Example embodiments relate to endoscopic systems. The system includes an elongated main body having a first end. The system may further comprise an anchor assembly attached to the main body near the first end of the main body. The anchor assembly may comprise a first expandable member. The first expandable member may be configurable to expand radially away from the main body. The anchor assembly may further comprise a second expandable member provided between the first expandable member and the first end of the main body. The second expandable member may be configurable to expand radially away from the main body. The anchor assembly may be operable to secure the main body with respect to an interior wall forming the cavity of the patient.

Computerized information processing methods for processing data from a medical device, such as an ingestible probe. In one embodiment, the method includes processing data obtained by the probe so as to produce a plurality of image frames, and further processing the frames to identify a plurality of frames of potential interest to a reviewer, and using the identified frames to form a preview of the entire data set. In one implementation, the processing of the data includes identification of one or more artifacts or shapes within the data associated with a medical condition, and selection of the frames for the preview includes those frames with the identified artifacts or shapes.

An apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion configured to inserted into the bodily passageway; a drive tube including a lumen configured to receive the endoscope; a helically-wound thread disposed on an outer wall of the drive tube and configured such that rotation of the drive tube causes the drive tube with the endoscope to move along the passageway; a flexible drive shaft configured to transfer rotary motion generated by a power supply; and a rotatable drive collar disposed on the endoscope and configured to rotate the drive tube relative to the endoscope, the rotatable drive collar including a stator, a rotor rotatable over the stator and detachably coupled to the drive tube, a rotary gear configured to transfer the rotary motion from the flexible drive shaft to the rotor to rotate the drive tube, and a watertight seal disposed between the stator and the rotor.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for mounting on a guide member for insertion into an anatomical cavity, the apparatus comprising a body defining a cavity for receiving a guide member therethrough, a drive arrangement for moving the body along a guide member disposed through the body, a probe secured to the body for, in use, obtaining a measurement from, taking a sample of, applying a substance to, or applying a therapy to, an environment of the body, and a measurement arrangement for measuring a position relative to the guide member disposed through the body.

An improved device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to deliver one or more therapeutic agents. In one embodiment, the probe communicates wirelessly with a portable electronic device outside the organism in order to receive commands to deliver the therapeutic agent, or perform other functions while the probe is within the intestinal tract.

Computerized information processing methods for processing data from a medical device, such as an ingestible probe. In one embodiment, the method includes processing data obtained by the probe so as to produce a plurality of image frames, and further processing the frames to identify a plurality of frames of potential interest to a reviewer based on at least an evaluation of portions of the frame(s) such as pixels or groups of pixels, and using the identified frames to form a preview of the entire data set. In one implementation, the processing of the data includes processing of pixel intensity and/or color (which can be correlated to various physiologic conditions) to help identify the frames of potential interest.

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.

An inspection robot for inspecting gastrointestinal tracts or other lumen. The inspection robot is capable of locomotion and comprises: a body, a vibration actuator, and a plurality of resilient legs. The plurality of resilient legs are arranged to protrude outwardly and rearwardly from the body, with respect to a direction of locomotion. Each leg is coupled to the vibration actuator at a proximal end of the leg and the vibration actuator is operable to induce vibrations in a distal end of the leg, which serve, in use, to propel the body in the direction of locomotion by the distal end generating a pushing force against an external surface.

An ingestible device comprising a capsule, a camera, an antenna, and a propulsion component id disclosed. The camera can capture images of various in vivo environments as the ingestible device traverses the gastrointestinal tract, and these images can be wirelessly transmitted to an electronic device located outside of the living body. The images may be transmitted to the electronic device for review by an operator responsible for controlling the ingestible device.

A driving force transmission mechanism includes a first member being arranged inside an insertion section of an insertion apparatus extending along a predetermined axis, a second member being arranged to be positioned on a movement locus in a circumferential direction of the first member. The mechanism includes a cover member as an outer coat of the insertion section. The cover member is arranged between the first member and the second member to come in contact with at least the second member. The mechanism also includes an indicator being provided on the cover member. The indicator indicates in the cover member a change in state of a surface in contact with the second member.