Optical capsule and spectroscopic method for treating or diagnosing the intestinal tract
US8360976B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/37205
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device and method for mapping, diagnosing and treating disorders or other diseases, disorders or conditions (e.g., bleeding, ischemic or necrotic tissue, and presence of certain chemicals or substances) of the intestinal tract is provided using a capsule passing through the intestinal tract and sensing optical characteristics as the capsule passes through. Further, a capsule tracking system is provided for tracking a capsule's location along the length of an intestinal tract as various treatment and/or sensing modalities are employed. In one variation, an acoustic signal is used to determine the location of the capsule. A map of optical characteristics may be derived from the pass of a capsule to diagnose the disorder or disease. The capsule or subsequently passed capsules may treat, further diagnose or mark the intestinal tract at a determined location along its length.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.