Abstract
An imaging device comprising an imaging module and at least one inflatable support element, able to cover and expose the imaging module upon inflation.
Claims
1. An imaging device comprising an imaging module and at least one support element, wherein the support element or at least a part thereof is configured to undergo inflation in response to a change in pressure.
2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging module is at least one of a camera or an optical fiber and wherein the imaging module is configured to be exposed during image acquisition.
3-4. (canceled)
5. The imaging device according to claim 1, configured to allow a direct transmission of light from a tissue to the imaging module.
6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the support element or any part thereof is any one of (a) configured to undergo a change between a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration and vice-versa in response to a change in pressure, optionally wherein when the support element is in an inflated configuration, the imaging module is exposed; (b) configured to allow at least one of (i) flow of gas and/or fluids and/or air to an imaged tissue, (ii) flow of gas and/or fluids through an imaged tissue and surroundings, and (iii) drainage or gas/fluid supply from and to the tissue; (c) is a membrane or a balloon; or (d) is or comprises an elastic material.
7-10. (canceled)
11. The imaging device according to claim 1, comprising at least one illumination means, optionally comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser, and an optical fiber.
12. (canceled)
13. The imaging device according to claim 1, comprising a delivery member, optionally the delivery member being in a form of a shaft, handle or catheter and the delivery member is configured to undergo association and/or dissociation.
14-15. (canceled)
16. The imaging device according to claim 1, comprising a pressure system coupled with the at least one support element.
17. The imaging device according to claim 1, comprising a tube network configured to allow transfer of fluid and/or gas and/or air from the pressure system to the at least one support element.
18-21. (canceled)
22. A method of imaging a body cavity in a subject, the method comprising applying an imaging device to a subject in need thereof and monitoring a signal from at least one body cavity in the subject, wherein the imaging device comprises an imaging module and at least one support element, wherein the support element or any part thereof is configured to undergo inflation in response to a change in pressure.
23-24. (canceled)
25. The method according to claim 22, wherein the body cavity is at least one of heart, lungs, liver, kidney, stomach and intestines, thymus, pancreas, skin, bone, bone marrow, vascular system, lymph, lymph node, uterus, bladder, fallopian tubes, a joint or ovaries.
26. (canceled)
27. The method according to claim 22, comprising introducing the imaging device into the body cavity such that the support element is in a deflated configuration covering the imaging module.
28. The method according to claim 22, comprising allowing the at least one support element to undergo inflation.
29. The method according to claim 22, comprising applying pressure such that the at least one support element is inflated along a longitudinal optical axis until it is in contact with the tissue.
30. (canceled)
31. The method according to claim 29, comprising inflating the support element perpendicular to a longitudinal optical axis until it is in contact with the tissue.
32. The method according to claim 22, comprising allowing the at least one support element to be inflated by using gas or liquid.
33. The method of claim 22, wherein the imaging device is configured to allow a direct transmission of light from a tissue to the imaging module.
34. The method of claim 22, wherein the support element or any part thereof is any one of (a) configured to undergo a change between a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration and vice-versa in response to a change in pressure, optionally wherein when the support element is in an inflated configuration, the imaging module is exposed; (b) configured to allow at least one of (i) flow of gas and/or fluids and/or air to an imaged tissue, (ii) flow of gas and/or fluids through an imaged tissue and surroundings, and (iii) drainage or gas/fluid supply from and to the tissue; (c) is a membrane or a balloon; or (d) is or comprises an elastic material.
35. The method of claim 22, wherein the imaging device comprises a delivery member, optionally the delivery member being in a form of a shaft, handle, or catheter, wherein the delivery member is configured to undergo association and/or dissociation.
36. The method of claim 22, wherein the signal is indicative of the condition or disease, thereby diagnosing a condition or a disease in the subject.
37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the condition or the disease is associated with uterus (endometrium) status.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0182] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0183] FIGS. 1A to 1H show exemplary embodiments of the imaging device.
[0184] FIGS. 2A and 2B show various exemplary configurations of an imaging device.
[0185] FIG. 3A to 3C show various exemplary configurations of an imaging device.
[0186] FIG. 4 shows an imaging device having a ring-shaped string/spring.
[0187] FIG. 5 shows an imaging device having a protective cover according with some embodiments.
[0188] FIGS. 6A and 6B show various exemplary configurations of an imaging device.
[0189] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary representation of an imaging device according with some embodiments.
[0190] FIGS. 8A to 8C show representative examples of the pressure system.
[0191] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of an imaging device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0192] The invention will now be further described with reference to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the drawings. These exemplary embodiments are meant to illustrate the imaging device of this disclosure but not intended to be limiting in any way. In other words, the scope of this disclosure applies to the full contents of the above disclosure and is not limited in any way to these exemplary embodiments.
[0193] The imaging device can have various configurations, such as those illustrated and described herein. It should be noted that features of one figure and description can be combined with any other feature of any other figure and embodiment.
