An ingestible treatment device for the treatment of gastritis

Abstract

An ingestible gastrointestinal phototherapy device has a spherocylindrical body of a non-digestible material with a cylindrical central portion and transparent light portals at its ends, the cylindrical central portion having control circuitry and a power source therein, each light portal being transparent and containing an array of bioactive light source elements therein, the light source elements emitting bioactive light therefrom and operably coupled to the control circuitry and the power source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to an ingestible treatment device for the treatment of gastritis.

Background Art

[0002] Background of the Invention Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa that induces upper abdominal pain, belching, a feeling of fullness, loss of appetite, and heartburn. Complications include gastric bleeding, gastric ulcers, and gastric tumors.

[0003] Common causes include infection with Helicobacter pylori and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

[0004] Treatments include drug therapies such as antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, bismuth subsalicylate, or the combined use of antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin (if H. pylori is present).

[0005] Chinese Utility Model No. 203989504U (LIFOTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD) of December 10, 2014, which disclosed a capsule photon therapy device under external magnetic action; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0226335A1 (SURRENTI et al.) of September 6, 2012, which disclosed an ingestible device designed to illuminate the gastric cavity for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria; Korean Patent Publication No. 20100013652A (PARK MAN SU) of February 10, 2010, which disclosed a encapsulated light treatment device having switch means in the capsule part; Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 102512766A (JIN DAI) of June 27, 2012, which disclosed a blue light-emitting capsule including a sealed shell and capable of being used to kill Helicobacter pylori; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0013031A1 (BEN-YEHUDA et al.) of January 10, 2013, which disclosed a swallowable capsule suitable for providing phototherapy to an area of a patient's gastrointestinal (GI) tract; and International Publication No. 2018 / 116216A2 (PROBIOMEDICA S.R.L.) of June 28, 2018, which disclosed an ingestible capsule arranged to cross the human stomach to perform a phototherapy treatment arranged to combat infections caused by the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Among others, various ingestible phototherapy devices exist for the treatment of the digestive tract.

[0006] Furthermore, there are various swallowable imaging devices, such as US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0130822A1 (KATAYAMA et al.) of May 27, 2010, which disclosed an endoscopic imaging device designed to float upright in gastric juice, and US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0020810A1 (TAKIZAWA et al.) of January 30, 2003, which disclosed a capsule-type medical device for imaging.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide an ingestible treatment device that overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art, or significantly improves them, or at least provides an alternative.

[0008] If any prior art information is referred to in this specification, it must be understood that such reference does not amount to an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia, or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE According to a first aspect, there is provided an ingestible phototherapy device for the digestive tract, comprising a spherocylindrical body of non-digestible material having a cylindrical central portion and transparent light portals at its ends.

[0010] The cylindrical central portion contains a control circuit and a power source therein, where each light portal is transparent and contains an array of bioactive light source elements therein, the light source elements emitting bioactive light therefrom and being operably coupled to the control circuit and the power source.

[0011] However, there are problems in adequately illuminating the inner surface of the digestive tract. For example, the solution proposed by LIFOTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD cannot adequately treat the digestive tract immediately adjacent to the capsule. BEN-YEHUDA et al. have proposed a simplified solution having a transparent central portion containing a pair of LEDs that reflect light through conical mirrors from the sides of the capsule.

[0012] However, such an arrangement that can package the control circuit and the power source in other ways occupies the internal space. Therefore, the light source element of the present invention includes an axial light source element oriented along the longitudinal axis of the spherical cylindrical body, and a plurality of radial light source elements around the axial light source element. Each radial light source element is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and has a cast angle greater than 100° along the longitudinal axis, and is disposed within each portal. Therefore, the light emitted by the radial light source elements from opposite ends of the body meets at a midpoint having a vertical distance from the side of the cylindrical central portion, and the vertical distance is less than half of the distance between the radially aligned light source elements in the longitudinal direction. This configuration minimizes the dead spot area of the dark zone adjacent to the central portion.

[0013] In this method, an array of light sources at either end of the capsule enables the packaging of a control circuit and a high-capacity power source within the central portion of the capsule, thereby enabling a space-saving capsule that can adequately treat the digestive tract adjacent to the capsule.

