Floatable in vivo sensing device and method for use

• US 20030018280A1
• Filed: 05/20/2002
• Published: 01/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Khait, Semion, Glukhovsky, Arkady, Swain, Christopher Paul, Lewkowicz, Shlomo, Gat, Daniel, Jacob, Harold, Iddan, Gavriel Joseph
• Granted Patent: US 7,192,397 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/549
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00029 externally powered, e.g. wireless
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00032 internally powered
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00082 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0219 of externally powered implanted units
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/416 the spleen

Abstract

The invention relates to an in vivo sensing device having a specific gravity of about 1 or a volume to weight ratio that enables it essentially to float. In one embodiment the in vivo sensing device consists of an image sensor system and a buoyant body. The buoyant body, which is attached to the sensor system or which can optionally house one or more elements of the sensor system, keeps the sensor system essentially floating in a body lumen liquid.

Claims

1. An in vivo sensing device having a specific gravity of about 1.

3. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 1 or 2 comprising at least one in vivo sensor.

4. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 3 wherein the in vivo sensor is an image sensor.

5. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 3 wherein the in vivo sensor is selected from the group consisting of:

an image sensor, a pH meter, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a shear sensor, a sensor of electrical conductivity or a combination thereof.

6. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 4 further comprising at least one illumination source.

7. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 4 further comprising at least one transmitter for transmitting image data to an external receiving system.

8. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 1 or 2 comprising a sensor system and a buoyant body.

9. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 8 wherein the buoyant body houses the sensor system.

10. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 8 wherein the buoyant body is attached to the sensor system.

11. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 8 comprising at least one in vivo sensor.

12. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 11 wherein the in vivo sensor is an image sensor.

13. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 11 wherein the in vivo sensor is selected from the group consisting of:

an image sensor, a pH meter, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a shear sensor, a sensor of electrical conductivity or a combination thereof.

14. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 12 further comprising at least one illumination source.

15. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 12 further comprising at least one transmitter for transmitting image data to an external receiving system.

16. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 9 comprising at least one image sensor and at least one transmitter.

17. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 8 wherein the buoyant body is inflatable.

18. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 17 wherein the buoyant body comprises gas releasing granules.

19. The in vivo sensing device according to claim 17 wherein the buoyant body comprises a plurality of compartments, at least one compartment comprising gas releasing granules and at least another compartment containing liquid.

20. A method for sensing a body lumen comprising the step of moving an in vivo sensing device according to claim 1 or 2, through a body lumen.

21. A method for sensing a large intestine comprising the steps of:

clearing the large intestine of contents;

filling the large intestine with a liquid; and

providing the large intestine with an in vivo sensing device according to claim 1 or 2 or 8.

2. An in vivo sensing device having a volume to weight ratio that enables said sensing device essentially to float in a body lumen liquid.

22. A method for moving an object through a large intestine comprising the steps of:

placing an object in a gastrointestinal tract; and

administering to the gastrointestinal tract a suitable amount of a high osmotic pressure composition that is essentially not absorbed by the intestine.

23. The method according to claim 22 further comprising a step of performing a colonoscopic preparation prior to the step of placing the object.

24. The method according to claim 22 wherein placing an object in a gastrointestinal tract comprises placing the object in the mouth, esophagus or stomach.

25. The method according to claim 22 wherein the step of placing an object is performed by ingesting the object.

26. The method according to claim 22 wherein the step of placing an object is performed by utilizing a colonoscope.

27. The method according to claim 22 wherein the object is a diagnostic or therapeutic device or a device that is both diagnostic and therapeutic for monitoring or treating or for monitoring and treating the gastrointestinal tract.

28. The method according to claim 22,wherein the object is a device for sustained release of medicaments to the colon.

29. The method according to claim 22 wherein the object is an in vivo imaging device.

30. The method according to claim 22 wherein the high osmotic pressure composition comprises a contrasting agent.

31. The method according to claim 22 wherein the high osmotic pressure composition comprises gastrografin or barium sulfate.

32. The method according to claim 22 wherein the step of administering a high osmotic pressure composition comprises administering 8 ounces of gastrografin diluted to about 5%, in predetermined time intervals after placing of the object, up to a total of 2 liters.

33. The method according to claim 32 wherein the predetrmined time intervals are every 15 minutes starting from about 2.5 hours after placing of the object.

35. The use according to claim 34 wherein the contrasting agent is gastrografin or barium sulfate.

36. The use according to claim 34 wherein the object is a diagnostic or therapeutic device or a device that is both diagnostic and therapeutic for monitoring or treating or for monitoring and treating the gastrointestinal tract.

37. The use according to claim 34 wherein the object is a device for sustained release of medicaments to the colon.

38. The use according to claim 34 wherein the object is an in vivo imaging device.

40. A composition according to claim 39 wherein the contrasting agent is gastrografin or barium sulfate.

41. A composition according to claim 39 wherein the additives comprise flavorings and/or wetting agents.

34. Use of contrasting agents in the preparation of a high osmotic pressure composition that is essentially not absorbed by the intestine for moving an object in a colon.

39. A high osmotic pressure composition that is essentially not absorbed by the intestine for moving a sensor system through a patient'"'"'s colon comprising a contrasting agent and additives.

42. A method for wireless imaging of the colon comprising the steps of

placing a wireless in vivo imaging device in a gastrointestinal tract;

administering to the gastrointestinal tract a suitable amount of a high osmotic pressure composition that is essentially not absorbed by the intestine; and

activating the in vivo imaging device to obtain images of the colon.