Tethered capsule endoscope for Barrett's Esophagus screening
US7530948B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 12, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/0609
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A capsule is coupled to a tether that is manipulated to position the capsule and a scanner included within the capsule at a desired location within a lumen in a patient's body. Images produced by the scanner can be used to detect Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and early (asymptomatic) esophageal cancer after the capsule is swallowed and positioned with the tether to enable the scanner in the capsule to scan a region of the esophagus above the stomach to detect a characteristic dark pink color indicative of BE. The scanner moves in a desired pattern to illuminate a portion of the inner surface. Light from the inner surface is then received by detectors in the capsule, or conveyed externally through a waveguide to external detectors. Electrical signals are applied to energize an actuator that moves the scanner. The capsule can also be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in other lumens.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.