[0014] In view of the foregoing, according to one embodiment, there is provided an ingestible phototherapy device including a spherical cylindrical body of a non-digestible material having a cylindrical central portion and transparent light portals at its ends. The cylindrical central portion includes a control circuit and a power source therein. Here, each light portal is transparent and includes an array of bioactive light source elements therein. The light source elements emit bioactive light therefrom and are operably connected to the control circuit and the power source. Here, the light source elements include an axial light source element oriented along the longitudinal axis of the spherical cylindrical body, and a plurality of radial light source elements around the axial light source element. Each radial light source element is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and has a cast angle greater than 100° along the longitudinal axis, and is disposed within each portal. Therefore, the light emitted by the radial light source elements from opposite ends of the body meets at a midpoint having a vertical distance from the side of the cylindrical central portion, and the vertical distance is less than half of the distance between the radially aligned light source elements in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] Each radial light source element may be disposed beyond the bottom of each portal.

[0016] Each radial light source element may be disposed on each outer surface of a plinth extending from the bottom of each portal.

[0017] Each light portal may include a distal hemispherical portion and a proximal cylindrical portion adjacent to the central portion.

[0018] Each radial light source element may have a cast angle of approximately 120° along the longitudinal axis.

[0019] Each radial light source element may have a cast angle greater than 100° in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0020] Each radial light source element may have a cast angle of approximately 120° in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0021] The control circuit may be pre-programmed in a plurality of operating modes, where the control circuit operates the light source elements accordingly.

[0022] When selecting an operating mode of operation, the control circuit may operate the light source elements to indicate the selection of the operating mode.

[0023] The light source elements may include first and second sets that emit light in different wavelength ranges.

[0024] The control circuit may operate either set according to the selected operating mode.

[0025] The central portion may be flexible, and the control circuit may include a pressure switch adjacent to the central portion to detect pressure applied to the central portion.

[0026] The control circuit may include at least two switches arranged on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0027] The control circuit may include a wireless transceiver.

[0028] The wireless transceiver may include an antenna that responds to a radio frequency so that the control circuit selects an operating mode when exposed to the radio frequency.

[0029] The wireless transceiver may be a wireless data transceiver.

[0030] The first set may emit light in the wavelength ranges of 660 and 680 nm.

[0031] The first set may emit light in the wavelength range of 510 - 810 nm.

[0032] The light portal may include at least one lens.

[0033] The at least one lens may include a plurality of adjacent lenses.

[0034] The plurality of adjacent lenses may be hexagonal.

[0035] The control circuit may include a sensor, where the control circuit may be configured to detect peristaltic wave characteristics with at least one sensor and infer the location within the digestive tract according to the peristaltic wave characteristics, and where the control circuit controls at least one light source element according to the location.

[0036] The control circuit may distinguish between the large intestine and the small intestine according to the characteristics of the frequency peristaltic wave.

[0037] The sensor may include an accelerometer that detects the acceleration of the body when a peristaltic wave occurs within the digestive tract.

[0038] The sensor may include a pressure sensor that detects a pressure change in the main body when a peristaltic wave occurs in the digestive tract.

[0039] The sensor may include an audio sensor that detects an audible frequency generated when a peristaltic wave occurs in the digestive tract.

[0040] The control circuit may control at least one light source element according to location by operating at least one light source element in a first location and not operating at least one light source element in a second location.

[0041] The light source element may include first and second sets that emit light in different wavelength ranges, where the control circuit controls the light source element to emit light in different wavelength ranges according to location.

[0042] The light source element may include first and second sets that emit light in different wavelength ranges, where the control circuit may include an orientation sensor that determines the direction of ingestion, and where the control circuit controls the first and second sets to emit light in front of the main body at different frequencies with respect to the rear of the main body.

[0043] The device may include a deployable anchoring mechanism that may include at least one extendable anchor leg.

[0044] The anchor leg may extend into the main body from a port.

[0045] The anchor leg may be flexible.

[0046] The anchor leg may include a unique curvature.

[0047] The anchor leg may be disposed at an end of the main body, where the anchor leg curves toward the opposite end.

