Magnetic Capsule Endoscope with Tethered Lumen for Non-Invasive Biopsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for accessing deep body cavities, such as the gastrointestinal tract, are invasive and pose risks like pancreatitis, infections, and hemorrhage, making them unsuitable for non-invasive biopsy and drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a capsule endoscope with an imaging system and a tethered flexible member that includes a lumen for fluid communication, allowing for magnetic control and the use of pressure sources for biopsy or drug delivery, enabling non-invasive access to internal regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods (ERCP, EUS-FNA) are used to access deep body cavities for biopsy, then tissue samples can be obtained, but the risk of complications such as pancreatitis, infections, and hemorrhage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical endoscopic biopsy systems with a magnetic capsule system that uses magnetic fields for control and a flexible tether with lumen for fluid access. The capsule contains a magnet for magnetic control, a lumen for fluid passage, and a port for connection to the tether, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical instrumentation while maintaining biopsy capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tether acts as an intermediary component connecting the external pressure source to the capsule's lumen, enabling fluid delivery and sample retrieval without direct mechanical insertion into deep body cavities. The tether transmits pressure and fluid through its lumen to and from the capsule, mediating the interaction between external control systems and internal body regions
2Adaptability or versatility
If invasive tools are used to access deep internal organs, then biopsy and drug delivery can be performed, but patient safety and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces invasive mechanical tools with a magnetically controlled capsule that navigates through the gastrointestinal tract using external magnetic fields. The capsule's magnet responds to external magnetic actuators, enabling steering and positioning without mechanical insertion, thereby maintaining access capability while eliminating invasive risks
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule employs a flexible tether with a lumen that can bend and conform to the gastrointestinal tract's geometry, allowing access to deep internal organs through flexible, non-rigid structures rather than stiff invasive instruments. The flexible sheath surrounding the tether further enhances adaptability while minimizing tissue damage risk
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tether with lumen is coupled to the capsule endoscope, then fluid communication for biopsy and drug delivery is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tether with lumen serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the capsule, enables fluid delivery from external pressure sources, facilitates sample retrieval, and transmits mechanical forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tether structure with the capsule assembly, where the tether's lumen is integrated with the capsule's internal fluid pathways. The clamp mechanism combines attachment and sealing functions, and the flexible sheath integrates structural support with protective functions, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for safe and effective biopsy and drug delivery within the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the risk of complications and providing a comfortable, non-invasive procedure for patients.
Implementation Method 1
The capsule endoscope may be magnetically controllable, such as with an external magnetic control system
Implementation Method 2
a pressure source and/or vacuum source (e.g., syringe, pump, etc.) arranged in fluidic communication with the lumen
Implementation Method 3
a pressure source and/or vacuum source (e.g., syringe, pump, etc.) arranged in fluidic communication with the lumen
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for liquid biopsy and/or drug delivery may include a capsule endoscope and a tether coupled to the capsule endoscope. The tether may include a flexible member with a lumen in fluidic communication with a port configured to permit passage of fluid, and the port may be, for example, on the capsule endoscope or the tether. In methods for liquid biopsy and/or drug delivery, the capsule endoscope may be advanced into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, and navigated to a region of interest, where a patient sample may be withdrawn and/or a therapeutic substance may be administered through the lumen (e.g., through the port).