Method for in vivo delivery of autonomous capsule

• US 6,632,171 B2
• Filed: 09/12/2002
• Issued: 10/14/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Iddan, Gavriel J., Meron, Gavriel
• Primary Examiner(s): Leubecker, John P.
• Application Number:
  US10/241,773
• Publication Number:
  US 20030013938A1
• Time in Patent Office: 397 Days
• Field of Search: 600/101, 600/104, 600/106, 600/129, 600/127
• US Class Current: 600/106
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00147 Holding or positioning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/22031 Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi A61B17/221 takes precedence

Abstract

A method for inserting an autonomous capsule into the G.I. tract includes use of an endoscope having a clamp and at least one retractable support for retaining the clamp. The capsule is engaged with the clamp and pushed to its desired position within the G.I. tract. The capsule is then disengaged by loosening the hold of the clamp on the capsule. The insertion of the capsule can be observed through an imaging unit placed within the endoscope.

Claims

1. A method for inserting an autonomous capsule into the G.I. tract by an endoscope, said endoscope having a clamp and at least one retractable support for retaining said clamp, the method comprising the steps of:

engaging said capsule with said clamp;

pushing said capsule to its desired position within the G.I. tract; and

disengaging said capsule by loosening the hold of said clamp on said capsule.

2. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising the step of:

verifying the efficacy of said inserting by observing the capsule through an imaging unit placed within said endoscope.