[0048] The proximal end of the anchoring leg may include a magnetically attractable lug disposed within a barrel containing first and second annular electromagnets, and the first and second annular electromagnets may each be controlled by a control circuit to extend and retract the anchoring leg.

[0049] The control circuit may include a timer, where the control circuit may be configured to extend the anchoring leg after a first period.

[0050] The control circuit may further be configured to retract the anchoring leg after a second period following the first period.

[0051] The control circuit may include a wireless transceiver, where the control circuit may be configured to extend or retract the anchoring leg according to a wireless signal received via the wireless transceiver.

[0052] The control circuit may include a sensor, where the control circuit may be configured to detect peristaltic wave characteristics with at least one sensor and to infer a location within the digestive tract according to the peristaltic wave characteristics, and where the control circuit extends or retracts the anchoring leg according to the location.

[0053] The power supply may include a supercapacitor.

[0054] The supercapacitor may have a specific energy greater than 4 Wh / kg.

[0055] The device may be configured to power the LED for more than 3 hours.

[0056] The self-discharge time of the supercapacitor at room temperature may be longer than one week.

[0057] The device may be attached to a thread.

[0058] The device may include a connection portion to which a thread may be attractable.

[0059] One of the light portals may include a connection portion, where the connection portion may be an elongated groove into which an engaging component adapted thereto is snap-fitted.

[0060] Both of the light portals may include elongated grooves.

[0061] The thread may include an engaging component adapted to either end for attaching the device to an adjacent device.

[0062] The device may include a spool for the thread.

[0063] The spool may be disposed inside.

[0064] The spool may be disposed inside one of the light portals.

[0065] The spool may be wound around the circumference of a collar at the central portion.

[0066] The spool may be covered with a detachable layer.

[0067] The thread may include ingestion depth markings along it.

[0068] Other aspects of the present invention are also disclosed.

[0069] Regardless of any other forms that may be included in the scope of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0070]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] The ingestible gastrointestinal phototherapy device 100 includes a non-digestible spherical cylindrical body 101 having a cylindrical central portion 102 and an end portion 103 of a transparent light portal.

[0072] The cylindrical central portion 102 includes a control circuit 104 and a power source 105 therein.

[0073] The control circuit 104 may include a microprocessor 106 that draws power from the power source 105. The microprocessor 106 includes a processor for processing digital data. A memory device in operable communication with the processor via a system bus may store digital data including computer program code instructions. When in use, the processor may read these computer program code instructions and associated data for implementing the functionality described herein.

[0074] Power supply 105 may have a capacity sufficient to supply power to device 100 for a period longer than 20 minutes.

[0075] In one embodiment, power supply 105 includes a supercapacitor, thereby avoiding toxic materials that can be used by electrodes or electrolytes of certain batteries such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.

[0076] Preferably, the supercapacitor has a specific energy greater than 4 Wh / kg. More preferably, the self-discharge time of the supercapacitor at room temperature is longer than one week. In other embodiments, for higher power applications and longer storage life, longer-term pseudocapacitors and hybrid (Li-ion) supercapacitors can be used.

[0077] Each light portal 103 is transparent and internally includes a bioactive light source element 107 operably connected to control circuit 104 via switch 131. Each portal 103 may include a transparent shell and be hollow, or may be filled with a transparent filler.

[0078] The shell may be shaped to define at least one lens for focusing and / or dispersing light from element 107, and the at least one lens may include a plurality of adjacent lenses. Further, the lens may be hexagonal. The bottom 108 of portal 103 may include a reflective lining.

[0079] Light source element 107 may include LEDs that emit light in the wavelength ranges of 660 and 680 nm to address inflammation and promote healing, and / or 510 - 810 nm to reduce sensitivity and infection.

[0080] The light source element 107 may include an axially directed light source element 107A oriented along the longitudinal axis 108 of the main body 101. Further, the light source element 107 includes a plurality of radially directed light source elements 107R around the axially directed light source element 107A. As shown in FIG. 2, the device 100 may include three radially directed light source elements 107R that are offset from each other by 120°.

