In-vivo sensing device and method for producing same

• US 7,647,090 B1
• Filed: 12/30/2004
• Issued: 01/12/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Frisch, Mordechai, Glukhovsky, Arkady
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur; Eric F
• Assistant Examiner(s): Fernandez; Katherine L
• Application Number:
  US11/024,906
• Time in Patent Office: 1,839 Days
• Field of Search: 600/437, 600/473, 348/77, 128/903
• US Class Current: 600/473
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00105 characterised by modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/04 combined with photographic or television appliances
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7232 involving compression of the physiological signal, e.g. to extend the signal recording period
• 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 8/4472 Wireless probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation

Abstract

An in-vivo sensing device may include, for example, an in-vivo sensing module attached to a functional module. The in-vivo sensing module may include, for example, an in-vivo imager or sensor. The functional module may include, for example, a power source, a transmitter, or other components.

Claims

1. An in-vivo imaging device, said imaging device comprising

an imaging module comprising a housing having a window, said housing enclosing an image sensor, an illumination source, and a transmitter,

a removable functional module configured to be attached to said imaging module and provide additional electrical power to said imaging module;

wherein said housing includes an attachment mechanism to attach to, and to provide electrical contact with, the removable functional module,

wherein the imaging module is configured to operate independently of the removable functional module; and

wherein, when attached, the imaging module and the removable functional module together form a swallowable in vivo sensing device having a shape of a capsule and retaining said capsule shape at all times while in vivo.

2. The in-vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein said imaging module is detachably attachable to said removable functional module.

3. The in-vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a sealant.

4. The in-vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein said imaging module communicates with said removable functional module through a wireless link.

5. The in vivo sensing device of claim 1, wherein said removable functional module comprises a power source.

6. The in vivo sensing device of claim 1, wherein said imaging module comprises a first in-vivo image sensor and said removable functional module comprises a second image sensor.

7. The in vivo sensing device of claim 1, wherein said removable functional module and said imaging module are sealed to prevent fluids from entering.

8. The in-vivo imaging device of claim 1, wherein said swallowable sensing device is autonomous.

9. The in vivo sensing device of claim 1, wherein one of said imaging module and said removable functional module comprises a male member, and the other of said imaging module and said removable functional module comprises a female member.

10. The in-vivo imaging module device of claim 1, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a screw mechanism.

11. A swallowable in vivo sensing device comprising an imaging module and a removable functional module configured to be attached to one another,

said imaging module comprising

a housing having a window, said housing enclosing an image sensor, an illumination source, and a transmitter, wherein said housing includes an attachment mechanism to attach to, and to provide electrical contact with, the removable functional module,

wherein the imaging module is configured to operate independently of the removable functional module, and

said removable functional module providing additional electrical power to said imaging module;

and

wherein, when attached, the imaging module and the removable functional module together form a swallowable in vivo sensing device having a shape of a capsule and retaining said capsule shape at all times while in vivo.

12. The in-vivo sensing device of claim 11, wherein said imaging module is detachably attachable to said removable functional module.

13. The in-vivo sensing device of claim 11, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a sealant.

14. The in-vivo sensing device of claim 11, wherein said imaging module communicates with said removable functional module through a wireless link.

15. The in-vivo sensing device of claim 11, wherein said removable functional module comprises a non-imaging sensor.

16. The in-vivo sensing device of claim 11, wherein said imaging module comprises a first in-vivo imager and said removable functional module comprises a second in-vivo imager.

17. The in-vivo sensing device of claim 11, wherein each of said removable functional module and said imaging module is sealed to prevent fluids from entering.

18. The in-vivo sensing device of claim 11, wherein said swallowable sensing device is autonomous.

19. The in-vivo sensing device of claim 11, wherein one of said imaging module and said removable functional module comprises a male member, and the other of said imaging module and said removable functional module comprises a female member.

20. The in vivo sensing device of claim 11, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a screw mechanism.