract;

collecting said data using said probe;

converting said data to the digital domain;

processing said digital domain data using at least one algorithm running on a digital processor disposed within said probe;

transferring said processed data from said probe to another device; and

analyzing said data transferred from said probe in order to evaluate said intestinal tract.

26. A medical diagnosis aid useful in diagnosing conditions relating to the intestinal tract of a patient, said diagnosis aid generated using the method comprising:

introducing a probe into said intestinal tract, said probe being capable of collecting data autonomously within said intestinal tract;

collecting said data using said probe;

converting said data to the digital domain;

processing said digital domain data using at least one algorithm running on a digital processor disposed within said probe;

transferring said processed data from said probe; and

generating said diagnosis aid using at least a portion of said data transferred from said probe.

29. A method of transferring data from a probe disposed within a living organism, comprising:

providing an autonomous probe disposed within said living organism, said probe being adapted to generate a plurality of data;

coupling said probe to a data receiving device using a wireless data interface;

generating a plurality of data using said probe;

converting said data to the digital domain;

processing said digital domain data using at least one algorithm running on a digital processor disposed within said probe; and

transferring at least a portion of said processed data from said probe to said receiving device.

31. A method of transferring data from a probe disposed within a living organism, comprising:

providing an autonomous probe disposed within said living organism, said probe being adapted to generate a plurality of data;

coupling said probe to a data receiving device using a wireless data interface;

generating a plurality of data using said probe, said act of generating comprising processing said plurality of data using a processing algorithm running on a digital processor disposed within said probe;

storing at least a portion of said plurality of data within said probe for a finite time period; and

transferring at least a portion of said stored data from said probe to said receiving device while said probe is in vivo.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the act of storing comprises storing digital data within a digital memory disposed within said probe.

33. A method of assessing the condition of the intestinal tract of a living organism, comprising:

introducing a probe into said intestinal tract, said probe having a first light source adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation having at least a first wavelength and at least one sensor adapted to detect electromagnetic radiation at said first wavelength, said probe further being capable of traversing at least a portion of said intestinal tract autonomously so as to reach a desired location;

activating said first light source when said desired location is reached in order to irradiate at least a portion of said intestinal tract with said electromagnetic radiation;

activating said at least one electronic sensor to detect electromagnetic energy remitted via autofluorescence from said at least portion of said intestinal tract; and

assessing the condition of said at least portion of said intestinal tract based at least in part on said remitted energy detected by said at least one sensor.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the act of activating comprises:

generating a command externally to said probe;

transmitting said command to said probe via a wireless interface; and

activating a laser diode adapted for autofluorescence analysis within said probe using said command.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein said first light source comprises a laser diode, and said act of assessing the condition comprises comparing the intensity of said remitted energy in at least one wavelength to another value.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein said act of comparing comprises comparing to a measurement of the intensity in said at least one wavelength taken for the same or similar tissue of said living organism.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein said probe further comprises a second light source adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation, at least a portion of said electromagnetic radiation from said second source falling within the visible range, and at least one sensor adapted to detect electromagnetic radiation in said visible range, the method further comprising;

activating said second light source when said desired location is reached in order to irradiate at least a portion of said intestinal tract with said electromagnetic radiation from said second source;

activating said at least one sensor to detect said electromagnetic energy emitted by said second source and reflected from said at least portion of said intestinal tract; and

assessing the condition of said at least portion of said intestinal tract based at least in part on said reflected energy detected by said at least one sensor.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising:

rectifying said electrical current to produce a direct current; and

distributing said direct current to at least one electrical component within said probe.

38. A method of transferring power to an autonomous probe disposed within the intestinal tract of a living organism, comprising:

providing a power source having at least one first power transfer terminal;

disposing said probe having at least one second power transfer terminal disposed thereon within said intestinal tract;

generating an alternating magnetic field at said at least one first power transfer terminal of said power source; and

inducing an electrical current in said at least one second power transfer terminal of said probe.