Actuable drug release and sampling integrated capsule

Abstract

The present application discloses a drivable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule, which relates to the field of medical device technology. It can achieve targeted release of drugs at precise locations and precise dosages in the human intestine, as well as almost non-invasive tissue sampling. The capsule includes a shell; a first external thread and an internal thread with the same rotation direction are provided on the shell; a first drug outlet is provided at the tail, and a sampling needle is provided at the head; a sleeve and a plunger are provided in the shell; the sleeve is a cylinder with an opening at one end, and the plunger includes a threaded section and an optical axis section; a second external thread that matches the internal thread is provided on the threaded section, the optical axis section extends into the interior of the sleeve and can slide axially in the sleeve, and the bottom surface of the optical axis section, the bottom surface of the sleeve and the inner side wall of the sleeve form a drug storage cavity; a second drug outlet is provided on the side wall of the drug storage cavity; the plunger can push the sleeve to move axially along the shell; when the sleeve runs to the bottom of the shell, the first drug outlet and the second drug outlet are connected; the first external thread and the second external thread are both magnetic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a drivable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule. Background Art

[0002] Traditional treatments, such as surgery and medication, have gradually exposed shortcomings over time. From the perspective of modern medical technology, these are considered relatively crude treatments. For example, surgery requires an incision in the skin, which can damage surrounding tissue. Traditional medications, which also require the drug to enter the bloodstream and act throughout the body, are therefore relatively inefficient.

[0003] Furthermore, most medications taken through traditional pill or capsule methods are processed by the stomach, intestines, and liver, leaving only a small portion that enters the bloodstream. Of this small portion, even less reaches the affected area. Consequently, doctors often prescribe medication doses far exceeding the amount ultimately needed for the patient to be effective. This excess medication inevitably leads to various side effects, especially for medications with significant side effects.

[0004] With technological advancements, people are pursuing more sophisticated treatments. These include minimally invasive or even non-invasive surgeries that minimize incisions; and precisely targeted drug delivery. Capsules were born to meet these needs. Their small size allows for targeted drug delivery. Equipped with control mechanisms such as miniature cameras, sampling needles, and micro-sampling grippers, capsules can perform precise operations.

[0005] For example, many hospitals are already using capsule endoscopes. Patients swallow a capsule-sized endoscope, which travels through their intestines to capture a complete image of their entire digestive system. Doctors then examine the images. This type of capsule endoscope allows for virtually no patient experience, significantly reducing pain. However, existing capsule endoscopes are limited to detection, not treatment, and lack precise positioning. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a driveable integrated drug release and sampling capsule, which can achieve targeted release of drugs at precise locations and precise dosages in the human intestine and almost non-invasive tissue sampling.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, on the one hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a drivable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule, comprising a shell; a first external thread is provided on the outer wall of the shell, and an internal thread is provided on the inner wall; the first external thread and the internal thread have the same rotation direction; a first drug outlet is provided at the tail of the shell, and a sampling needle is provided at the head; a sleeve and a plunger are provided inside the shell; the sleeve is a cylinder with an opening at one end; the sleeve is slidably connected to the shell; the plunger comprises a threaded section and an optical axis section; a second external thread is provided on the threaded section that is compatible with the internal thread, the optical axis section extends into the interior of the sleeve and can slide axially along the sleeve, and the bottom surface of the optical axis section, the bottom surface of the sleeve and the inner side wall of the sleeve form a drug storage cavity; a second drug outlet is provided on the side wall of the drug storage cavity; the plunger can push the sleeve to move axially along the shell; when the sleeve runs to the bottom of the shell, the first drug outlet and the second drug outlet are connected; both the first external thread and the second external thread are magnetic.

[0008] Furthermore, the first drug outlet is a plurality of first radial holes arranged at the bottom of the side wall of the shell; the plurality of first radial holes are evenly distributed along the circumference of the shell; the second drug outlet is a plurality of second radial holes arranged on the side wall of the sleeve; when the sleeve runs to the bottom of the shell, the positions of the second radial holes correspond one-to-one to those of the first radial holes.

[0009] Furthermore, a ridge extending in the axial direction is provided on the outer side wall of the sleeve, and a sliding groove adapted to the ridge is provided on the inner side wall of the shell.

[0010] Furthermore, micro-thorns are provided on the tail end surface of the shell.

[0011] Furthermore, an annular groove is provided on the inner side wall of the shell, and a boss adapted to the annular groove is provided on the head of the sleeve, and the boss can slide along the axial direction of the annular groove.

