Methods, device and system for in vivo detection

• US 20050043617A1
• Filed: 06/28/2004
• Published: 02/24/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Iddan, Gavriel J., Gilad, Zvika, Frisch, Mordechai, Schreiber, Reuven
• Granted Patent: US 7,787,928 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/431
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4258 for detecting non x-ray radiation, e.g. gamma radiation A61B6/037 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry

Abstract

A system and method for in vivo diagnosis are provided. A composition including for example a radioactive marking agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is administered to a patient and an autonomous in vivo device, which may include for example an illumination source an image sensor and a radiation and/or light detector, is used to for example facilitate the difference between. normal and pathological cells in a body lumen.

Claims

1. An autonomous in vivo device comprising:

a radiation detector unit; and

a transmitter.

2. A device for in vivo diagnosis, said device comprising:

a radiation detector unit; and

a transmitter.

3. The device according to claim 2 wherein said radiation detector unit comprises a scintillator.

4. The device according to claim 3 wherein said scintillator is selected from the group consisting of:

solid, gas, liquid.

5. The device according to claim 3 wherein said scintillator is selected from the group consisting of:

NaI(T1), CsI(T1), CsI(Na), Ce-141.

6. The device according to claim 2 wherein said radiation detector unit comprises a photomultiplier.

7. The device according to claim 2 wherein said radiation detector unit is configured to detect ionizing radiation, said ionizing radiation selected from the group consisting of:

gamma-rays, x-rays, alpha particles and beta particles.

8. The device according to claim 2, comprising a light sensor.

9. The device according to claim 2, wherein said device is autonomous.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein said light sensor is an image sensor.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said image sensor is selected from the group consisting of:

a CMOS and a CCD.

12. The device according to claim 8, wherein said light sensor comprises a scintillator.

13. The device according to claim 12 wherein said scintillator includes a plastic or zinc sulphide.

14. The device according to claim 2, comprising an illumination source.

15. The device according to claim 2, wherein said transmitter is a radio frequency transmitter.

16. The device according to claim 2 wherein said radiation detector unit is placed upon at least a portion of a light sensor.

17. The device according to claim 2 wherein said radiation detector unit is placed upon at least a portion of CMOS image sensor.

18. The device according to claim 2 wherein said radiation detector unit is placed within an optical dome.

19. The device according to claim 2, comprising a processor.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein said processor is a radiation data processor.

21. The device according to claim 2, comprising a power source.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein said power source is an external power source.

23. The device according to claim 2, comprising a light diverter.

24. The device according to claim 22, wherein said light diverter is selected from the group consisting of:

optical fibers, light pipes, prisms, and mirrors.

25. A system for in vivo diagnosis, said system comprising:

a composition, said composition comprising at least one radioactively labeled marking agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier;

a detecting device, said detecting device comprising at least a radiation detector unit and a transmitter; and

an external receiving unit to receive transmitted information.

26. The system according to claim 25 wherein said receiving unit comprises an antenna.

27. The system according to claim 25 wherein said receiving unit comprises a data processor.

28. The system according to claim 25 wherein said receiving unit comprises a data processor storage unit.

29. The system according to claim 25 comprising an image monitor.

30. The system according to claim 25 wherein said radiation detector unit comprises a scintillator.

31. The system according to claim 25 wherein said radiation detector unit comprises a light sensor.

32. The system according to claim 25 wherein said radiation detector unit comprises a photomultiplier.

33. The system according to claim 25 wherein said marking agent includes a tumor marker.

34. The system according to claim 33 wherein said tumor marker comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of:

CA19.9, 116-NS-19-9, mCEA and Gastric Mucin.

35. The system according to claim 25 wherein said marking agent comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of:

carbomer compounds, protein compounds, and glucose analogs.

36. A method for in vivo diagnostics, the method comprising:

administering a radiolabled marking agent to a patient;

inserting an in vivo a radiation detecting device; and

receiving a radiation signal outside said patient'"'"'s body.

37. The method according to claim 36, comprising scanning a body lumen environment and walls by said radiation detecting device.

38. The method according to claim 36, comprising detecting scintillation by using a light sensor.

39. The method according to claim 36, comprising analyzing said radiation signal.

40. The method according to claim 36, comprising comparing said radiation signal to a predetermined radiation level.

41. The method according to claim 36, wherein said radiolabled marking agent is administered orally.

42. The method according to claim 36, wherein administering a radiolabled marking agent is done parenterally.

43. The method according to claim 36, wherein administering a radiolabled marking agent comprises using techniques selected from the group consisting of:

intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intraventricular, intrasternal, intracranial injection and infusion techniques.

44. The method according to claim 36, wherein the radiation detecting device is a swallowable capsule.

45. The method according to claim 36 wherein said marking agent includes a radiolabled tumor marker.

46. A kit for malignant diagnosing, said kit comprising:

at least one composition, said composition comprising at least a radio labeled agent; and

an in vivo detecting device.