Endoscopic smart probe and method

• US 6,984,205 B2
• Filed: 03/08/2002
• Issued: 01/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: West View Research LLC
• Original Assignee: Robert F. Gazdzinski
• Inventors: Gazdzinski, Robert F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Leubecker, John P.
• Application Number:
  US10/094,038
• Publication Number:
  US 20020103417A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,404 Days
• Field of Search: 600/109, 600/101, 600/160, 600/476, 348/65, 348/76, 348/74
• US Class Current: 600/160
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00006 of control signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0002 provided with data storages
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00029 externally powered, e.g. wireless
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00032 internally powered
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00036 Means for power saving, e.g. sleeping mode
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00156 using self propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00158 using magnetic field
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/043 for fluorescence imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0684 using light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/02 Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy A61B10/0038 and A61B10/0045 take precedence; needle locating or guiding means A61B17/3403; samplers for enzymology or microbiology C12M1/26; sampling or preparing biological specimens G01N33/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/04 Endoscopic instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/20 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/11 Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb for measuring pulse A61B5/02 ;A61B5/1038 takes precedence; motion detection to correct for motion artifacts in physiological signals A61B5/721
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1107 Measuring contraction of parts of the body, e.g. organ, muscle apparatus for measuring work or force in general G01L
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 : Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/42 : Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the gastrointestinal, the endocrine or the exocrine systems A61B1/00, A61B5/4857, A61B5/486, A61B5/4866, A61B5/4869 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4255 : Intestines, colon or appendix
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 : combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7225 : Details of analog processing, e.g. isolation amplifier, gain or sensitivity adjustment, filtering, baseline or drift compensation A61B5/30, A61B5/316 take precedence; transformers for specific applications H01F38/00; amplifiers H03F
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7232 : involving compression of the physiological signal, e.g. to extend the signal recording period
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7257 : using Fourier transforms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/037 : Emission tomography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4258 : for detecting non x-ray radiation, e.g. gamma radiation A61B6/037 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4494 : Means for identifying the diagnostic device
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/12 : in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters catheters per se A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4245 : involving determining the position of the probe, e.g. with respect to an external reference frame or to the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/445 : Details of catheter construction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4472 : Wireless probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4488 : the transducer being a phased array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/56 : Details of data transmission or power supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/1726 : the body parameters being measured at, or proximate to, the infusion site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/07 : Proteins
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/10 : with powered movement mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3507 : with implanted devices, e.g. external control
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3523 : using telemetric means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/1042 : Alimentary tract A61M2210/0618 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 31/002 : Devices for releasing a drug at a continuous and controlled rate for a prolonged period of time artificial gland structures or devices A61F2/022; intra-uterine contraceptive devices A61F6/14; tampons for introducing into the vagina A61F13/20, A61L15/00; suppositories or bougies for intra-vaginal or intra-uterine application A61K9/02; physical forms of medicinal preparations for sustained or differential drug release A61K9/20, A61K9/50
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/145 : using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1723 : using feedback of body parameters, e.g. blood-sugar, pressure measurement of body parameters A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/002 : in combination with another treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/1005 : with asymmetrical radiation pattern
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/1007 : Arrangements or means for the introduction of sources into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/1014 : Intracavitary radiation therapy
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/004 : by using forward error control H04L1/0618 takes precedence; coding, decoding or code conversion, for error detection or correction H03M13/00

Abstract

An improved endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein. In a first embodiment, the probe utilizes a miniature charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and a fiber optic/diode illumination system for inspection of the intestine wall. The CCD camera operation is supported by data processing electronics and an inductive data transfer circuit located within the probe which facilitate the real-time transfer of the acquired image data out of the probe to an external monitoring and control device. Power is supplied to the probe inductively from an external power source. The probe is completely sealed so as to be protected against damage by gastric acids or other potentially damaging substances residing within the patient. A second embodiment of the probe incorporates a miniature diode laser which is used in conjunction with the CCD array to produce autofluorescence spectra of the interior of the intestinal wall. In another aspect of the invention, an improved endoscopic device useful for implanting the aforementioned endoscopic smart probe is disclosed. A method for inspecting and/or treating the interior regions of the intestinal tract using the aforementioned smart probe is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A probe adapted for use within at least a portion of the small intestine of a human being, comprising:

a sensor for collecting data in a first form;

a data converter operatively connected to said sensor, said data converter converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processor having at least one algorithm running thereon adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form;

a mass data storage device operatively connected to said digital processor which stores at least a portion of said processed data in said second form;

a power supply for powering said sensor, said processor, and said storage device; and

a dissolvable covering for at least a portion of said probe;

wherein said probe is configured to traverse said at least portion of the small intestine due to the peristaltic action thereof.

