Gastrointestinal Sensor Implantation via Fluid Pressure Tissue Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capsule endoscopes have limitations in achieving long-term attachment to the gastrointestinal tract for continuous data collection and drug delivery due to the slippery and physiologically active nature of the GI wall, leading to premature loss and inadequate adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A micro-robotic capsule with a tissue capture device equipped with micro-needles and a fluid pressure mechanism to attach to the GI tissue, allowing for controlled long-term implantation of biometric sensors and potential drug delivery systems within the GI tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional capsule endoscopes are used for passive transit through the GI tract, then the device remains simple and non-invasive, but the attachment duration is limited and premature loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a delivery capsule that passes through the GI tract and a deployable sensor array that attaches to the tissue. This segmentation allows the complex sensing functionality to be separated from the simple delivery mechanism, enabling long-term attachment while maintaining ease of administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array transitions from a compressed state within the capsule to an expanded state upon deployment. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, achieving stable attachment while maintaining a compact form factor for oral administration.
2Duration of action of moving object
If mucoadhesive patches are used to increase attachment time, then adhesion strength is improved, but the attachment duration remains limited to hours rather than days or weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs an intermediary anchoring mechanism that bridges the capsule and the GI tissue. This intermediate structure provides a stable connection point that distributes mechanical stresses and prevents direct damage to the tissue, enabling reliable attachment for extended periods without causing harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates cushioning elements that are deployed in advance to protect the GI tissue from mechanical damage. This preemptive protection allows the sensor to remain attached for long durations without causing tissue injury or triggering immune responses that would lead to premature detachment.
3Reliability
If the GI wall is considered slippery and chemically corrosive, then adhesion is difficult to achieve, but the device can still be attached with proper anchoring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes parameter changes in the local environment, such as pH variations and mechanical stresses during peristalsis, to trigger attachment and deployment sequences. By sensing and responding to these environmental parameters, the device achieves reliable attachment while adapting to the corrosive and dynamic GI conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device converts the harmful effects of GI peristalsis and chemical environment into beneficial forces for attachment. The mechanical stresses from peristalsis are harnessed to press the sensor against the tissue, while the chemical environment triggers deployment sequences, transforming potential threats into attachment advantages.
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
Enables continuous, multi-day to multi-week data collection and potential drug delivery by securely anchoring sensors to the GI tissue, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber within the orally-administrable capsule is configured to draw the GI tissue towards the plurality of fasteners when a fluid pressure of the chamber is increased
Data Source
AI summary
A gastrointestinal (GI) sensor deployment device is disclosed. In implementations, the sensor deployment device includes an orally-administrable capsule with a tissue capture device removably coupled to the orally-administrable capsule. The tissue capture device includes a plurality of fasteners for connecting the tissue capture device to GI tissue within a body. A biometric sensor is coupled to the tissue capture device for continuous or periodic monitoring of the GI tract of the body at the GI tissue attachment location. A chamber within the orally-administrable capsule is configured to draw gastrointestinal tissue towards the plurality of fasteners when a fluid pressure of the chamber is increased. An actuator can be configured to cause an increase of the fluid pressure of the chamber. Control circuitry coupled to the actuator can be configured to trigger the actuator to cause the increase of the fluid pressure of the chamber at a selected time.