[0081] Each radially directed light source element 107R is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 108 and has a cast angle θ130 greater than 100° along the longitudinal axis 108. Each radially directed light source element 107 may be disposed within each portal 103 beyond the bottom 108 of each portal 103, whereby the light emitted by the radially directed light source elements 107R at opposite ends of the main body 101 meet at a midpoint 109 having a perpendicular distance d110 from the side of the cylindrical central portion 102 that is less than half the length l111 of the cylindrical central portion 102, thereby minimizing the light dead spot zone 112 surrounding the central portion 102.

[0082] Preferably, the cast angle θ along the longitudinal axis 108 is approximately 120°.

[0083] Each radially directed light source element 107 may be supported on the outer surface 115 of the prince 116 that rises from the bottom 108 of each portal 103. As shown in FIG. 5, each portal 103 preferably includes a cylindrical portion 117, whereby the radially directed light source elements 107R can be disposed closer to the side edges of the portal 103. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface of the prince 116 may be concave in order to focus the light reflected outward from each light source element 107R.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 4, each radially directed light source element 107R further has a cast angle α113 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 108 that is greater than 100°, thereby minimizing the radial dead spot zone 114 between the radially directed light source elements 107R. Preferably, the cast angle α113 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 108 is approximately 120°.

[0085] The control circuit 104 may be pre-programmed in a plurality of operating modes, where the control circuit 104 controls the light source element 107 accordingly.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, the central portion 102 may be slightly flexible, and the control circuit 104 may include a pressure switch 118 adjacent to the slightly flexible central portion 102 that detects when the device 100 is being squeezed. In the illustrated embodiment, the control circuit 104 includes more than one pressure switch 118 disposed on the opposite side of the portion 102 so that it can detect when the opposite side of the central portion 102 is being squeezed, such as between fingers. In a preferred embodiment, the control circuit includes a plurality of pressure switches 118 around the central portion 102 so that it can detect squeezing of the central portion 102 from various sides.

[0087] The control circuit 104 may cycle between operating modes when the contact switch 118 is actuated.

[0088] In an embodiment, the control circuit 104 may include a wireless transceiver 118.

[0089] The wireless transceiver 118 may be an induction coil sensitive to a specific radio frequency. Thus, the device 100 may be operated by holding it adjacent to an operating device that emits a radio frequency.

[0090] In an embodiment, the wireless transceiver 119 may be a wireless data transceiver so as to be operably communicable with an electronic device such as a base station, a mobile phone device, or the like. The control circuit 104 may communicate via a wireless data transceiver that utilizes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and / or a similar wireless protocol.

[0091] Similarly, the control circuit 104 may cycle between operating modes according to signals or data received via the wireless transceiver 119.

[0092] In an embodiment, the light source element 107 includes first and second light source element sets that emit biologically active light at different frequencies. For example, the first set of elements may emit light in the wavelength ranges of 660 and 680 nm to address inflammation and promote healing, and the second set of elements 107 may emit light in the wavelength range of 510 - 810 nm to reduce sensitivity and infection.

[0093] Therefore, prior to ingestion, the switch 118 or the wireless transceiver 119 of the present invention may be controlled to select the appropriate operating mode of the capsule, such as whether the device should address information and promote healing or reduce sensitivity and infection.

[0094] In an embodiment, when cycling between operating modes, the control circuit 104 may control the element 107 to indicate the selection of the operating mode. For example, in the first operating mode, the control circuit 104 may flash the light source element 107 once, and in the second operating mode, the control circuit 104 may flash the light source element 107 twice.

[0095] In an embodiment, the light source element 107 may emit light at different frequencies from different ends of the device 100.

[0096] According to this embodiment, the control circuit 104 may include an orientation sensor therein to determine the orientation of the device 100 within the GI tract, where the control circuit 104 operates the light source element 107 to emit light in a first wavelength range at the lower part of the GI tract and light in a second wavelength range at the upper part of the GI tract. For example, when ingested and when the control circuit 104 determines the insertion orientation of the device 100 within the GI tract, the control circuit 104 may control the front light source element 107 to emit light in the wavelength range of 510 - 810 nm to reduce the sensitivity and infection of the mucosa of the GI tract in front of the device 100, and may control the rear light source element 107 to emit light in the wavelength ranges of 660 and 680 nm to address inflammation and promote healing behind the device 100.