[0194] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A to 1H showing exemplary embodiments of the imaging device according with the present disclosure with the support element being inflated (expended). As described herein, the inflation typically takes place after and/or during the imaging device has been inserted into the body cavity and at least during image acquisition. Hence, the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 111 may be considered as the imaging device configuration when in the body specifically in the body cavity and at least during image acquisition.
[0195] FIGS. 1A shows an exemplary imaging device 100 having an imaging module 120, two support elements 140A and 140B, two illumination means 160A and 160B and a delivery member 180.
[0196] Each one of the support elements has an ellipsoid shape in an inflated configuration with an ellipse cross section perpendicular to the plane defined by the imaging module and the illumination means. The two support elements may have spherical shape (not shown). FIG. 1B is an exemplary imaging device 100A which as in FIG. 1A has an imaging module 120, two support elements 140A and 140B and two illumination means 160A and 160B but does not comprise a delivery member. As detailed herein, the exemplary representation provided in FIG. 1B is at times denoted as the imaging portion.
[0197] FIG. 1C shows exemplary imaging device 200 having an imaging module 220, two support elements 240A and 240B and two illumination means 260A and 260B and a delivery member 280. Each one of the support elements has a “balloon” shape in an inflated configuration
[0198] FIG. 1D shows exemplary imaging device 300 having an imaging module 320, two support elements 340A and 340B and two illumination means 360A and 360B and a delivery member 380. Each one of the support elements in an inflated configuration has a concave structure facing away from the imaging module.
[0199] FIG. 1E shows exemplary imaging device 400, having an imaging module 420, two support elements 440A and 440B and two illumination means 460A and 460B and a delivery member 480. Each one of the support elements in an inflated configuration has a concave structure facing towards the imaging module.
[0200] The imaging device 400 in accordance with some embodiments, has fluid inlet 410 and a wire assembly 430 for power supply and data transfer.
[0201] While each one of the two support elements in FIGS. 1A to 1E have an identical shape, the present disclosure encompasses also two or more different support elements, each having a different shape and/or size in the imaging device as well as when having different shape can be inflated to a different degree.
[0202] FIGS. 1F to 1H show exemplary imaging device 500A, 500B and 500C having a support elements 540, 540′ and 540″, respectively having in an inflated configuration a concave structure housing within the imaging module 520 (FIG. 1F) and 520′ (FIG. 1G) and two illumination means 560A and 560B (FIG. 1F) and 560A′ and 560B′ (FIG. 1G). The imaging device in 1F to 1H comprises a delivery member 580, 580′ and 580″, respectively.
[0203] The position of the imaging module and as such the imaged tissue with respect to the insertion direction (herein axial axis) of the imaging device depends on specific organ/tissue to be imaged.
[0204] The imaging device 500C (FIG. 111) comprises a delivery member 580 that is orientated in a manner that allows insertion of the device into the body via an axis 590. In the description herein, the term axial is used to define a direction parallel to axis 590. The imaging device 500B and 500C face an axis being perpendicular to the axial axis. The support element of 500A and 500B has a continuous concave structure, wherein in imaging device 500C, the support element has grooves (cut-out), 550, 550′, 550″, 550′″.
[0205] It was suggested by the inventors that a support element as shown in FIGS. 1G and 1H may be configured to fit and stick onto the captured tissue/organ such that it substantially prevents flow of debris and/or fluids from interfering the line of sight between the imaging module and specifically imaging means and the recorded tissue.
[0206] FIGS. 2 and 3 show representative configurations of the support element, in deflated and inflated configurations. In these specific configurations, the support element when in deflated configuration covers the imaging module.
[0207] FIGS. 2A and 2B show various configuration of an imaging device 600 according with some embodiments. FIG. 2A, shows the imaging device 600 comprises the support element 640 is in a packed (deflated) orientation surrounding the imaging module (not shown). In such configuration, the support element is a protective cover for the imaging module and/or the illumination means. FIG. 6B shows imaging device 600 having a different configuration of the support element 640′ being inflated (expanded) into a concave structure, exposing the imaging module (not shown). As described herein, these two configurations may be exemplary sequence of operation of the imaging device 600 such that in a first step, seen in FIG. 2A, the imaging device comprises the support element 640 is in a packed (deflated) orientation surrounding the imaging module. FIG. 2B shows the subsequent step occurring in vivo in which, prior to image acquisition, the support element 640′ is inflated (expanded) into a concave structure, exposing the imaging module (not shown).
