A61B1/00156

In vivo capsule device with electrodes
10531786 · 2020-01-14 · ·

A capsule endoscopic device with movement control is disclosed. The capsule endoscopic device comprises a capsule housing, one or more electrodes disposed fixedly through the capsule housing, a signal generation/signal driver unit, an interface circuit and a switch module. The electrodes apply electrical stimulus to living body tissue in a patient's gastrointestinal track. The signal generation/signal driver unit generates the electrical stimulus for the electrodes. The switch module is coupled to the electrodes, the signal generation/signal driver unit and the interface circuit. Furthermore, the switch module is configured to connect the electrodes to the signal generation/signal driver unit or the interface circuit depending on an operation mode. The switch module, the signal generation/signal driver unit and the interface circuit are inside the capsule housing.

Endoscopic systems, devices, and methods
20200008654 · 2020-01-09 ·

Example embodiments relate to endoscopic systems. Endoscopic system includes main body and control section. Control section includes extendible section that extends and contracts to change length between extendible section ends. Control section includes first expandable member. When first expandable member is in an expanded configuration, first expandable member includes proximal side wall and distal side wall. Distal side wall of first expandable member includes first protrusions. Control section includes second expandable member. When second expandable member is in an expanded configuration, second expandable member includes distal side wall and proximal side wall. Proximal side wall of second expandable member includes second protrusions. First and second protrusions configurable to cooperate to form a sieve portion between first and second expandable members. The sieve portion configured to reduce an occurrence of solids blocking pressure openings while allowing negative pressure to be applied to a body cavity wall through the pressure openings.

MICRO ROBOTIC IMAGING DEVICE FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
20200000323 · 2020-01-02 ·

A micro robotic imaging device includes a housing, a camera coupled to the housing, and legs coupled to the housing. The legs are movable relative to one another to move the camera within a patient's body for capturing imagery of the patient's body.

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ADVANCING AND POSITIONING TETHERED CAPSULE MICROENDOSCOPES

In some embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for advancing and positioning tethered capsule microendoscopes are provided. In some embodiments, a device for capsule endomicroscopy is provided, comprising: a tether having a proximal end and distal end; an optical fiber disposed within the tether; a tube enclosing at least a portion of the tether, the tube having a proximal end and a distal end, a diameter of the tube being larger than the diameter of the tether; a housing coupled to the distal end of the tether and the distal end of the tube; and an optical element disposed within the housing, the optical element being optically coupled to the distal end of the optical fiber and configured to direct light received from the optical fiber toward a periphery of the housing.

Self-propelled soft robot body

Disclosed is a self-propelled soft robot body, including a tube which is internally and axially provided with a tube cavity, and at least one propelling structure, comprising a first driving unit, a second driving unit and a third driving unit, which are evenly fixed on a peripheral wall of the tube cavity, relative to an axis thereof, and along the axis of the tube; and the first driving unit, the second driving unit and the third driving unit are respectively telescopic along the axis of the tube; at least two support structures, with each two adjacent support structures having at least one propelling structure arranged therebetween, the support structures are fixedly connected with the propelling structure and arranged on the peripheral wall of the tube cavity.

Endoscopic systems, devices and methods

Example embodiments relate generally to endoscopic systems, devices, and methods. The system may include a main body, actuation control members, navigation section, and anchor assembly. Navigation section includes distal termination points for receiving actuation control members. Navigation section is selectively controllable to bend. Anchor assembly includes first expandable member, second expandable member, and pressure openings. First expandable member transitions between an expanded and non-expanded configuration. Distal side wall of first expandable member includes first protrusions. Second expandable member transitions between an expanded and non-expanded configuration. Proximal side wall of second expandable member includes second protrusions. First and second protrusions are configurable to cooperatively form a sieve portion. Connector assembly includes connector assembly body and connector interface portion. Connector assembly body includes proximal termination points to receive actuation control members. Connector interface portion includes main port, pressure source port, and actuation control port.

Disposable fluidic self-propelling robot for traversing a tubular passage

A probe for traversing a tubular passage includes an introducer to be supported at an entrance to the tubular passage. The probe also includes a probe tip to traverse the tubular passage, and a tube with an inflatable tube segment. In some embodiments, the inflatable tube segment is storable in the probe tip. The inflatable tube segment is configured to be inflated to push the probe tip away from the introducer toward an end of the tubular passage. In some embodiments, the probe includes a sealing mechanism, where the sealing mechanism can be positioned between the inflatable tube segment of the tube and the introducer to maintain the inflatable tube segment in a deflated configuration until inflation of the inflatable tube segment.

APPARATUS, DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CAPSULE MICROSCOPY

An exemplary apparatus for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample can be provided. For example, the apparatus can include a first optical arrangement configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic radiation to and from the portion(s). The apparatus can also include a wavelength dispersive second arrangement, which can be configured to disperse the electromagnetic radiation(s). A housing can be provided with a shape of a pill, and enclosing the first and second arrangements.

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS

An endoscope apparatus includes an elongated insertion portion, a self-propelling mechanism configured to be rotatably driven to advance and retract the insertion portion, and a motor configured to supply a drive force to the self-propelling mechanism. A control apparatus for the endoscope apparatus includes a current controller configured to supply a motor current to the motor to control driving of the motor, a motor current detector configured to detect a value of the motor current, a motor current change amount detector configured to detect an amount of change in the value of the motor current, and a limit controller configured to stop a supply of the motor current by the current controller according to the amount of change.

Ingestible device with propulsion capabilities

Introduced here is an ingestible device comprising a capsule having a central axis therethrough, at least one propulsion component, and at least one motor configured to supply motive power to the propulsion component(s). The propulsion component(s) may be disposed at locations radially offset from the central axis. Upon receiving input indicative of a request to alter a position and/or an orientation of the ingestible device, the motor(s) can supply motive power to some or all of the propulsion component(s) to cause movement of the ingestible device.