[0097] In an embodiment, when operating, the control circuit 104 may be delayed for a certain period before operating the light source element 107.

[0098] In an embodiment, the control circuit 107 may utilize sensors for measuring peristaltic waves occurring in the esophagus, stomach, large intestine, and small intestine in order to infer the location of the device 100 within the body and control the light source element 107 accordingly.

[0099] For example, when passing through the stomach, typical peristaltic waves typically last for 2 - 3 seconds in the small intestine, and when entering the large intestine, general contractions may occur only 3 times a day.

[0100] The sensor may include an accelerometer that measures a slight acceleration of the device 100 due to each passing peristaltic wave. Further, the sensor may include a pressure sensor that can measure the difference in pressure at the body 101 due to each passing peristaltic wave. Further, the sensor may include an acoustic sensor that can detect peristaltic waves by the sound waves generated by each passing peristaltic wave.

[0101] Therefore, the control circuit 104 may be pre-programmed to illuminate only a specific portion of the GI tract, such as being programmed such that the device 100 treats only the small intestine. Further, the control circuit 104 may be pre-programmed to illuminate a specific portion of the GI tract with light in different wavelength ranges.

[0102] Figures 6 - 8 illustrate embodiments in which the device 100 includes a fixation mechanism 120 that can be deployed to fix the device 100 in place or slow the passage of the device 100 through a specific region within the GI tract, thereby sufficiently increasing the passage time, i.e., the dosage of bioactive light administered. As shown in Figure 6, the fixation mechanism 120 may include fixation legs 121 that radially deploy from port 122 through the side of the body 101.

[0103] The fixation legs 121 may be flexible, such as being made of silicon and / or rubber. Further, the fixation legs 121 may have a curvature bias such that when extending from port 122, they curve in the manner illustrated in Figures 6 and 8. The port 122 may be disposed at one end of the body 101, and the accolades 122 may curve towards the opposite end, thereby dragging across the mucosa of the GI tract.

[0104] Alternatively, the fixation legs 122 may be curved or directed by the curvature of the exit passage 123 at the location of port 122.

[0105] As shown in Figure 6, the proximal end of the fixation legs 121 may include a magnet or a metal lug 123 that is attractable between a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet 124 within the barrel 125. The control circuit 104 may control either of the electromagnets 124 to extend and retract the fixation legs 121.

[0106] Figure 9 shows the capsule 100 provided within blister packaging 126. The blister packaging 126 may include a plurality of peel-away portions 127 and perforations 128 therebetween. The packaging includes a backing and a transparent portal 129 thereabove, with the ready-to-use device 100 secured therebetween.

[0107] The device 100 may hold an oily lubricant ingestible for lubrication purposes when swallowed.

[0108] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be attachable to a non-digestible polymer thread (not shown), such that when the device 100 is ingested, the device 100 is temporarily retained by the thread at a specific location within the digestive tract, allowing for targeting of a specific area of the digestive tract. In one embodiment, the device 100 includes a connection portion to which the thread may be connected. For example, one of the light portals 103 may include an elongated groove, into which a mating plastic engagement component attached to the thread engages and is securely held. The groove is a groove without sharp corners of ergonomic protrusions and may allow for utilization of the device 100 without using the attached thread. In this approach where the device 100 needs to be retained at a specific location within the digestive tract to target a specific location, the mating plastic component at the end of the thread may engage into the elongated groove to connect the thread to the device.

[0109] In other embodiments, the device 100 includes a spool, and the thread may be unwound from the spool for use. The spool may be disposed internally, such as within one of the light portals 103. Alternatively, the thread may be wound around a collar at the central portion of the device 100. The collar may be covered by a covering (such as a peel-away foil plastic that may be removed to retrieve the thread) that hides the thread thereunder when not needed for use.

[0110] After application, device 100 may be retrieved via thread 100 or passed through the gastrointestinal tract.