[0208] FIG. 3A to 3C show a representative embodiment of an imaging device 700A, 700B and 700C, respectively. The support element 740 is shown in FIG. 3A to have a closed folded configuration configured as a protective cover. FIG. 3B shows a closed stretched configuration of the support element 740′. FIG. 4C shows a differed configuration of the support element being inflated (expanded) into a concave structure comprising 740A and 740B. These three configurations may be exemplary sequence of operation of the imaging device 700 such that in a first step, seen in FIG. 3A, the imaging device comprises the support element 740 is in a packed (deflated) folded orientation surrounding the imaging module. The support element is stretched to a configuration as shown in FIG. 3B. The imaging device/system shown in FIG. 3A or in FIG. 3B is then inserted into the body. It should be noted that the stretching from FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B may take place in vivo. FIG. 3C shows a subsequent step occurring in vivo in which, prior to image acquisition, the support element 740A and 740B (shown in inflated configuration) is inflated (expanded) into two concave structure, exposing the imaging module (not shown). An optional circular string/spring at the support element opening (not shown) may prevent it from opening before the folded structure (harmonica-like) is fully stretched (FIG. 3B). In alternative embodiments, the design of the support element is configured to allow opening of the concave structure only after the support element is fully stretched (FIG. 3C) and may also be used to remove unwanted objects from the line of sight.
[0209] FIG. 4 shows an imaging device 800 having a ring-shaped string/spring 810 being stretched under the inflated support element 810 pressure and closes the opening to protect the camera when the support element is in its deflated configuration.
[0210] FIG. 5 shows an imaging device 900 having a protective cover 910 being placed in front of the camera as a shield to protect it while not in use. The inflated support element uncovers the lens by drawing 910 aside. When deflated, the cover 910 is placed back to its protective position in front of the camera, using a string, spring or other restraining mechanisms (rails, etc.)
[0211] FIGS. 6A and 6B show various configuration of an imaging device 1000 according with some embodiments. FIG. 6A, shows the imaging device packed. FIG. 6B shows imaging device 1000 having an exposed configuration of the imaging device comprising an imaging module 1020, two support elements 1040A and 1040B and two illumination means 1060A and 1060B as well as a delivery member 1080.
[0212] As described herein, these two configurations may be exemplary sequence of operation of the imaging device 1000 such that in a first step, seen in FIG. 6A, the imaging device is in a packed orientation. The imaging device is inserted into the body. FIG. 6B shows the subsequent step occurring in vivo in which, prior to image acquisition, the support element 1040A and 1040B are inflated (expanded) and pushing the packing element such that the imaging module 1020 is exposed.
[0213] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary representation of an imaging device 1100 according with another embodiment, comprising an illumination element 1160 that is spaced apart from the imaging module 1120. The illumination element 1160 is positioned in close proximity to the target tissue 1190 as compared to the imaging module and is used to illuminate the target tissue.
[0214] Under specific circumstances it is desired to illuminate the object at a sharp angle. This is, for example the case with tissue surface when surface details are of interest or when elimination of specular reflection dictates the maximal illumination angle. The current Invention shows that Illumination elements attached to Balloon compartments walls may provide more flexibility in illumination angles and position. A closer-to-object illumination can also reduce the needed illumination power that, as explained earlier, is sometimes an important consideration.
[0215] As described herein, the imaging device comprise a pressure system. The pressure system comprises a pump and release valve(s) to inflate and deflate the Balloon. FIGS. 8A to 8C show representative examples of the pressure system. FIG. 8A shows a pump 1200 connected to a imaging device or to delivery member (not shown) through multiple outlets 1210A, 1210B each connected to a different pipeline 1230A, 1230B that may have valves of various shapes, functionalities and in different locations: at the pump outlet 1210A, 1210B inside the pipeline or at the pipeline outlet 1250A, 1250B.
[0216] FIG. 8B shows a pump 1200 having a single pipe (tube) 1230C connected to the pump such that the single pipe can split into multiple pipelines 1290A, 1290B, having valves inside of the pipe (not shown) or at the pipe's outlet 1270A, 1270B.
[0217] FIG. 8C is a representative embodiment accordingly the inflation is accompanied by an outflow of gas or liquid to clear out the medium in the space between the camera and the captured tissue. Separate pipelines 1290C, 1290D may control the fluid supply to different compartments. The space between the pipes and the shaft wall may also serve as a fluid supply venue for, e.g., flowing fluids through the outlets 1260 onto the line of sight area in-between the camera (not shown) and the target (not shown). The same space may host the power supply and data carrying wires.
[0218] The present disclosure also encompasses the use of at least one support element such as a balloon or a compartment thereof as at least one cleaning means. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of an imaging device 1300 comprising an imaging module 1320 and at least one cleaning means 1340A, 1340B such as nozzle. Moreover, due to the sharp angle the jet should form relative to the lens plane, any nozzle adds up to the diameter of the camera probe, which is a grave drawback for mini-cameras that are designed to fit into limited and confined cavities. For example and in accordance with some embodiments, the at least one support element such as a balloon or a compartment thereof may be blown (inflated, expanded) by any suitable manner, for example by gas (e.g., air) or by liquid (e.g., water). When sufficient pressure is built up within the support element, a nozzle, with or without a valve, located on the support element wall, will be expanded, e.g. open up, hence, directing the resultant jet onto the lens surface at a pre-designed angle with respect to it.
[0219] Since there may be several nozzle carrying compartments, jets may hit the lens surface from numerous directions, resulting in a better cleaning process.
