In some embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device for obtaining samples from a subject. In other embodiments, methods and devices of the present invention allow the evaluation of conditions of the gastrointestinal tract of a subject. Measurements may be utilized, for example, to diagnose a disease of the esophagus, to monitor inflammation of the esophagus, or to access the treatment of a disease of the esophagus. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method for measuring esophageal inflammation comprising deploying a device into the esophagus of a subject, removing the device after a predetermined period of time, analyzing the device for a diagnostic indicator of esophageal inflammation and evaluating the diagnostic indicator to diagnose esophageal inflammation.

A biological navigation device that can be attached or integrated with an elongated tool, such as an endoscope, is disclosed. The device can be used for propulsive advance through a biological lumen. The device can anchor to the biological lumen. The device can subsequently or concurrently propel the endoscope and anchor the device to the biological lumen. Methods for using the same are also disclosed.

A cognitive urinary tract microcomputer is provided. The cognitive urinary tract microcomputer includes a propulsion device for moving the cognitive urinary tract microcomputer through a urinary tract. The cognitive urinary tract microcomputer further includes an image sensor for capturing images of the urinary tract. The cognitive urinary tract microcomputer also includes a computer having an image processor and a memory. The memory stores a cognitive algorithm executed by the image processor for comparing images of normal urinary tract segments to the captured images to detect abnormalities in the urinary tract and provide an indication of the abnormalities to a user.

A device for insertion into a vessel and suitable for implementing translational movement through the vessel includes a flexible tube containing a translational actuator. Anchoring actuators are positioned along the length of the flexible tube and are configured to controllably expand against the inner wall of the vessel in coordination with extension and contraction of the translational actuator to effect translational movement.

A flexible overtube and method of deploying the overtube is presented such that the overtube is configured to guide an endoscope to an in vivo deployment location in a patient's colon. A fixation balloon may be provided at the distal end of the overtube to fix the overtube in place. The packaging of a flexible overtube and fixation balloon may take the form of an origami fold patterns or patterns derived from stable inextensional post-buckling patterns of thin-walled cylinders under axial compression or combined axial-torsional loading. Such folding will result in the overtube and balloon being efficiently packaged in a fold containment mechanism. The unfolding progressive deployment of the flexible overtube may proceed from the proximal end to the distal end of the overtube. This packaging offers a convenient way to deploy the flexible overtube and deliver the propulsion and steering mechanism into the patient's colon.

Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have longitudinally extensible cells that can be selectively inflated. The devices can have articulable links. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonscopes or other endoscopes.

The present invention discloses an endoscopic sleeve apparatus for mitigating propulsion-related epithelial tearing, said apparatus comprising: an elastomeric, pliable, and rotatable sleeve for encasing an elongated shaft member of an endoscope; any one of a right-turn or left-turn helical threading disposed on the outer surface of the sleeve from a proximal base of the endoscope and radially extending to a distal tip of the endoscope; a distal tip port opening configured for allowing at least one channel and, or lumen axially disposed within the elongated shaft member of the endoscope to be engaged to the distal tip port opening for release and, or capture of any agent; a proximal end housing comprising at least one motor coupled to at least one actuator gear, whereby said actuator is in operable communication to the rotatable sleeve via a sleeve-actuator junction seal; a finger-led control disposed on a surface of the proximal end housing and operably coupled to the motor and, or actuator gear for triggering rotational force; and wherein the rotational force caused by the motor and, or actuator gear drives axial rotation of the rotatable sleeve over the elongated shaft member of the endoscope via the sleeve-actuator junction seal, and thereby allowing for forward propulsion of the endoscope with epithelial tearing risk mitigation.

An insertion device includes an insertion portion in which a movable member is held in contact with an outer circumferential surface of a hollow cylindrical member. When drive power is transmitted from the hollow cylindrical member to the movable member as the hollow cylindrical member is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, the movable member is rotated around its own axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and moved around the longitudinal axis. The insertion portion includes a membrane covering the movable member from an outer circumferential side thereof. The membrane urges the movable member toward the longitudinal axis, thereby pressing the movable member against the outer circumferential surface of the hollow cylindrical member.

A colonoscope including an egg-shaped image-capturing module and a wiring unit is disclosed. The image-capturing module includes a casing, a first image detector, a vibration motor and a control unit. The casing has first and second ends. The first end is made of a transparent material. The first image detector captures a first image. The vibration motor is configured to vibrate the casing. The control unit controls the first image detector to capture the first image. The control unit controls the vibration of the vibration motor. The wiring unit forms a vent and includes a plurality of lead wires and an air tube. Power can be transmitted to the control unit through the plurality of lead wires. The air tube is configured to convey air, and the vent is configured to output the air to a colon.

Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have longitudinally extensible cells that can be selectively inflated. The devices can have articulable links. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonoscopes or other endoscopes.