[0111] In an embodiment, a plurality of devices 100 may be joined together as a chain of interconnected threaded components. According to this embodiment, device 100 may include a junction at either end. For example, each light portal 103 may include an elongated groove in which short non-digestible threaded components having plastic connectors corresponding to either end are used to connect adjacent devices 100 together. In this way, a larger area of the gastrointestinal tract may be targeted by a chain of devices 100. For example, a plurality of devices 100 forming a 20 cm chain may be joined together and interconnected to target 20 cm of the small intestine. In an embodiment, the most proximal thread (controlled by the physician) may include surface markings indicating the location (ingestion depth) of device 100 within the body.

[0112] In an embodiment, device 100 may be inserted rectally, opposite to ingestion.

[0113] The foregoing description has utilized specific technical terms for the purpose of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, the foregoing description is not exclusive or limiting of the present invention to the precise form disclosed. Embodiments have been selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various improvements suitable for the particular use contemplated. The following claims and their equivalents are intended to define the scope of the present invention.

[0114] As used herein, the term "about" or similar terms shall, unless otherwise indicated, be construed to mean within 10% of the recited value.

Claims

**Claim 1** An ingestible phototherapy device for the digestive tract, comprising a spherical cylindrical body of non-digestible material having a cylindrical central portion and a transparent light portal at each end thereof, wherein the cylindrical central portion contains a control circuit and a power source therein, each light portal is transparent and contains an array of bioactive light source elements therein, the bioactive light source elements emitting bioactive light therefrom and being operably connected to the control circuit and the power source, the bioactive light source elements include axial light source elements directed along the longitudinal axis of the spherical cylindrical body and a plurality of radial light source elements around the axial light source elements, each radial light source element being directed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having a cast angle greater than 100° along the longitudinal axis, and being disposed within each portal, so that the light emitted by the radial light source elements from both ends of the spherical cylindrical body meets at a midpoint having a perpendicular distance from the side of the cylindrical central portion, the perpendicular distance being less than half the distance between the radially aligned light source elements aligned in the longitudinal direction, A device. **Claim 2** The device according to claim 1, wherein each radial light source element is disposed beyond the bottom of each portal. **Claim 3** The device according to claim 2, wherein each radial light source element is disposed on each outer surface of the prince extending from the bottom of each portal. **Claim 4** The device according to claim 3, wherein each light portal includes a distal hemispherical portion and a proximal cylindrical portion adjacent to the cylindrical central portion. **Claim 5** The device according to claim 1, wherein each radial light source element has a cast angle of approximately 120° along the longitudinal axis. **Claim 6** The device according to claim 1, wherein each radial light source element has a cast angle greater than 100° in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. **Claim 7** The device according to claim 6, wherein each radial light source element has a cast angle of approximately 120° in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. **Claim 8** The device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is pre-programmed in a plurality of operating modes, and wherein the control circuit operates the bioactive light source elements accordingly. **Claim 9** The device according to claim 8, wherein, when selecting an operating mode of operation, the control circuit operates the bioactive light source elements to indicate the selection of the operating mode. **Claim 10** The device according to claim 8, wherein the bioactive light source element includes first and second sets that emit light in different wavelength ranges.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the control circuit operates either set according to a selected operating mode.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical central portion is flexible, and the control circuit includes a pressure switch adjacent to the cylindrical central portion for detecting pressure applied to the cylindrical central portion.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the control circuit includes at least two switches arranged on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal axis.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit includes a wireless transceiver.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the wireless transceiver includes an antenna that responds to the radio frequency such that the control circuit selects an operating mode when exposed to the radio frequency.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein the wireless transceiver is a wireless data transceiver.

17. The device according to claim 10, wherein the first set emits light in the wavelength ranges of 660 and 680 nm.

18. The device according to claim 10, wherein the first set emits light in the wavelength range of 510 - 810 nm.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the light portal includes at least one lens.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the at least one lens includes a plurality of adjacent lenses.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of adjacent lenses are hexagonal.

22. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit includes a sensor, and the control circuit is configured to detect peristaltic wave characteristics with the sensor and infer a location within the digestive tract according to the peristaltic wave characteristics, and the control circuit controls the bioactive light source element according to the location.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the control circuit discriminates between the large intestine and the small intestine according to the characteristics of the frequency peristaltic wave.

