LOW PROFILE ANTENNA FOR IN BODY DEVICE

• US 20080306360A1
• Filed: 05/23/2008
• Published: 12/11/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Proteus Digital Health, Inc. (Otsuka Holdings Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Proteus Digital Health, Inc. (Otsuka Holdings Company Limited)
• Inventors: Zdeblick, Mark J., Colliou, Olivier, Robertson, Timothy L., Snyder, Eric J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,540,632 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/302
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/07 Endoradiosondes
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2208 associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns G06K7/00; record carrier for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/36 Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewithH01Q1/08, H01Q1/14 take precedence

Abstract

Low profile antennas for ingestible devices, such as ingestible event markers, are provided. Aspects of the ingestible devices of the invention include low profile signal transmission antennas configured such that they are flexible or degrade after use, allowing the antenna and attached components to pass easily through the body. Embodiments of the low profile antennas are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.

Claims

1. An ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein said identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a low profile antenna.

2. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein said low profile antenna has a first configuration prior to signal transmission and a second configuration after signal transmission.

3. The ingestible event marker according to claim 2, wherein said second configuration is more flexible than said first configuration.

4. The ingestible event marker according to claim 3, wherein said flexible second configuration allows said antenna to pass easily through the body after signal transmission.

5. The ingestible event marker of claim 1, wherein said low profile antenna comprises a first and a second transmission element separated by flexible conductor.

6. The ingestible event marker according to claim 5, wherein said first and second transmission elements are electrodes.

7. The ingestible event marker according to claim 6, wherein said low profile antenna comprises a coil in said first configuration.

8. The ingestible event marker according to claim 7, wherein said low profile antenna is linear in said second configuration.

9. The ingestible event marker according to claim 8, wherein each antenna ranges in length from 100 μ

m to 10 cm.

10. The ingestible event marker according to claim 6, wherein said low profile antenna forms a loop in said second configuration.

11. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein said identifier is activated upon contact with fluid at said target site.

12. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein said target fluid is stomach fluid.

13. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein said identifier comprises an integrated circuit.

14. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein said identifier comprises a power source.

15. The ingestible event marker according to claim 14, wherein said power source comprises a battery.

16. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein said low profile antenna is configured to conform to ingestible pill dimensions.

17. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, further comprising an active agent stably associated with said signal generation element.

18. A system comprising:

(a) an ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein said identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a low profile antenna; and

(b) a receiver for detecting a signal produced by said signal generation element.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein said receiver is an in vivo receiver.

20. The system according claim 18, wherein said receiver is an ex vivo receiver.

21. A method comprising:

administering to a subject an ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein said identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a low profile antenna.

22. A kit comprising:

at least one ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein said identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a low profile antenna.

23. The kit according to claim 22, wherein said kit comprises a plurality of said ingestible event markers.

24. The kit according to claim 22, wherein said kit further comprises a receiver.

25. An in-body device comprising a low profile antenna.

26. The in-body device according to claim 25, wherein said in-body device is an ingestible device.

27. The in-body device according to claim 26, wherein said in-body device is an implantable device.