Device and method for in-vivo sensing

• US 7,485,093 B2
• Filed: 03/25/2004
• Issued: 02/03/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Glukhovsky, Arkady
• Primary Examiner(s): Leubecker; John P
• Assistant Examiner(s): SMITH, PHILIP ROBERT
• Application Number:
  US10/808,574
• Publication Number:
  US 20040181155A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,776 Days
• Field of Search: 600/593, 600/587, 600106-107, 600114-117
• US Class Current: 600/160
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00147 Holding or positioning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00149 using articulated arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00156 using self propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/06 with illuminating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/06 Devices, other than using radiation, for detecting or locating foreign bodies for removing same A61B17/50 ; determining position of probes within or on the body of the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1473 invasive, e.g. introduced into the body by a catheter A61B5/1482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6886 Monitoring or controlling distance between sensor and tissue

Abstract

An in vivo device for sensing a lumen such as the GI tract, such as an in vivo imaging device or other sensing device, may include a substantially spherical housing and an oblong appendage attached to the housing. The appendage may be detached in vivo, for example in the stomach. The in vivo device may then roll and glide along a stomach wall to provide, for example, a smooth sampled image stream.

Claims

1. An ingestible imaging device comprising:

an imaging device having a substantially spherical housing, said housing comprising a dome-shaped window through which a body lumen is illuminated and imaged; and

a detachable appendage, wherein the housing and the detachable appendage form an oblong capsule shape when joined together such that the dome-shaped window forms an end of the oblong capsule shape.

2. The device according to claim 1 comprising:

an illumination source; and

a transmitter.

3. The device according to claim 2 wherein the illumination source has intensity that is adjustable in vivo.

4. The device according to claim 1 comprising a ballast weight.

5. The ingestible imaging device of claim 4, wherein an imaging axis of said imaging device is aligned with the oblong axis of the detachable appendage when joined together.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein said imaging device comprises said ballast weight to maintain a specific orientation of the spherical housing with respect to gravity.

7. The device according to claim 4, wherein the ballast weight is positioned in said spherical housing such that at least upon detachment from said detachable appendage, said imaging device is directed to image an area of the body lumen opposite a portion of said body lumen upon which the spherical housing is resting.

8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the appendage includes a degradable material.

9. The device according to claim 8 wherein the degradable material is pH sensitive.

10. The device according to claim 1 wherein the appendage and the spherical housing are glued together.

11. The device according to claim 1 the appendage and the spherical housing are glued together with dissolvable glue.

12. The device according to claim 1 wherein the appendage comprises:

an outer coating; and

an internal filling.

13. The device according to claim 12 wherein the outer coating is semi-permeable.