Device, system, and method for in-vivo sensing of a substance

• US 20050137468A1
• Filed: 12/20/2004
• Published: 06/23/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Rubey, Kevin, Avron, Jerome
• Application Number:
  US11/014,806
• Publication Number:
  US 20050137468A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/310
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/042 characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/145 Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissuemeasuring of blood pressure or blood flow A61B5/02; non-radiation detecting or locating of foreign bodies in blood A61B5/06

Abstract

An in vivo device and a method for imaging, monitoring and/or sensing of a substance in a body lumen. The in vivo device may include a holding unit, for example a cap for holding the substance, and sensing means, for example a sensor, an imager and an illumination source, for capturing various information in relation to the changes occurring in the substance.

Claims

1. An in-vivo device comprising:

a compartment including a set of openings; and

an imager, the imager configured to image at least part of the compartment.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said in-vivo device is an autonomous capsule.

3. The device according to claim 1, comprising a sensor.

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

a pH sensor, a temperature sensor, an electrical conductivity sensor, a pressure sensor.

5. The device according to claim 1, comprising an illumination source.

6. The device according to claim 1, comprising a transmitter.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the compartment is configured for containing a substance.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the compartment is configured to allow passage of fluids through the openings.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the compartment is at least partially transparent.

10. A device for in vivo sensing of a substance, said device comprising:

a holding unit, said holding unit configured for containing at least a substance; and

a transmitter.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said holding unit is disposed within said device.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein said holding unit is detachable from said device.

13. The device according to claim 10, wherein said holding unit is external to said device.

14. The device according to claim 10, wherein said holding unit comprises a shell including at least one opening.

15. The device according to claim 10, wherein said holding unit is selected from the group consisting of:

a basket, a cap, a pod, a bubble, or a case.

16. The device according to claim 10, comprising means to allow body liquids to pass in or out of said holding unit.

17. A system for in vivo sensing of a substance, the system comprising:

an autonomous in-vivo sensing device, said sensing device comprising a holding unit, said holding unit configured to contain the substance; and

a transmitter; and

an external receiving unit.

18. The system according to claim 17, comprising a data processor.

19. The system according to claim 17, comprising a monitor.

20. A method for in vivo sensing of a substance the method comprising the steps of:

inserting said substance into an in vivo sensing device;

introducing said in vivo sensing device into a patient'"'"'s body; and

sensing said substance.

21. The method according to claim 20, comprising inserting said substance into a holding unit.

22. The method according to claim 20, comprising imaging said substance.

23. The method according to claim 20, comprising transmitting sensed information to a receiving unit.

24. The method according to claim 20, comprising analyzing said sensed information.