Inflatable in-vivo capsule endoscope with magnetic guide

#Embodiments of the invention relate to an ingestible or in-vivo capsule endoscope configured to traverse and image at least a portion of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. More particularly, some embodiments relate to an ingestible capsule endoscope that has a permanent magnetic dipole moment configured to be magnetically guided while inside a human by a magnetic field generated by a magnetic device positioned external to the human body.

#Conventional in-vivo capsule endoscopes are guided magnetically to move through the human body. These capsules contain magnets, batteries, cameras, and other electronics that are relatively heavier than, and thus sink in, liquid. So, when the capsule passes into a liquid-filled cavity, such as the stomach, the capsule generally sinks to the bottom of the cavity.

#Once sunk, the capsule rests on the cavity floor, and needs a relatively strong magnetic force, e.g., 0.006 Newtons (N)-0.06N, to overcome forces of friction and drag between the capsule and the cavity floor in order to be moved. Generally, conventional systems require a large bed of magnets to create a magnetic field strong enough to magnetically turn or move the sunken capsule. Such magnets typically occupy an entire room and are not meant to be moved, limiting access and portability to those in need. Additionally, when the capsule sinks, its field of view is generally obstructed by the cavity walls and floor, blocking objects of interest in images captured by the capsule.

#The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an inflatable in-vivo capsule endoscope, in an uninflated state (left image) and an inflated state (right image), according to an embodiment of the invention;

#FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic illustrations of an inflatable in-vivo capsule endoscope in a cavity of an organism in an uninflated state (FIG. 2) and an inflated state (FIG. 3), according to an embodiment of the invention;

#It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

#Reference is made to FIG. 1, which schematically illustrates an inflatable in-vivo capsule endoscope 100 in an uninflated state (left image) and an inflated state (right image), according to an embodiment of the invention. Inflatable in-vivo capsule endoscope 100 may have a capsule-shaped body 104 and an inflatable buoy 102, externally attached to capsule-shaped body 104. Inflatable buoy 102 is a floatation device, which when inflated by an inflation device (e.g., inflation device surface 112 of FIG. 6) injecting an above threshold volume or pressure of gas into a bladder of the inflatable buoy 102, reduces the capsule's overall density (or specific gravity with respect to water), such that, inflated capsule 100 floats in liquid.

#Capsule 100 may also have one or more permanent magnets 124 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4) housed interior to the capsule-shaped body 104 having a permanent magnetic dipole moment. Permanent magnets 124 allow capsule endoscope 100 to be magnetically guided when exposed to a magnetic field generated by an external magnet control system 126 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5).