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System and apparatus for anchoring and operation of in-vivo medical devices

  • US 9,149,172 B2
  • Filed: 12/26/2012
  • Issued: 10/06/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2011
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An in-vivo medical device comprising:

  • an image sensor;

    an optical system;

    at least one illumination source;

    a permanent magnet assembly interacting with external magnetic fields for generating magnetic forces for magnetically maneuvering said device to a desired location along a patient'"'"'s GI tract; and

    an anchoring mechanism, wherein said anchoring mechanism is configured to attach said device to body tissue at the desired location for a period of time, said anchoring mechanism comprising;

    a chamber formed within a housing of said device, said chamber having an opening;

    a harpoon located within said chamber, at least a portion of said harpoon extending outside of said chamber, said harpoon configured to penetrate the body tissue;

    a harpoon cover configured to longitudinally move back and forth through said opening into said chamber and out of said chamber, respectively uncovering and covering said harpoon;

    a spring located within said chamber, said spring configured to hold said cover outside said chamber and covering said harpoon, and configured to allow said cover to be moved longitudinally back into said chamber; and

    a safety catch configured to prevent longitudinal movement of said cover unless released;

    wherein, when said safety catch is in place, said safety catch prevents said cover from moving from a position outside said chamber and covering said harpoon, and when said safety catch is released, said spring allows said cover to move longitudinally into said chamber through said opening when said cover is pressed longitudinally against the body tissue, thereby uncovering said harpoon and allowing said harpoon to penetrate the body tissue for anchoring the device to the body tissue.

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