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

• US 7,678,043 B2
• Filed: 12/29/2005
• Issued: 03/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Gilad, Zvika
• Primary Examiner(s): Leubecker; John P
• Application Number:
  US11/319,772
• Publication Number:
  US 20070156015A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,538 Days
• Field of Search: 600/101, 600/160, 600/109, 600/128, 600/141
• US Class Current: 600/109
• 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 unconnected in-vivo devices,

wherein a first in-vivo device comprises an imager and a transmitter,

wherein each of the devices may be detachably coupled to another of the devices by a magnetic connection, and

wherein an in-vivo device of the in-vivo devices comprises a ball-and-socket joint connecting unit.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein

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

3. The device according to claim 2 wherein said first in-vivo device further comprises an illumination source.

4. The device according to claim 2 wherein said first in-vivo device further comprises an alert unit.

5. The device according to claim 2 wherein one device of said devices further comprises a processor.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said imager is configured to image at least a portion of a second device of the devices.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said joint ball comprises a magnet.

8. The system according to claim 1, 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. The device according to claim 1 wherein one device of said devices further comprises a propulsion system.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein said connecting unit further comprises an electrical connection unit.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein said electrical connection unit is not activated unless said in vivo device is coupled to another in vivo device.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein said joint ball comprises an electrical connection unit.

17. The system according to claim 1,

wherein said first device and a second device each comprise a respective ball-and-socket connection unit, and

wherein said joint ball of a first device comprises a protrusion, and said joint ball of a second device comprises an indentation configured for securely receiving said protrusion.

18. An in-vivo system comprising:

a plurality of in-vivo devices, wherein each of the devices is connected to another of the devices by a magnetic connection, wherein a first of the in-vivo devices comprises an imager and a transmitter, and wherein at least one of the in-vivo devices comprises a ball-and-socket joint connecting unit.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein said joint ball comprises a magnet.

20. The system according to claim 18, wherein said joint ball comprises a ferro magnet.