Device for in vivo sensing

• US 7,727,169 B1
• Filed: 06/11/2002
• Issued: 06/01/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Glukhovsky, Arkady, Lewkowicz, Shlomo, Jacob, Harold
• Primary Examiner(s): Hindenburg; Max
• Assistant Examiner(s): Towa; Rene
• Application Number:
  US10/166,025
• Time in Patent Office: 2,912 Days
• Field of Search: 600/407, 600301-302, 600/476, 600/104, 600/109, 600114-117, 600/143, 600/151, 600/160, 600/561, 600/593, 600/101, 600/106, 600/590, 128/899, 128/903
• US Class Current: 600/593
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00156 using self propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6861 Capsules, e.g. for swallowing or implanting

Abstract

A moveable in vivo device comprises a device body and at least one moveable appendage that is moveably coupled the device body such that movement of the moveable appendage causes the device body to move in a body lumen.

Claims

1. An in vivo imaging system comprising:

an autonomous device comprising;

a body comprising an image sensor, wherein said body has a longitudinal axis with a leading end and a trailing end;

a movable appendage having a shape different from that of the body, wherein said appendage is moveably coupled with the body about an axis about a pivot joint at the trailing end of said body; and

an actuator to move the appendage at an adjustable rate and amplitude about said axis so as to convey adjustable movement to the body,

a processor configured to determine movement of said autonomous device within a body lumen and to activate said actuator if said autonomous device has not moved within a predetermined period of time.

2. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the appendage includes pliant material.

3. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the object body and the appendage are coupled through a lever system.

4. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the device comprises an optical window.

5. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the device comprises an illumination source.

6. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the device comprises a transmitter for transmitting image signals to an external receiving system.

7. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the appendage is initially packaged in a compact state.

8. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the appendage is configured to change shape in response to an electrical stimulus.

9. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the appendage is configured to change shape in response to change in an in-vivo condition.

10. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the appendage is to press against an endo-luminal wall to dislodge the device from a position on the endo-luminal wall.

11. The in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the actuator is responsive to a wirelessly transmitted command.

12. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the movable appendage comprises two movable appendages, one at either side of said body.

13. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 2 wherein the movable appendage comprises said pliant material covering a rigid core.

14. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the axis of motion of said movable appendage intersects with a wall of said body.

15. An in vivo imaging system according to claim 14 wherein the movable appendage comprises a space on either side of said axis to provide flexibility of said appendage with respect to said body wall.