24. The device according to claim 22, wherein the sensor includes an accelerometer that detects the acceleration of the spherical cylindrical body when a peristaltic wave occurs within the digestive tract.

25. The device according to claim 22, wherein the sensor includes a pressure sensor that detects a pressure change in the spherical cylindrical body when a peristaltic wave occurs in the digestive tract.

26. The device according to claim 22, wherein the sensor includes an audio sensor that detects an audible frequency generated when a peristaltic wave occurs in the digestive tract.

27. The device according to claim 22, wherein the control circuit controls at least one bioactive light source element according to the location in the digestive tract by operating at least one bioactive light source element at a first location and not operating at least one bioactive light source element at a second location.

28. The device according to claim 22, wherein the bioactive light source element includes first and second sets that emit light in different wavelength ranges, and wherein the control circuit controls the bioactive light source element to emit light in different wavelength ranges according to the location in the digestive tract.

29. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bioactive light source element includes first and second sets that emit light in different wavelength ranges, wherein the control circuit includes an orientation sensor that determines an orientation of ingestion, and wherein the control circuit controls the first and second sets to emit light of frequencies in front of the spherical cylindrical body at different frequencies with respect to the rear of the spherical cylindrical body.

30. The device according to claim 1, including a deployable anchoring mechanism including at least one extendable anchoring leg.

31. The device according to claim 30, wherein the anchoring leg extends from a port into the spherical cylindrical body.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein the anchoring leg is flexible.

33. The device according to claim 32, wherein the anchoring leg includes a natural curvature.

34. The device according to claim 33, wherein the anchoring leg is disposed at an end of the spherical cylindrical body, and wherein the anchoring leg curves toward an opposite end.

35. The device according to claim 31, wherein a proximal end of the anchoring leg includes a magnetically attractable lug disposed within a barrel including first and second annular electromagnets, and wherein the first and second annular electromagnets can each be controlled by the control circuit to extend and retract the anchoring leg.

36. The device according to claim 30, wherein the control circuit includes a timer, and wherein the control circuit is configured to extend the fixing leg after a first period. **Claim 37** The device according to claim 36, wherein the control circuit is further configured to attract the fixing leg after a second period following the first period. **Claim 38** The device according to claim 30, wherein the control circuit includes a wireless transceiver, and wherein the control circuit is configured to extend or retract the fixing leg according to a wireless signal received via the wireless transceiver. **Claim 39** The device according to claim 30, wherein the control circuit includes a sensor, and wherein the control circuit is configured to detect peristaltic wave characteristics with the sensor and to infer a location within the digestive tract according to the peristaltic wave characteristics, and wherein the control circuit extends or retracts the fixing leg according to the location. **Claim 40** The device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply includes a supercapacitor. **Claim 41** The device according to claim 40, wherein the supercapacitor has a specific energy greater than 4 Wh / kg. **Claim 42** The device according to claim 41, wherein the device is configured to supply power to the LED for longer than 3 hours. **Claim 43** The device according to claim 42, wherein the self-discharge time of the supercapacitor at room temperature is longer than 1 week. **Claim 44** The device according to claim 1, attached to a thread. **Claim 45** The device according to claim 44, including a connection part to which the thread can be attached. **Claim 46** One of the light portals includes the connection part, wherein the connection part is an elongated groove in which a mating part that fits therein is attached by fitting. The device according to claim 45. **Claim 47** The device according to claim 46, wherein both of the light portals include elongated grooves. **Claim 48** The device according to claim 47, wherein the thread includes mating parts that fit at either end for attaching the device to an adjacent device. **Claim 49** The device according to claim 44, including a spool for the thread. **Claim 50** The device according to claim 49, wherein the spool is disposed inside. **Claim 51** The device according to claim 50, wherein the scroll is disposed within one of the light portals. **Claim 52** The device according to claim 51, wherein the scroll is wound around the periphery of a collar in the cylindrical central portion. **Claim 53** The device according to claim 52, wherein the scroll is covered with a detachable layer. **Claim 54** The device according to claim 52, wherein the thread includes intake depth markings along it.

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