[0012] On the other hand, the embodiment of the present application also provides a second drivable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule, comprising an outer shell; a first external thread is provided on the outer side wall of the outer shell, and an internal thread is provided on the inner side wall; the first external thread and the internal thread have the same rotation direction; a first drug outlet is provided at the tail of the outer shell; a sleeve and a plunger are provided in the outer shell; the sleeve is a cylinder with an opening at one end; the sleeve is slidably connected to the outer shell; the plunger includes a threaded section and an optical axis section; the threaded section is provided with a second external thread adapted to the internal thread, and the optical axis section extends into the sleeve The outer sleeve is provided with a first end and a second end, and the first end is provided with a second end. The outer sleeve is provided with a first end and a second end. The medicine storage cavity is provided with a second end and a second end. The medicine storage cavity is provided with a second end and a second end. The medicine storage cavity is provided with a second end and a second end. The medicine storage cavity is provided with a second end and a second end. The medicine storage cavity is provided with a second end and a second end. The medicine storage cavity is provided with a second end and a second end. The medicine storage cavity is provided with a second end and a second end. The medicine storage cavity is provided with a second end and a second end. The medicine storage cavity is provided with a second end and a second end. The medicine storage cavity is provided with a second end and a second end.

[0013] Furthermore, the first drug outlet is a plurality of first radial holes arranged at the bottom of the side wall of the shell; the plurality of first radial holes are evenly distributed along the circumference of the shell; the second drug outlet is a plurality of second radial holes arranged on the side wall of the sleeve; when the sleeve runs to the bottom of the shell, the positions of the second radial holes correspond one-to-one to those of the first radial holes.

[0014] Furthermore, a ridge extending in the axial direction is provided on the outer side wall of the sleeve, and a sliding groove adapted to the ridge is provided on the inner side wall of the shell.

[0015] Furthermore, micro-thorns are provided on the tail end surface of the shell.

[0016] Furthermore, an annular groove is provided on the inner side wall of the shell, and a boss adapted to the annular groove is provided on the head of the sleeve, and the boss can slide along the axial direction of the annular groove.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. The drivable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule of the embodiment of the present application is aimed at the affected area of ​​the gastrointestinal tract. By manipulating the external magnetic drive system, targeted and point-fixed drug release can be achieved, thereby accurately controlling the amount of drug used, reducing side effects, and ensuring that the affected area receives adequate drug treatment.

[0019] 2. The drivable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule of the embodiment of the present application has both drug-releasing and sampling functions, and can complete both drug-releasing and tissue sampling functions by being placed in the capsule once.

[0020] 3. The embodiment of the present application can drive the integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule to perform tissue sampling, helping doctors to better understand the condition of the affected area, and can save patients from surgery, catheter insertion, etc., thereby alleviating the patient's pain. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a drivable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a driveable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule according to another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "install", "connect", and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0027] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. Throughout this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The embodiments of the present application provide a drivable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule. Its operating environment is the intestinal environment. The drivable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule specifically includes a housing 1, a sleeve 2, a plunger 3, and a sampling needle 4.

[0030] The outer shell 1 is a hollow cylindrical structure with a closed head and a bottom cover at the tail. Specifically, a first external thread 11 is provided on the outer wall of the outer shell 1, and an internal thread 12 is provided on the inner wall; the first external thread 11 and the internal thread 12 have the same rotation direction; the first external thread 11 covers the entire outer wall of the outer shell 1, and the internal thread 12 has only one section and is provided near the head of the outer shell 1. Both the first external thread 11 and the internal thread 12 are magnetic. In order to reduce the weight of the entire capsule, during the processing, the main body of the outer shell 1 can be made of plastic, and then the outer and inner parts of the plastic can be embedded with a magnetic material having the first external thread 11 and the internal thread 12, so that both the first external thread 11 and the internal thread 12 are magnetic. It should be noted that the outer shell 1 can also be directly processed with a magnetic material to ensure that both the first external thread 11 and the internal thread 12 are magnetic. The specific processing method is selected according to actual conditions and is not limited here.

[0031] The rear end of the housing 1 is provided with a micro-thorn 13. The top cover is provided with a through-hole, through which a sampling needle 4 is mounted. The inner cavity of the sampling needle 4 communicates with the inner cavity of the housing 1. To reduce component count, the sampling needle 4 is integrally formed with the housing 1. A first drug outlet is provided at the bottom of the sidewall. This first drug outlet consists of a plurality of first radial holes 14 evenly distributed along the circumference of the housing 1.

[0032] A sleeve 2 and a plunger 3 are provided in the housing 1. The sleeve 2 is a cylinder with an opening at one end. The sleeve 2 is slidably connected to the housing 1. Specifically, a ridge extending in the axial direction is provided on the outer wall of the sleeve 2, and a sliding groove 15 adapted to the ridge is provided on the inner wall of the housing 1. In this way, the sleeve 2 can be prevented from rotating when sliding. An annular groove 16 is also provided on the inner wall of the housing 1, and a boss 21 adapted to the annular groove 16 is provided on the head of the sleeve 2. The boss 21 can slide axially along the annular groove 16. In this way, the guiding property can be enhanced. It should be noted that the annular groove 16 here can also be a tool-retracting groove.

