Device, system and method for in-vivo sensing of a body lumen

• US 20070156015A1
• Filed: 12/29/2005
• Published: 07/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Gilad, Zvika
• Granted Patent: US 7,678,043 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/102
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00156 using self propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/04 Endoscopic instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/06 Biopsy forceps , e.g. with cup-shaped jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes

Abstract

A system device and a method for imaging and/or for obtaining a sample from, for example, endo-luminal areas. The system may include two or more devices which may be magnetically connected in a body lumen, for example the system may include a first device which may include an imager and a transmitter for transmitting in vivo data, and a second device which may include a sampling mechanism.

Claims

1. An in-vivo system comprising:

a plurality of in-vivo devices, wherein each of the devices are connected to another of the devices by a magnetic connection.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein a first in-vivo device of the devices comprises:

an imager and a transmitter; and

a second in-vivo device of the devices comprises a sampling mechanism.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein one device of said devices comprises an imager configured to image at least a portion of a second device of the devices.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein an in-vivo device of the in-vivo devices comprises a connecting unit.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said connecting unit is a ball-and-socket joint connection unit.

6. The system according to claim 5, comprising a joint ball and a joint socket.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said joint ball comprises a magnet.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein said joint ball comprises a ferro magnet.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein a first in-vivo device of the devices comprises:

a magnet; and

a second in-vivo device of the devices comprises a ferro magnet.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said devices are autonomous swallowable capsules.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein said devices are floatable.

12. The system according to claim 1, comprising a storage unit.

13. An in-vivo imaging device comprising a magnetic connection.

14. The device according to claim 13 comprising an imager and a transmitter.

15. The device according to claim 13 comprising an illumination source.

16. The device according to claim 13, comprising an alert unit.

17. The device according to claim 13, comprising a position sensor.

18. The device according to claim 13, comprising a propulsion system.

19. The device according to claim 13, comprising a processor.

20. The device according to claim 13, comprising a sensor selected from the group consisting of:

a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, a pressure sensor, a blood sensor and a tracking sensor.

21. A method for obtaining a sample from within a body lumen, the method comprising:

inserting into a body lumen a plurality of devices;

wherein a first device of said devices comprises an imager and a transmitter; and

a second device of the device comprises a sampling mechanism.

22. The method according to claim 21, comprising controlling the sampling mechanism.

23. The method of claim 21, comprising capturing and transmitting images of the body lumen.

24. The method of claim 21, comprising capturing and transmitting images of the second device.