Device, system and method for detection of bleeding

#The present invention relates to the field of in-vivo detection. More specifically the present invention relates to a device, a system and method for the detection of bleeding in-vivo.

#In-vivo bleeding may occur due to different diseases in the body. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may occur in various locations along the GI tract which may indicate different pathologies present at those locations. For example, bleeding in the esophagus may be due to esophagitis or due to ruptures in varices in the esophagus. An ulcer in the stomach, as well as an ulcer in the duodenum, may cause bleeding. And in the lower digestive tract, colorectal cancer may cause occult bleeding. Therefore, early detection of bleeding along the GI tract may be crucial for better treatment of many patients.

#There are some known methods in detecting blood, such as using an endoscope to search for bleeding areas, which usually look for acute bleeding. Other methods may involve the use of dye or radioactive material swallowed by a patient such that the dye highlights blood vessels which are then imaged to detect bleeding. Another device which may be used is a device by NOVINEON HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS, GMBH, which may be fixed to the inner wall of a hollow organ and may provide continuous monitoring of bleedings. The device emits light having a predetermined wavelength and being at least partially absorbed or reflected in the interior of the hollow organ, and the device then detects the reflected light via a photosensitive sensor. Since blood has a characteristic absorption spectrum that differs from the absorption spectrum of the “normal” organ contents, it can be determined due to the detected reflections whether or not there is any blood inside the hollow organ.

#The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

#FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a device for the detection of bleeding in-vivo in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

#FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of a side-view of a device for the detection of bleeding in-vivo in accordance with one 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 accurately or to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity, or several physical components may be included in one functional block or element. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

#In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as to not obscure the present invention.

#Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which provides a schematic illustration of a device 10 for the detection of bleeding in-vivo. Embodiments of device 10 are typically autonomous, and are typically self-contained. For example, device 10 may be a capsule or other unit where all the components including, for example, power components are substantially contained within a housing or shell, and where device 10 does not require any wires or cables to, for example, receive power or transmit information. Device 10 may communicate with an external receiving and display system to provide display of data, control, or other functions. For example, in an autonomous system power, may be provided by an internal battery or a wireless receiving system. Other embodiments may have other configurations and capabilities. According to an embodiment of the invention, as described in FIG. 1, an in-vivo sensing device 10 may be administered in-vivo. Device 10 may be made of a biocompatible material such as polycarbonate, e.g., Isoplast® and Makrolon®. Other biocompatible materials may be used. Device 10 comprises device body 11 in which gap 12 is formed. Gap 12 may be hydro-dynamically curved to allow continuous flow of in-vivo fluids in and out of gap 12. In some embodiments, the width of gap 12 may be between 4-5 mm, although other widths may be used. In order for gap 12 to allow continuous flow of fluids in and out of it, the device 10 should constantly be in contact with in-vivo fluids. Therefore, in some embodiments, device 10 has a specific gravity of just above 1. When the specific gravity of device 10 is above 1, device 10 may pass through the colon in an optimal way. Specific gravity of just above 1 may ensure, on one hand, that device 10 does not float above the fluids, i.e., that device 10 and, more specifically, gap 12 is in contact with the fluids, and, on the other hand, may ensure that device 10 does not sink to the bottom of the lumen wall and lose the ability to move freely.