[0033] The plunger 3 includes a threaded section 31 and an optical axis section 32. The threaded section 31 is provided with a second external thread 33 that is compatible with the internal thread 12. The second external thread 33 is also magnetic. The optical axis section 32 extends into the interior of the sleeve 2 and can slide along the axial direction of the sleeve 2. The bottom surface of the optical axis section 32, the bottom surface of the sleeve 2 and the inner side wall of the sleeve 2 form a drug storage chamber 5. The drug storage chamber 5 functions as a drug warehouse, and liquid drugs are stored therein. A second drug outlet is provided on the side wall of the drug storage chamber 5. The second drug outlet is a plurality of second radial holes 51. The number of the second radial holes 51 is equal to the number of the first radial holes 14.

[0034] The plunger 3 propels the sleeve 2 axially along the housing 1. When the sleeve 2 is not pushed to the bottom of the housing 1, the second radial holes 51 are offset from the first radial holes 14 and blocked by the sidewalls of the housing 1, preventing the drug from flowing out of the drug storage chamber 55. When the sleeve 2 reaches the bottom of the housing 1, the second radial holes 51 correspond to the first radial holes 14. The drug storage chamber 5 is now connected to the outside, and the plunger 3 propels the liquid drug out of the drug storage chamber 5. It should be noted that the capsule is sealed after installation.

[0035] The working principle of Example 1 of the present application is as follows:

[0036] The drug sampling capsule of the embodiment of the present application can be driven and released, and is controlled by an external magnetic drive system, which can apply a rotating magnetic field in both forward and reverse directions. The external magnetic drive system is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0037] To reach the target location, the external magnetic control system applies a forward-rotating magnetic field, causing the capsule to rotate as a whole. Driven by the first external thread 11 on the surface of the housing 1, the capsule then rotates forward. At this point, the plunger 3 within the housing 1 also moves toward the sampling needle 4, preventing the liquid medicine from being squeezed. Once the capsule reaches the target location, tissue sampling or drug release can be performed. It should be noted that tissue sampling and drug release can be performed sequentially, with no particular precedence, or only tissue sampling or drug release can be performed.

[0038] If tissue sampling is to be performed, the external magnetic drive system is controlled to adjust the direction of rotation of the magnetic field so that the sampling needle 4 faces the sampling area, and then the capsule is rotated forward until the sampling needle 4 penetrates the tissue. The magnetic field is then reversed, and the capsule reversely rotates to withdraw the sampling needle 4. Part of the tissue will remain in the sampling needle 4, thus completing the sampling operation.

[0039] To release the drug, the magnetic field must rotate in the opposite direction. The capsule retracts onto the nearby tissue wall, where the microspikes 13 at the capsule's bottom pierce the tissue, securing the outer shell 1. The magnetic field is then rotated in the opposite direction, causing the plunger 3 inside the capsule to screw inward. Due to the incompressibility of the liquid in the drug storage chamber 5, the sleeve 2 is pushed out first, aligning the second radial hole 51 on the sleeve 2 with the first radial hole 14 on the outer shell 1. The plunger 3 then continues to screw inward, slowly pushing the liquid medicine in the drug storage chamber 55 out of the capsule, completing the drug release.

[0040] Example 2:

[0041] Reference Figure 2 , the embodiment of the present application also provides a drivable integrated drug-releasing and sampling capsule. Its working environment is an intestinal environment. The only difference between Example 2 and the embodiment is that in Example 2, a sampling forceps 6 is used instead of the sampling needle 4. Specifically, the head of the plunger 3 is provided with a driving rod 7, and the head of the shell 1 is provided with a limiting sleeve 8. The driving rod 7 extends out of the limiting sleeve 8 at one end away from the plunger 3 and is connected to the sampling forceps 6. When the plunger 3 moves axially, it drives the driving rod 7, and then drives the sampling forceps 6 to close to complete the sampling. It should be noted that in order to reduce parts, the limiting sleeve 8 and the shell 1 are integrally formed.

[0042] The working principle of Example 2 of this application is as follows:

[0043] The drug sampling capsule of the embodiment of the present application can be driven and released, and is also controlled by an external magnetic drive system. Its driving principle and drug release principle are the same as those of embodiment 1 and will not be described in detail here.

