Methods and techniques for obtaining enriched cell samples from an organ in a subject using an ultrasound contrast agent and insonating. Contiguous fragments of epithelia are obtained which are useful for subsequent histological analysis and for informing therapy and other medical considerations.

A method for collecting a cell sample, including eosinophil white blood cells in a patient is provided. The method includes advancing to a location in an esophagus associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a device provided with a collection portion having a first axial end portion and an inflatable second axial end portion. Thereafter, axially moving the second axial end portion, relative to the first axial end portion, from a collapsed position within the first axial end portion into an expanded position out from the first axial end portion. Once the second axial end portion is in the expanded position, allowing it to engage the location associated with EoE to collect a sample of cells.

Ingestible devices are disclosed that provide very high localization accuracy for the devices when present in the GI tract of a body. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Embodiments of devices and methods for collecting gastrointestinal samples using a capsule-shaped device that is swallowed are provided.

The present invention provides a capsule for fluid sampling and drug delivery comprising: an enclosure, comprising a first enclosure, a second enclosure, at least a portion of the first enclosure comprising a support body having a plurality of first openings, a liquid-proof air-permeable membrane located at the first openings; a sampling/drug delivery assembly, comprising a storage chamber at least partially enclosed by the liquid-proof air-permeable membrane, a temporary storage chamber located in the enclosure, a first one-way element connecting the temporary storage chamber to outside of the capsule, a second one-way element connecting the temporary storage chamber to the storage chamber, and a pump changing pressure in the temporary storage chamber, wherein the first one-way element and the second one-way element have same direction of access; and a control module, comprising a microprocessor in communication with the pump. The capsule can realize multiple times of sampling and drug delivery.

A swallowable capsule for obtaining fluid samples from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a subject. The capsule comprises an outer shell having an inlet port that allows a fluid sample to enter into the interior space of the capsule. A piston is arranged in the interior space and can be moved via a pressure generating device to exert pressure on one side of the piston to propel the piston from an open position, in which fluid can enter the capsule from outside to a closed position, in which entrance of fluid from outside the capsule is prevented. The piston has at least one seal portion that closes the shell opening in the closed position. A control unit is configured to control the pressure generating device so as to move the piston in a forward direction from the open position to the closed position.

The application relates to an applicator (1) for oral administration of a swallowable object (2), in particular a solid dosage form, to a patient, wherein the applicator comprises a housing (3) having a first opening (4) and a second opening (5), the first opening of the housing being configured to be coupled with a liquid reservoir, in particular a drinking vessel, and the second opening of the housing being configured such that the patient can drink therefrom, and a holder (6) disposed within the housing and configured to accommodate the swallowable object, the holder being further configured to allow the swallowable object to be conveyed towards the second opening of the housing when liquid is flowing through the housing from the first opening to the second opening of the housing.

A brush for non-invasive biopsy may include a distal tip forming a cavity, where an opening of the cavity faces proximally. A shaft may be included, where the shaft is movable relative to the distal tip, where a distal end of the shaft is located within the cavity when the brush is in a first state, and where at least a portion of the distal end of the shaft is located outside the cavity when the brush is in a second state. A set of bristles may be located at the distal end of the shaft, where the bristles at least partially move from within the cavity of the distal tip to outside the cavity of the distal tip when the brush moves from the first state to the second state.

A magnetically actuated capsule comprising two portions pivotally connected to each other for allowing tetherless reconfiguration of the capsule between a closed configuration and an open configuration inside a body cavity by an external magnet. The capsule can be used for noninvasive sampling of microbiomes and liquid within a body cavity, or to release a cargo within the body cavity. Methods of using and manufacturing the capsule are disclosed.