Gastrointestinal diagnostic capsule and method of use
US4735214A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 1986 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2010/0061
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gastrointestinal diagnostic capsule that includes an encapsulated expandable foam material introduced through the oral cavity and through the esophagus into the stomach with the capsule being dissolved by the temperature and moisture conditions encountered so that the foam block or cube can expand in the stomach and be withdrawn through the gastroesophageal junction and up through the entire esophagus to obtain specimen material for diagnostic procedures for early detection of gastroesophageal cancer. The capsule and encapsulated expandable body or block of foam material which has been reduced in volume before encapsulation includes a flexible cord connected thereto and is preferably introduced on the end of a nasogastric tube, endoscope or stylus device to enable accurate positioning of the capsule after which the introducer or nasogastric tube may be withdrawn so that when the abrasive foam body or block has expanded in the stomach, it may be withdrawn through the gastroesophageal junction and up through the entire esophagus with the abrasive foam blocking obtaining cellular specimens for subsequent processing and cytology to enable ready detection of gastroesophageal cancer. S…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.