Method for in vivo sensing

• US 7,628,753 B2
• Filed: 06/14/2006
• Issued: 12/08/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Afik, Danny, Gat, Daniel, Rabinovitz, Raphael
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur; Eric F
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rozanski; Michael T
• Application Number:
  US11/452,404
• Publication Number:
  US 20060235275A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,273 Days
• Field of Search: 600/112, 600/143, 600/183, 600/300, 600/302, 600/407, 128/898
• US Class Current: 600/160
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging

Abstract

A method for in vivo sensing of a body lumen such as a lumen in the upper GI tract is provided. The method may include, for example, inserting a sensing device into a subject'"'"'s body lumen, positioning the subject in a horizontal or other suitable position, and receiving data transmitted from the sensing device.

Claims

1. A method for in vivo sensing of an esophagus, the method comprising:

inserting an autonomous sensing device into a subject'"'"'s esophagus while the subject is lying flat in a horizontal position on his right side;

administering one sip of water every 30 sec for 7 minutes to the subject;

positioning the subject in an upright sitting position;

administering an additional sip of water to the subject;

sensing data as the sensing device moves through the esophagus; and

receiving data transmitted from the sensing device.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein sensing comprises imaging the subject'"'"'s esophagus.

3. The method according to claim 1 comprising ingesting a saliva reducing agent prior to inserting a sensing device into a subject'"'"'s body lumen.

4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of ingesting a saliva reducing agent comprises ingesting a saliva reducing agent including glycerin.

5. The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of ingesting a saliva reducing agent comprises ingesting a saliva reducing agent including oil.

6. The method according to claim 1 comprising training a patient to drink sips of ˜

15 ml of water through a straw.

7. The method according to claim 1 comprising substantially emptying the subject'"'"'s esophagus prior to inserting a sensing device into a subject'"'"'s body lumen.

8. The method according to claim 1 comprising receiving data transmitted from the sensing device in real time.