2. The probe of claim 1, wherein said dissolvable covering comprises a substance which is substantially transparent to at least some wavelengths of visible light.

3. The probe of claim 1, wherein said dissolvable covering comprises a substantially gelatin-like substance.

4. The probe of claim 1, wherein said dissolvable covering is configured to provide a timed dissolution within said human being.

5. The probe of claim 1, wherein said dissolvable covering is configured to mitigate the distortion of at least some wavelengths of visible light passing therethrough before dissolution thereof.

6. The probe of claim 1, wherein said dissolvable covering is configured to filter at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation passing therethrough.

7. The probe of claim 1, wherein said dissolvable covering comprises a covering which substantially dissolves upon exposure to electric current.

8. The probe of claim 1, wherein said dissolvable covering comprises a covering which substantially dissolves upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

9. Apparatus adapted for use within at least a portion of the intestine of a human being, comprising:

means for collecting data in a first form;

means, operatively connected to said means for collecting, for converting said data from said first form to a second form;

processor means having at least one means adapted for processing at least a portion of said data of said second form;

means, operatively connected to said processor means, for storing at least a portion of said processed data in said second form;

means for powering at least said sensor, said processor, and said means for storing; and

means for dissolvably covering at least a portion of said apparatus;

wherein said apparatus traverses said at least portion of said intestine due to the peristaltic action thereof.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for covering comprises a substance which is substantially transparent to at least some wavelengths of visible light.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for covering comprises a substantially gelatin-like substance.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for covering is configured to provide a timed dissolution within said human being.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for covering is configured to mitigate the distortion of at least some wavelengths of visible light passing therethrough before dissolution thereof.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for covering is configured to filter at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation passing therethrough.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for covering comprises a covering which substantially dissolves upon exposure to electric current.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for covering comprises a covering which substantially dissolves upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

17. A probe adapted for use within at least a portion of the small intestine of a human being, comprising:

a sensor for collecting data in a first form;

a data converter operatively connected to said sensor, said data converter converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processor having at least one algorithm running thereon adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form;

a data storage device operatively connected to said digital processor which stores at least a portion of said processed data in said second form;

a power supply for powering said sensor, said processor, and said storage device; and

a housing comprising at least one aperture, said aperture being controlled at least in part by a shutter;

wherein said probe is configured to traverse said at least portion of the small intestine due to the peristaltic action thereof.

18. Apparatus adapted for use within at least a portion of the intestine of a human being, comprising:

a sensor for collecting data in a first form;

data conversion apparatus operatively connected to said sensor, said data conversion apparatus converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processor having at least one algorithm running thereon adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form;

means for storing operatively connected to said digital processor which stores at least a portion of said processed data in said second form;

a power supply for powering said sensor, said processor, and said means for storing; and

a housing comprising at least one aperture, said aperture being controlled at least in part by a means for selectively occluding said aperture;

wherein said probe is configured to traverse said at least portion of the intestine due to the peristaltic action thereof.

19. A probe adapted for use within at least a portion of the small intestine of a human being, comprising:

a sensor for collecting data in a first form;

a data converter operatively connected to said sensor, said data converter converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processing device having at least one algorithm running thereon adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form;

a data storage device operatively connected to said digital processor which stores at least a portion of said processed data in said second form; and

a power supply for powering at least said sensor, said processor, and said storage device;

at least one light source;

a fiber-optic bundle adapted to transmit light from said at least one light source to illuminate portions of said intestine;

wherein said probe is configured to traverse said at least portion of the small intestine due to the peristaltic action thereof.

20. The probe of claim 19, further comprising a lens adapted to distribute light incident on an inner surface thereof into said intestine.

21. The probe of claim 19, further comprising a lens adapted to focus light incident on said lens onto at least a portion of said sensor.

