Endoscopic smart probe and method

• US 8,636,649 B1
• Filed: 03/11/2009
• Issued: 01/28/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: West View Research LLC
• Original Assignee: West View Research LLC
• Inventors: Gazdzinski, Robert F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Leubecker, John P
• Application Number:
  US12/381,488
• Time in Patent Office: 1,784 Days
• Field of Search: 600/109, 600/101, 600/160, 600/476, 600/176, 600/459, 600/447, 600/445, 600/462, 348/65, 348/74, 348/76
• US Class Current: 600/109
• 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 endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescensce data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for delivering agents including nanostructures, radionuclides, medication, and ligands is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for obtaining a biopsy of intestinal tissue is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for detecting the presence of one or more molecular species is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one imaging device, a processor, and a means for collecting and transmitting data, delivering agents, obtaining a biopsy, detecting molecular species, and/or generating ultrasonic waveform data. Methods for inspecting and/or treating the interior regions of the intestinal tract using the aforementioned apparatus is also disclosed.

Claims

1. An electronic probe for use within a human being for diagnosis of internal disorders of one or more organs of said human being, said probe comprising:

a substantially elongated cylindrical housing, said housing being formed of a material that is substantially resistant to dissolution by gastric fluids of said being;

at least one transducer disposed substantially proximate a first end of said housing and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves;

logic in operative communication with said transducer and configured to facilitate generation of at least one ultrasonic image;

a lens disposed substantially proximate a second end of said housing and configured to receive light energy via at least one substantially translucent covering;

at least one substantially translucent covering disposed proximate said lens at only one end of said housing;

a semiconductor-based imaging device adapted to receive light energy via said lens, said semiconductor-based imaging device comprising anti-blooming apparatus and having a video rate in excess of 7 MHz;

at least one illuminating light-emitting diode (LED) disposed within said housing and configured to transmit light energy external to said probe via at least said substantially translucent covering;

an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in operative communication with said imaging device, said ASIC comprising and integrated therein;

(i) a ball grid array (BGA) interface;

(ii) a digital processor;

(iii) a flash data memory; and

(iv) a sample-and-hold circuit;

at least one circuit board received within said housing and having a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, including said ASIC, said at least one circuit board being disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis of said probe, said at least one circuit board comprising a multilayer board having a plurality of circuit traces, vias, and contact pads disposed therein to facilitate electrical interconnection; and

a battery power supply configured to provide electrical power to components of said probe;

wherein said probe housing and said at least one substantially translucent covering are sealed so as to substantially frustrate the ingress of gastric fluids into said housing; and

wherein said probe housing has a diameter less than 12 mm.

2. The probe of claim 1, wherein said ASIC comprises a program memory having a signal processing program stored therein, and said digital processor processes data generated by said probe before transmission thereof off-probe.

3. The probe of claim 1, wherein said probe can operate in either a first orientation or a second orientation within said intestine, said first orientation comprising an orientation where an end of said probe having said substantially translucent covering precedes the remainder of the probe during peristalsis within said intestine, and said second orientation comprising an orientation where an end of said probe having said substantially translucent covering follows the remainder of the probe during peristalsis within said intestine.

4. An electronic probe for use within a human being for the diagnosis of internal disorders of one or more organs of said human being, said probe comprising:

a substantially elongated cylindrical housing having a diameter less than 12 mm, said housing being formed of a material that is substantially resistant to dissolution by gastric fluids of said being;

at least one transducer configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves;

logic in operative communication with said transducer and configured to enable generation of at least one ultrasonic image;

a lens disposed substantially proximate an end of said housing;

at least one substantially translucent covering disposed proximate said lens at said end of said housing, said probe housing and said at least one substantially translucent covering forming a seal so as to substantially frustrate the ingress of gastric fluids, and said at least one substantially translucent covering being configured to enable said lens to receive light energy;

a semiconductor-based imaging device adapted to receive light energy via said lens;

at least one illuminating light-emitting diode (LED) disposed within said housing and configured to transmit light energy external to said probe via at least said substantially translucent covering;

an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in operative communication with said imaging device, said ASIC comprising a digital processor and memory;

at least one support structure received within said housing and having a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, including said ASIC; and

a power supply configured to provide electrical power to components of said probe.

5. The probe of claim 4, wherein said at least one transducer is disposed substantially proximate to a second end of said housing.

6. The probe of claim 4, wherein said semiconductor-based imaging device comprising anti-blooming apparatus.

7. The probe of claim 4, wherein said semiconductor-based imaging device provides a video rate in excess of 7 MHz.

8. The probe of claim 4, wherein said ASIC further comprises a ball grid array (BGA) interface and a sample-and-hold circuit.

9. The probe of claim 4, wherein said at least one support structure comprises a circuit board, said circuit board disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis of said probe and comprising a multilayer board having a plurality of circuit traces, vias, and contact pads disposed therein to facilitate electrical interconnection to at least said ASIC.

10. The probe of claim 4, further comprising an apparatus for obtaining a microsample from said being.

11. The probe of claim 4, wherein said probe housing further comprises at least a dissolvable portion, said dissolvable portion configured for controlled dissolution thereof, said dissolution causing a selective release of a chemical substance.