[0044] When performing tissue sampling, the external magnetic drive system is controlled to adjust the direction of rotation of the magnetic field so that the sampling clamp 6 is opened and fully embedded in the tissue. At this time, the sampling clamp 6 contains tissue blocks inside and is wrapped by tissue outside. Then, the magnetic field is rotated in the opposite direction. The traction force transmitted to the sampling clamp 6 by the plunger 3 will cause the sampling clamp 6 to close first. Then, due to the reduction of the resistance between the sampling clamp 6 and the tissue, the capsule is driven in the opposite direction, and the sampling clamp 6 will be separated from the tissue, completing the sampling process.

[0045] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A drivable drug-releasing and sampling integrated capsule, characterized in that: The syringe barrel is provided with a first outer thread, and the inner wall is provided with an inner thread; the first outer thread and the inner thread have the same rotation direction; the tail of the shell is provided with a first drug outlet, and the head is provided with a sampling needle; the shell is provided with a sleeve and a plunger; the sleeve is a cylinder with an opening at one end; the sleeve is slidably connected to the shell; the plunger includes a threaded section and an optical axis section; the threaded section is provided with a second outer thread that is compatible with the internal thread, the optical axis section extends into the interior of the sleeve and can slide along the axial direction of the sleeve, and the bottom surface of the optical axis section, the bottom surface of the sleeve and the inner side wall of the sleeve form a drug storage cavity; the side wall of the drug storage cavity is provided with a second drug outlet; the plunger can push the sleeve to move along the axial direction of the shell; when the sleeve runs to the bottom of the shell, the first drug outlet and the second drug outlet are connected; the first outer thread and the second outer thread are both magnetic.

2. The drivable drug-releasing and sampling integrated capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first drug outlet is a plurality of first radial holes arranged at the bottom of the side wall of the shell; the plurality of first radial holes are evenly distributed along the circumference of the shell; the second drug outlet is a plurality of second radial holes arranged on the side wall of the sleeve; when the sleeve runs to the bottom of the shell, the positions of the second radial holes correspond one-to-one to those of the first radial holes.

3. The drivable drug-releasing and sampling integrated capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: A convex ridge extending in the axial direction is provided on the outer side wall of the sleeve, and a sliding groove matched with the convex ridge is provided on the inner side wall of the shell.

4. The drivable drug-releasing and sampling integrated capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tail end surface of the shell is provided with micro-thorns.

5. The drivable drug-releasing and sampling integrated capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: An annular groove is further provided on the inner side wall of the shell, and a boss adapted to the annular groove is provided on the head of the sleeve, and the boss can slide along the axial direction of the annular groove.

6. A drivable drug-releasing and sampling integrated capsule, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shell; a first external thread is provided on the outer wall of the shell, and an internal thread is provided on the inner wall; the first external thread and the internal thread have the same rotation direction; a first medicine outlet is provided at the tail of the shell; a sleeve and a plunger are provided in the shell; the sleeve is a cylinder with an opening at one end; the sleeve is slidably connected to the shell; the plunger comprises a threaded section and an optical axis section; the threaded section is provided with a second external thread adapted to the internal thread, the optical axis section extends into the interior of the sleeve and can slide along the axial direction of the sleeve, and the The bottom surface of the optical axis section, the bottom surface of the sleeve and the inner side wall of the sleeve form a medicine storage cavity; a second medicine outlet is provided on the side wall of the medicine storage cavity; the plunger can push the sleeve to move axially along the outer shell; when the sleeve runs to the bottom of the outer shell, the first medicine outlet and the second medicine outlet are connected; the head of the plunger is provided with a driving rod; the head of the outer shell is provided with a limiting sleeve; the end of the driving rod away from the plunger extends out of the limiting sleeve and is connected to the sampling clamp; the first external thread and the second external thread are both magnetic.

7. The drivable drug-releasing and sampling integrated capsule according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first drug outlet is a plurality of first radial holes arranged at the bottom of the side wall of the shell; the plurality of first radial holes are evenly distributed along the circumference of the shell; the second drug outlet is a plurality of second radial holes arranged on the side wall of the sleeve; when the sleeve runs to the bottom of the shell, the positions of the second radial holes correspond one-to-one to those of the first radial holes.

8. The drivable drug-releasing and sampling integrated capsule according to claim 6, characterized in that: A convex ridge extending in the axial direction is provided on the outer side wall of the sleeve, and a sliding groove matched with the convex ridge is provided on the inner side wall of the shell.

9. The drivable drug-releasing and sampling integrated capsule according to claim 6, characterized in that: The tail end surface of the shell is provided with micro-thorns.

10. The drivable drug-releasing and sampling integrated capsule according to claim 6, characterized in that: An annular groove is further provided on the inner side wall of the shell, and a boss adapted to the annular groove is provided on the head of the sleeve, and the boss can slide along the axial direction of the annular groove.

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