Immobilizable in vivo sensing device

• US 20060167339A1
• Filed: 12/25/2003
• Published: 07/27/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/26/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Gilad, Zvika, Iddan, Gavriel J
• Granted Patent: US 7,946,979 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/101
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00087 Tools A61B17/00234 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00148 using anchoring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/06 Biopsy forceps , e.g. with cup-shaped jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/07 Endoradiosondes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6835 Supports or holders, e.g., articulated arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6882 Anchoring means

Abstract

An in vivo sensing device including an immobilizer that may immobilize the device in an in vivo location. The immobilizer may be activated by for example a processor or in response to an in vivo condition or in response to a signal from an outside operator.

Claims

1. An in vivo sensing device comprising an immobilizer, said immobilizer capable of being activated in response to a signal.

2. The device as in claim 1, including a processor capable of issuing said signal.

3. The device as in claim 2, wherein said processor issues said signal in response to an instruction received from outside a body lumen.

4. The device as in claim 1, wherein said immobilizer is degradable.

5. The device as in claim 4, wherein said immobilizer is capable of degrading upon exposure to in vivo conditions.

6. The device as in claim 1, wherein said signal is issued in response to a detected environmental condition.

7. The device as in claim 1, wherein said sensing device comprises an imager.

8. The device as in claim 1, wherein said immobilizer comprises an anchor.

9. The device as in claim 8, wherein said anchor is a pointed anchor.

10. The device as in claim 1, wherein said immobilizer comprises a spring.

11. The device as in claim 10, wherein said spring is releasably attached to a fuse.

12. The device as in claim 1, wherein said immobilizer comprises a composition delivery unit.

13. The device as in claim 12, wherein said composition comprises a drug.

14. The device as in claim 1, wherein said immobilizer comprises a gripper and an actuator.

15. The device as in claim 14, wherein said gripper is to remove a sample of said tissue.

16. The device as in claim 1, comprising a power source.

17. An autonomous in vivo capsule comprising an immobilization unit, said immobilization unit capable of being activated in response to a signal.

18. The capsule as in claim 17, wherein said signal is sent from outside of a body lumen.

19. The capsule as in claim 17, comprising an anchor.

20. The capsule as in claim 17, comprising an imager.

21. The capsule as in claim 17, wherein said immobilizer is degradable.

22. A method of monitoring an in vivo site, the method comprising:

generating a signal to activate an immobilizer attached to an in vivo device;

immobilizing said device proximate to an in vivo site to be monitored; and

monitoring said in vivo site with said device.

23. The method as in claim 22, wherein said immobilizing comprises bringing an immobilizer into contact with an endo-luminal tissue.

24. The method as in claim 22, wherein said immobilizing comprises releasing a spring holding said immobilizer.

25. The method as in claim 24, wherein said releasing a spring comprises burning a fuse holding said spring.

26. The method as in claim 22, comprising releasing a composition into said in vivo site.

27. The method as in claim 22, wherein said immobilizing comprises gripping an endo-luminal tissue.

28. The method of claim 27, comprising removing a sample of said endo-luminal tissue with a gripper.

29. The method as in claim 22, comprising freeing said device from said in vivo site.

30. The method as in claim 29, wherein said freeing comprises degrading an immobilizer.

31. The method as in claim 22, wherein said immobilizing said device comprises transiently immobilizing said device.

32. The method as in claim 22, wherein said monitoring comprises capturing images of said in vivo site.

33. A method for immobilizing an autonomous in vivo device comprising generating a signal to activate an immobilizer attached to said in vivo device.

34. The method as in claim 33, comprising immobilizing said device proximate to an in vivo site to be monitored;

35. An in vivo sensing system comprising:

an immobilizable housing;

a sensor attached to said housing; and

a controller to activate an immobilization unit of said housing

36. The system as in claim 35, wherein said sensor is an imager.

37. The system as in claim 35, wherein said immobilizable unit comprises a pointed anchor.

38. The system as in claim 35, comprising a transmitter.