22. The probe of claim 19, wherein said fiber optic bundle comprises at least one single-mode optical fiber.

23. The probe of claim 19, wherein said at least one light source comprises a white light LED.

24. A probe adapted for use within at least a portion of the intestine of a human being, comprising:

a sensor for collecting data in a first form;

a data converter operatively connected to said sensor, said data converter converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processor having at least one algorithm running thereon adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form;

means, operatively connected to said digital processor, for storing at least a portion of said processed data in said second form; and

a power supply for powering at least said sensor, said processor, and said storage device;

at least one illuminating means;

fiber means for transmitting light from said at least one illuminating means to portions of said intestine;

wherein said probe is configured to traverse said at least portion of the intestine due to the peristaltic action thereof.

25. A probe adapted for use within at least a portion of the small intestine of a human being, comprising:

a sensor for collecting data in a first form, said sensor comprising interleaved visual band and autofluorescence band sensing elements;

a data converter operatively connected to said sensor, said data converter converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processing device having at least one algorithm running thereon adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form;

a mass data storage device operatively connected to said digital processor which stores at least a portion of said processed data in said second form; and

a power supply for powering said sensor, said processor, and said storage device;

wherein said probe is configured to traverse said at least portion of the small intestine due to the peristaltic action thereof.

26. The probe of claim 25, wherein said interleaved elements comprise two sub-arrays.

27. The probe of claim 25, wherein said visual band elements and said autofluorescence band elements are disposed in a row-column fashion, with said columns containing only elements from one of said bands.

28. The probe of claim 25, wherein said visual band elements and said autofluorescence band elements are disposed in a row-column fashion, with said rows containing only elements from one of said bands.

29. Apparatus adapted for use within at least a portion of the intestinal tract of a living being, comprising:

means for collecting data in a first form, said means comprising first means for collecting visual band radiation and second means for collecting autofluorescence band radiation in an interleaved fashion;

a data converter operatively connected to said means for collecting, said data converter converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processor having at least one algorithm running thereon adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form;

a mass data storage device operatively connected to said digital processor which stores at least a portion of said processed data in said second form; and

a power supply for powering said sensor, said processor, and said storage device;

wherein said probe traverses said at least portion of the intestinal tract due to the peristaltic action thereof.

30. Apparatus adapted for use within at least a portion of the intestine of a living being, comprising:

a sensor for collecting data in a first form;

data conversion apparatus operatively connected to said sensor, said data conversion apparatus converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processing device having at least one algorithm running thereon adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form;

means for storing operatively connected to said digital processor which stores at least a portion of said processed data in said second form;

a power supply for powering at least portions of said apparatus; and

a housing comprising at least one aperture, said aperture being controlled at least in part by a means for selectively occluding said aperture;

wherein said probe traverses said at least portion of the intestine due to the peristaltic action thereof.

31. A probe adapted for use within at least a portion of the intestine of a living being, comprising:

a sensor for collecting data in a first form;

a data converter operatively connected to said sensor, said data converter converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processor adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form according to at least one algorithm;

means, operatively connected to said digital processor, for storing at least a portion of said processed data in said second form;

a power supply for electrically powering at least portions of said probe;

at least one illuminating means; and

fiber means for transmitting light from said at least one illuminating means to portions of said intestine;

wherein said probe traverses said at least portion of the intestine due to the peristaltic action thereof.

32. Apparatus adapted for use within at least a portion of the intestine of a living being, comprising:

a sensor for collecting data in a first form;

a data converter operatively connected to said sensor, said data converter converting said data from said first form to a second form;

a digital processing device adapted to process at least a portion of said data of said second form according to at least one algorithm;

a data storage device in data communication with said digital processor which stores at least a portion of said processed data in said second form;

a power supply providing electrical power to at least portions of said apparatus; and

a dissolvable covering disposed on at least a portion of said probe;

wherein said probe is able to traverse said at least portion of said intestine due to the peristaltic action thereof.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said data storage device comprises an embedded memory, said embedded memory being embedded substantially within said processing device.

34. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a housing, wherein at least a portion of said housing comprises a fluoropolymer.

35. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a housing, wherein at least a portion of said housing comprises an encapsulant.

36. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein at least two of said digital processing device, data converter and storage device are disposed on one or more circuit boards.

37. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said processing device comprises a microcontroller incorporating internal memory.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said data storage device comprises an embedded memory, said embedded memory being embedded substantially within said microcontroller.