12. An electronic probe for use within a human being for the diagnosis of internal disorders of one or more organs of said human being, said probe comprising:

a substantially cylindrical housing, said housing being formed of a material that is substantially resistant to dissolution by gastric fluids of said being;

at least one transducer configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves;

circuitry in communication with said transducer and configured to facilitate generation of at least one ultrasonic image;

a lens disposed substantially proximate an end of said housing and configured to receive light energy via a substantially translucent covering;

a semiconductor-based imaging device adapted to receive light energy via said lens and generate signals relating thereto;

at least one illuminating light-emitting diode (LED) disposed within said housing and configured to transmit light energy external to said probe via at least said substantially translucent covering;

an integrated circuit (IC) in operative communication with said imaging device;

at least one circuit board received within said housing and having a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, including said IC; and

a power supply configured to provide electrical power to one or more components of said probe.

13. The probe of claim 12, wherein said housing has a maximum transverse diameter enabling said probe to pass substantially unimpeded within the digestive tract and be excreted by said being, said maximum transverse diameter being less than 12 mm.

14. The probe of claim 12, wherein said housing comprises an aperture to permit light of varying wavelengths to impinge upon an active region of said semiconductor-based imaging device via said lens.

15. The probe of claim 12, wherein said housing is comprised of a fluoropolymer that is nontoxic to said being.

16. The probe of claim 12, wherein said substantially translucent covering is shaped to conform substantially with an outer profile of said housing.

17. The probe of claim 12, further comprising an apparatus for obtaining a microsample from said being.

18. The probe of claim 12, wherein said probe can operate in either a first orientation or a second orientation within said intestine, said first orientation comprising an orientation where said end of said probe having said lens and said substantially translucent covering precedes a remainder of said probe during peristalsis within said intestine, and said second orientation comprising an orientation where said end of said probe having said lens and said substantially translucent covering follows said remainder of said probe during peristalsis within said intestine.

19. The probe of claim 12, further configured to selectively release a chemical substance into said intestine.

20. An electronic probe for use within a human being for the diagnosis of internal disorders of one or more organs of said human being, said probe comprising:

a substantially elongated cylindrical housing, said housing being formed of a material that is substantially resistant to dissolution by gastric fluids of said being and is nontoxic to said being;

at least one transducer configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves;

circuitry in operative communication with said transducer and configured to enable generation of at least one ultrasonic image based at least in part on received ones of said ultrasonic waves;

at least one lens disposed substantially proximate an end of said housing and configured to receive light energy via at least one substantially translucent covering, said at least one substantially translucent covering disposed proximate said lens at said end of said housing;

a semiconductor-based imaging device adapted to receive light energy via said lens;

at least one illuminating light-emitting diode (LED) disposed within said housing and configured to transmit light energy external to said probe via at least said substantially translucent covering;

at least one circuit board received within said housing and having a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, including an ultra-low power integrated circuit (IC) in operative communication with said imaging device, said IC having at least one digital processor;

a power supply configured to provide electrical power to components of said probe; and

at least one wireless apparatus configured to at least transmit data wirelessly from said probe.

21. The probe of claim 20, wherein said probe housing further comprises at least a dissolvable portion, said dissolvable portion configured for timed dissolution thereof, said dissolution causing a selective release of a chemical substance.

22. The probe of claim 20, wherein said semiconductor-based imaging device comprises at least one anti-blooming apparatus.

23. The probe of claim 20, wherein said semiconductor-based imaging device comprises operation at a video rate between 7 and 20 MHz.

24. The probe of claim 20, wherein said IC comprises sample and hold circuitry.

25. The probe of claim 20, wherein said IC comprises a program memory having a signal processing program stored therein, and said digital processor processes data generated by said probe before transmission thereof off-probe.

26. The probe of claim 25, wherein said signal processing program comprises a data compression algorithm.

27. The probe of claim 26, wherein said data compression algorithm is adapted to minimize the bandwidth necessary to transmit data via said wireless apparatus.

28. An electronic probe for use within a human being for the diagnosis of internal disorders of one or more organs of said human being, said probe comprising:

a substantially elongated cylindrical housing means, said housing means being formed of a polymer means that is substantially resistant to dissolution by gastric fluids of said being and is nontoxic to said being;

at least one means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves;

means in operative communication with said means for transmitting and receiving and configured to enable generation of at least one ultrasonic image based at least in part on received ones of said ultrasonic waves;

focal means disposed substantially proximate an end of said housing and configured to receive light energy via at least one substantially translucent covering, said at least one substantially translucent covering disposed proximate said focal means at said end of said housing;

semiconductor-based means for imaging adapted to receive light energy via said focal means;

at least one means for emitting light disposed within said housing means and configured to transmit light energy external to said probe via at least said substantially translucent covering;

at least one substrate received within said housing means and having a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, including an ultra-low power integrated circuit (IC) in operative communication with said means for imaging, said IC having at least one digital processing means;

means for providing electrical power to components of said probe; and

at least one wireless apparatus configured to at least transmit data wirelessly from said probe.