SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IN VIVO IMAGING

• US 20090318761A1
• Filed: 08/09/2007
• Published: 12/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Rabinovitz, Elisha
• Application Number:
  US12/377,028
• Publication Number:
  US 20090318761A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/118
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00158 using magnetic field
• 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

Abstract

An in vivo imaging system including an ingestible in vivo imaging device for obtaining images and transmitting image data; a receiver for receiving said transmitted image data; a processor for processing said image data; and a controller for controlling movement of the in vivo imaging device based on processed image data. Controlling the movement of the in vivo imaging device is typically achieved by an external magnet moved along the patient'"'"'s body unconstrained by a predetermined track.

Claims

1-11. -11. (canceled)

12. An in vivo imaging system, comprising:

an ingestible in vivo imaging device to be taken by a patient for obtaining images and transmitting image data, said device comprising a magnetic element;

an external magnetic system for controlling movement of the in vivo imaging device, said magnetic system comprising;

a construction for adjusting on the patient'"'"'s body; and

an external magnet,

wherein said construction supports the external magnet, and wherein said external magnet is able to move in two perpendicular axes;

a receiver for receiving said transmitted image data;

a processor for processing said image data; and

a work station for displaying said image data.

18. An in vivo imaging system, comprising:

an ingestible in vivo imaging device to be taken by a patient for obtaining in vivo images and transmitting image data, said device comprising a magnetic element; and

an external magnetic system comprising;

an array of electromagnets placed over the patient'"'"'s body; and

a controller for controlling movement of the in vivo imaging device by activating different electromagnets at different times.

20. A method comprising the steps of:

obtaining image data in vivo by an ingestible in vivo imaging device;

receiving the image data through said receiver;

processing the image data; and

controlling movement of said ingestible in vivo device based on the processed image data.

24. A method for in vivo imaging, the method comprising:

bringing a magnet into proximity of a patient;

inserting a capsule endoscope into the patient'"'"'s esophagus;

viewing images obtained by the capsule endoscope;

moving the magnet in a trajectory so as to control movement of the capsule endoscope in vivo, said magnet being unconstrained by a predetermined track.