Immobilizable in-vivo imager with moveable focusing mechanism

• US 20050143624A1
• Filed: 12/30/2004
• Published: 06/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Iddan, Gavriel J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,702,597 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/112
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00094 Suction openings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00188 with focusing or zooming features
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/051 Details of CCD assembly
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6885 Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure

Abstract

A system, method and device for immobilizing an imager in-vivo and/or focusing images on the imager reflected from an in-vivo site to be monitored with for example a moveable or otherwise adjustable focusing mechanism. The imaging sensor may for example be positioned on an acute angle to an in-vivo surface to which the device is immobilized so that the device may for example image an in-vivo area that is opposed to such device. Sensors in addition to or other than an imaging sensor may be used.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring a site in-vivo, the system comprising:

a housing; and

an imaging device connected to said housing, said imaging device comprising a moveable focusing mechanism.

2. The system as in claim 1, wherein said housing is configured for being immobilized in-vivo.

3. The system as in claim 1, wherein said moveable focusing mechanism comprises a cam.

4. The system as in claim 1, wherein said moveable focusing mechanism comprises a screw to alter a relative position of an imager and a lens 5.

5. The system as in claim 1, wherein said imaging device is configured to be positioned at an angle 0-90 degrees relative to an endo-lumenal wall against which said housing is immobilized.

6. The system as in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises rotatable clasps.

7. The system as in claim 1, comprising an illumination source.

8. The system as in claim 7, comprising a controller to control illumination.

9. The system as in claim 1, comprising a controller to control a frame rate of said imaging device.

10. The system as in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a vacuum pad configured to immobilize said housing to an endo-lumenal surface.

11. The system as in claim 1, wherein said housing is configured to accept a suture to immobilize said housing to an endo-lumenal surface.

12. A method of imaging an in-vivo site, the method comprising:

immobilizing a housing on an in-vivo surface; and

focusing an image onto an imaging device attached to said housing.

13. The method as in claim 12, wherein said immobilizing comprises closing a clasp that is attached to said housing.

14. The method as in claim 12, wherein said immobilizing comprises gluing said housing onto an in-vivo surface.

15. The method as in claim 12, wherein said immobilizing comprises suturing said housing to an endo-lumenal surface.

16. The method as in claim 12, wherein said immobilizing comprises adhering by vacuum said housing to an endo-lumenal surface.

17. The method as in claim 12, wherein focusing comprises rotating a cam.

18. The method as in claim 12, wherein focusing comprises rotating a screw to adjust the position of a base of an imager.

19. The method as in claim 12, wherein focusing comprises adjusting a focusing mechanism.

20. The method as in claim 12, comprising illuminating said in-vivo site.

21. The method as in claim 12, comprising capturing images of said in-vivo site at a varying rate.

22. The method as in claim 12, comprising positioning said housing at an in-vivo site using an endoscope.

23. The method as in claim 12, comprising monitoring in-vivo processes.

24. The method as in claim 12, comprising rotating clasps using an endoscope.

25. The method as in claim 12, comprising adjusting a distance between a lens and an imager.

26. The method as in claim 12, comprising positioning an image sensor of said device at a non-ninety degree angle to a substantially longitudinal axis.

27. An autonomous in-vivo device configured for passing through a body lumen, the device comprising:

a housing configured for being temporarily immobilized in-vivo; and

an imaging device connected to said housing, said imaging device comprising a moveable focusing mechanism.

28. The autonomous device as in claim 27, wherein said imaging device is positioned at an acute angle relative to a surface of a body lumen upon which said housing is immobilized.

29. The autonomous device as in claim 27, comprising means for temporarily immobilizing said housing in vivo.