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

An ingestible device is disclosed which can produce spectral data of one or more analytes, as well as associated methods for characterizing the gastrointestinal tract of a subject which contains such analytes. Related kits and systems are also disclosed.

An ingestible capsule device collects fluid aspirates from locations within the body, locations such as the small intestine, and retains the fluid aspirates free from contamination as the capsule device is expelled from the body. The device allows for microbial and metabolomics analysis for a variety of gastrointestinal, allergic, endocrinologic, and oncologic diseases. In some examples, the capsule device is a multi-stroke device that includes a capsule shell and two reservoirs located within the shell. Check valves work in conjunction with a vacuum pressure pumping mechanism to control fluid movement from one reservoir to another, where one of the reservoirs may be expandable and permeable to some fluids. In other examples, the capsule device employs a peristaltic pump fluid control with the capsule device, and a single semi-permeable bladder stores collected fluid aspirate.

Provided are systems, devices, and methods of planning a medical procedure. An exemplary method includes receiving image data of a patient's chest, identifying the patient's lungs in the image data, determining locations of fissures of the patient's lungs in the image data, generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of the patient's lungs based on the image data, the 3D model showing the fissures of the patient's lungs, displaying a view of the 3D model including the fissures of the patient's lungs for viewing by a clinician, receiving input from the clinician regarding a plan for the medical procedure, and displaying the plan for the medical procedure.

Systems for liquid biopsy and/or drug delivery may include a capsule endoscope and a tether coupled to the capsule endoscope. The tether may include a flexible member with a lumen in fluidic communication with a port configured to permit passage of fluid, and the port may be, for example, on the capsule endoscope or the tether. In methods for liquid biopsy and/or drug delivery, the capsule endoscope may be advanced into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, and navigated to a region of interest, where a patient sample may be withdrawn and/or a therapeutic substance may be administered through the lumen (e.g., through the port).

This disclosure features methods and compositions for treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with an immunosuppressant.

A sampling capsule is provided. The sampling capsule includes an enclosure, a sampling assembly, a sample drawing assembly and a control module. The sampling assembly includes a sample chamber arranged in the enclosure, an outer sampling port on the enclosure, a sampling tube connecting the outer sampling port and the sample chamber, and a sampling switch for opening or closing the connecting tube. The sample drawing assembly includes a sample drawing port on the enclosure and connected to the sample chamber, and a silicone plug fitted in the sample discharging port. The control module includes a microprocessor communicating with the sampling switch.

This disclosure features methods and compositions for treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with an immunosuppressant.

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.

An ingestible device for sampling material at least one time is provided. The ingestible device includes a first chamber that is enlargeable in volume and that includes an inlet, and that can be filled with the material to be sampled, a second chamber that is diminishable in volume and that includes an outlet, and a reversible actuating mechanism. The reversible actuating mechanism is configured such that triggering the reversible actuating mechanism leads to an enlargement of the first chamber to collect the material to be sampled through the inlet and also leads to a diminishment of the second chamber.