Ingestible Sensor Capsule for Unhealthy Gut-State Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and IBD are limited by low sensitivity and inability to accurately determine the location of unhealthy gut states due to challenges in data collection and analysis, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Innovation Solution
A method using a sensor device that ingests through the gastrointestinal tract to collect time series data on unhealthy gut biomarkers and pH, identifying transitions between tract parts to determine the occurrence and location of unhealthy gut states by analyzing changes in these data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-invasive methods (stool analysis) are used, then the method is simple and non-invasive, but sensitivity is low and location determination is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an ingestible sensor capsule as an intermediary device that travels through the gastrointestinal tract to collect biomarker data directly at the measurement site. This mediator enables precise local measurements without requiring invasive procedures like colonoscopy, while achieving high sensitivity through direct detection in the gut environment.
2Reliability
If invasive methods (colonoscopy) are used, then reliability is improved, but the procedure causes discomfort and is limited to certain tract portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive system of colonoscopy with a chemical/biological sensing system. Instead of using a large mechanical scope that causes discomfort and limits access, the invention uses small sensor capsules that can reach all portions of the GI tract through natural peristalsis, detecting biomarkers chemically without mechanical intrusion.
3Area of stationary object
If data collection from the entire gastrointestinal tract is performed, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but data analysis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gastrointestinal tract investigation into multiple independent sensor capsule units, each collecting data locally as it passes through. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire tract while keeping each data collection unit simple and manageable, with data from each segment analyzed independently or integrated systematically.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect there is provided a method for identifying and localizing an unhealthy gut state in a gastrointestinal tract. The method comprises: receiving a first time series of data representing an unhealthy gut biomarker level and a second time series of data representing pH, wherein the time series are acquired by a sensor device while the device passes through the tract; identifying a first time point of a transition from a first to a second part of the tract based on value change of at least one of the first and second data; analyzing at least one of the time series, for identifying occurrence of the unhealthy gut state; and on if an occurrence of the unhealthy gut state is identified: determining a second time point of the occurrence of unhealthy gut state; and determining a location, along the gastrointestinal tract, of the unhealthy gut state based on the first and second time points.