Intra-lumen polyp detection
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a capsule configured to be swallowed by a subject and to pass through a gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the subject, the capsule comprising;
a capsule housing;
at least one radiation source configured to emit radiation from the capsule;
a rotatable collimator configured to rotate with respect to the housing and to collimate the radiation emitted by the at least one radiation source;
at least one radiation detector positioned next to the collimator and coupled with the collimator to rotate together, the radiation detector being configured to detect radiation comprising particles generated responsive to the radiation emitted from the capsule, wherein the generated particles that are detected are directed back toward the radiation detector and collimator in an opposite direction of the radiation emitted from the capsule;
electronic circuitry programed to serve as a control unit to analyze data regarding the detected particles; and
a shield for covering and uncovering the radiation source, the shield is configured to rotate with the collimator and detector and comprises wings that cover openings on the shield, the wings are configured to rotate open and expose the radiation source;
wherein the wings are disposed on the shield, within the capsule housing to avoid contact with walls of the gastrointestinal tract; and
wherein the wings are held closed by a spring when the shield is not rotating.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and a method for detecting clinically-relevant features of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a subject are disclosed. The apparatus includes a capsule to be swallowed by a subject and passing through the GI tract of the subject, a capsule housing, a radiation source emitting radiation, a rotatable collimator configured to rotate with respect to the housing and to collimate the radiation emitted by the radiation source, and a radiation detector configured to detect particles, such as photons, gamma radiation, beta radiation and electrons photons generated responsive to the emitted radiation. The apparatus also includes a control unit configured to analyze data regarding the photons. Movement of the capsule in the GI tract can be detected from a comparison between at least two images acquired with the apparatus. The radiation source, radiation detector and control unit may advantageously be integrated inside a single housing.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a capsule configured to be swallowed by a subject and to pass through a gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the subject, the capsule comprising;
a capsule housing; at least one radiation source configured to emit radiation from the capsule; a rotatable collimator configured to rotate with respect to the housing and to collimate the radiation emitted by the at least one radiation source; at least one radiation detector positioned next to the collimator and coupled with the collimator to rotate together, the radiation detector being configured to detect radiation comprising particles generated responsive to the radiation emitted from the capsule, wherein the generated particles that are detected are directed back toward the radiation detector and collimator in an opposite direction of the radiation emitted from the capsule; electronic circuitry programed to serve as a control unit to analyze data regarding the detected particles; and a shield for covering and uncovering the radiation source, the shield is configured to rotate with the collimator and detector and comprises wings that cover openings on the shield, the wings are configured to rotate open and expose the radiation source; wherein the wings are disposed on the shield, within the capsule housing to avoid contact with walls of the gastrointestinal tract; and
wherein the wings are held closed by a spring when the shield is not rotating. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 20)
- a capsule configured to be swallowed by a subject and to pass through a gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the subject, the capsule comprising;
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12. A method comprising:
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orally administering a capsule in a housing to a subject to analyze a gastrointestinal (GI) tract, said capsule comprising a radiation source collimated by a collimator and at least one radiation detector positioned next to the collimator and coupled thereto to rotate together directing the radiation around an inner circumference of a portion of the GI tract; covering the radiation source, collimator and detector with a shield, the shield having openings covered by wings that can be rotated open to expose the radiation source; rotating the shield, collimator and detector, causing the wings to rotate open and uncover the openings of the shield exposing the radiation source;
wherein the wings are disposed on the shield, within the capsule housing to avoid contact with walls of the gastrointestinal tract; and
wherein the wings are held closed by a spring when the shield is not rotating;detecting with the at least one radiation detector radiation generated in response to the radiation emitted from the capsule, wherein generated particles that are detected are directed back toward the radiation detector and collimator in an opposite direction of the radiation emitted from the capsule; and generating information useful for identifying a clinically-relevant feature of the GI tract of the subject by analyzing data regarding the detected radiation. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification