JP2009022445A - Device and method for viewing body lumen - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and methods for favorably viewing a body lumen and capturing its images. <P>SOLUTION: An assembly of a capsule endoscope and an endoscope is inserted into the body lumen. The capsule endoscope is positioned within the body lumen at a desired location from the endoscope, and images are obtained from the both sides of a desired location in the body lumen. In vivo procedures may be performed, while images of an affected part are obtained from the both sides of the location of the affected part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of in-vivo observation. More particularly, the present invention relates to an in-vivo device and method for observing the lumen of a human body through either an endoscope or a capsule endoscope, or both.

  Medical treatments in the lumens and cavities of the human body, such as gastrointestinal treatment and laparoscopic surgery, require a specially designed medical device. The device typically includes an execution end (centrifugal end) operatively coupled to a control end (proximal end). The execution end inserted into the human body is operated and manipulated by a control end accessible by an external operator.

  In some cases, the device further includes an observation or imaging element for performing internal body observation and processing simultaneously. In such cases, the device is connected to a cable that couples the observation or imaging element to an external power system, a light source and a processing unit.

  A common device for in-vivo processing that includes an imager is an endoscope. Endoscopes typically comprise a tube that is inserted into the human body, and the tube comprises air insertion, hydration, aspiration, observation or imaging, and a path utilized to pass a medical device through the tube into the body. Yes. The tube is connected at its proximal end to a control body held by an external operator.

  A capsule endoscope is also a known device used for in-vivo observation or imaging. The capsule endoscope includes an imager, at least one light source, and an optical system. The capsule endoscope may include other sensors that detect the internal environment, such as a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and a pressure sensor. The capsule endoscope is either a self-supporting type having an internal power source such as a battery, or is connected to an external power source in a wired manner.

  The capsule endoscope is in any form suitable for insertion into a body cavity, such as a sphere or an ellipsoid.

  The viewing angle provided by the imager or the accessibility of the device of such a sensor located at the tip of the endoscope or behind the light receiving aperture of the capsule, with the gastrointestinal tract having a distant or numerous folds inside (GI) Viewing angle or accessibility to remote or hidden parts of the body lumen such as the colon of the duct is limited.

  Furthermore, when processing in the body, it is usually necessary to observe in real time everything that is being done. In areas containing many folds, such as the colon, the endoscope's imager cannot observe the pathology inside the fold, and the caregiver does not have to be constantly performed by the endoscope. Limit observation from the direction.

Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for better observing and / or imaging human body lumens.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the in-vivo imaging device utilized for observation is autonomous. In some embodiments, for example, the in-vivo imaging device includes a drinkable capsule endoscope. According to some embodiments, the in-vivo imaging device comprises at least one imager, at least one light source, and an optical system. In some embodiments, the housing of the imaging device comprises a curved surface that conforms to the contour of the second body device. In some embodiments, the imaging device fully or partially covers the outer surface of a second device, such as an endoscope, colonoscope, Double Balloon Endoscopy ™ system, catheter, needle, laparoscope, etc. It has a shape configured to cover. In some embodiments, the shape of the imaging device housing is designed to have a curved surface that conforms to the exterior of a different device having a spherical, square, or other cross-section. In some embodiments, the in-vivo imaging device is connected to an endoscope type device. According to some embodiments, the imaging device is connected to the endoscope via at least two semi-rigid cables of a predetermined length. Typically, the number of connectors between the capsule and the endoscope is at least two, making positioning of the capsule relative to the endoscope easier and more stable.

  A method for observing a lumen of a human body according to an embodiment of the present invention includes inserting a capsule endoscope and endoscope device into the lumen of the human body. After inserting both the capsule and the endoscope, the capsule is positioned in the lumen of the human body at a predetermined distance from the endoscope, and the desired lumen of the human body is obtained using the imaging unit of the capsule and the endoscope. Images are acquired from both sides of the position. According to some embodiments, the method includes performing in-vivo processing at a desired location while acquiring images from both sides of the processing location. According to some embodiments, the capsule endoscope includes at least one imager, at least one light source, and an optical system. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope imager, light source, and optical system are located behind the light receiving aperture. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope includes two light receiving apertures that are typically disposed on opposite sides of the capsule.

  In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope is connected to the endoscope. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the capsule endoscope is connected via at least two semi-rigid cables of a predetermined length, for example, and the cables are arranged on the outer surface of the endoscope. According to some embodiments, when the capsule endoscope is inserted into the lumen of the human body, the capsule is partially covered by the outer surface of the endoscope.

  According to some embodiments, the capsule endoscope comprises a transmitter. The transmitter may be a wireless transmitter, or may be connected to the power source of the endoscope by wire. In some embodiments, the power source of the capsule is external and power is delivered via a wire connected to the endoscope. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope includes a receiver for receiving control signals from, for example, an external transceiver.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for observing a lumen of a human body includes inserting a capsule endoscope and an endoscope into the lumen of the human body, followed by a capsule endoscope. Utilizing the acquired image, the endoscope is guided to a desired position in the lumen of the human body. In some embodiments, the method includes performing in-vivo processing at the processing location while acquiring images from both sides of the processing location utilizing both the capsule and the endoscope. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope includes at least one imager, at least one light source, and an optical system. In some embodiments, a capsule endoscope typically placed on the opposite side of the capsule includes two light receiving apertures.

  According to yet another embodiment, a method for observing a lumen of a human body includes inserting a capsule endoscope and an endoscope into the lumen of the human body, followed by further movement of the endoscope. Until impossible, it comprises guiding the endoscope through the lumen of the human body using an image acquired by the capsule endoscope. After the endoscope reaches the farthest region in the body cavity of the human body, the capsule endoscope is not accompanied by the endoscope, but is further guided to the human body lumen while being in contact with the endoscope. Or freely moving passively, and an image of a body cavity of a human body is acquired using a capsule endoscope. In accordance with some embodiments, such as, for example, suturing adjacent perforations, obtaining biological tissue, removing polyps, and other suitable processes and procedures possible with an endoscope, The capsule endoscope can perform in-vivo processing by itself. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope has the ability to sense the surrounding body environment, eg, temperature, pressure, pH, conductivity detection.

  A method for observing a body cavity of a human body according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes inserting a capsule endoscope into the body cavity of the human body, fixing the capsule at a desired position in the body cavity of the human body, Inserting the endoscope into the body cavity of the human body using the imaging unit of the endoscope to a desired position where the capsule is fixed, and the capsule and the endoscope from different sides of the desired position (for example, both sides) Obtaining an image using both imaging units with the mirror.

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the following detailed description, a number of detailed descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

  Some embodiments of the present invention are for a typical in-vivo device. Some embodiments are for a capsule endoscope connected to an endoscope that actively travels through the lumen of the human body, such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In some embodiments, the in-vivo imaging device includes, in addition to the imaging unit or imager, other sensors such as, for example, a pH sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and other in-vivo parameter sensors. A device system and method according to some embodiments of the present invention is described in US Pat. No. 7,009,634 entitled “A Device and System for In-Vivo Imaging”, granted to Iddan et al. And / or US Patent Application No. 10 / 046,541 entitled “System and Method for Wide Field Imaging of Body Lumens” filed on January 16, 2002, Similar to the embodiments described in Publication No. 2002/0109774, each of which is assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The devices and methods described herein may have other configurations and / or sets of parts. For example, a workstation external receiver / storage unit, processor and monitor as described in the above documents are suitable for use in some embodiments of the present invention. Some in-vivo imaging devices are capsule-type or are, for example, peanut-shaped, or cylinders, spheres, cones, or other suitable shapes. Some embodiments of the invention include, for example, a typical drinkable capsule endoscope. In other embodiments, the in-vivo imaging device need not be drinkable and / or autonomous, and has other forms or configurations. Some embodiments of the present invention include an externally operated endoscope. In some embodiments, the endoscope may be a gastroscope inserted through the patient's mouth or a colonoscope inserted through the patient's anus. In some embodiments, the endoscope is a Fujinon double balloon endoscopy (TM) or similar device for viewing from the mouth or the end of the small intestine, as it arrives from above the small intestine. It is inserted from either direction, which is determined by the doctor as to whether the anus is directed to the colon.

  Embodiments of the capsule endoscope are typically autonomous and typically self-contained. For example, the capsule endoscope components are substantially contained within a container, housing, or shell, and the capsule does not require any wires or cables to receive power or send information, for example. . The capsule communicates with an external receiving and display system to provide data display, control or other functions. For example, power is provided using an internal battery or an internal power source, or a wired or wireless power receiving system. Other embodiments have other configurations and performance. For example, parts are distributed to multiple sites or units, and control information or other information is received from an external source.

  Reference is made to FIGS. 1A-1B are schematic views of an intracorporeal device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an in-vivo imaging device that partially covers the outer surface of the endoscope 110. This preferred imaging device 100 and endoscope 110 embodiment minimizes the device diameter of the imaging device 100 and endoscope 110 upon insertion into the body cavity of a human body, and the imaging device 100 is connected to the endoscope 110. It helps to not block the field of view of the endoscope 110 (as is the case with built-in). The apparatus of the imaging device 100 and the endoscope 110 is inserted into a human body lumen in order to observe the human body lumen and / or acquire an image thereof. In some embodiments, in-vivo processing is performed at that location while observing and / or imaging the desired location of the lumen of the human body. In some embodiments, the imaging device 100 is connected to the endoscope 110 via removable means such as non-permanent glue, clips, clasps, and the like. Thereby, for example, the imaging device 100 can be detached from the endoscope 110 at a desired time such as the end of the process. According to some embodiments, the imaging device 100 is mounted on other devices next to the endoscope, such as, for example, a colonoscope, Double Balloon Endoscopy ™ system, catheter, needle, laparoscope. In some embodiments, the imaging device is placed on the physician's finger. In some embodiments, the imaging device 100 is autonomous and includes an internal power source. In accordance with some embodiments, the device 100 is repositioned prior to each insertion into the body lumen. In some embodiments, the imaging device 100 is wired to an external power source, such as the power source of the endoscope 110, for example. FIG. 1B illustrates another embodiment of an intracorporeal device in which the imaging device 100 is coupled to the endoscope 100 via at least two semi-rigid cables 120. In some embodiments, the length of the cable 120 is predetermined. Typically, the predetermined length of the cable 120 connecting the imaging device 100 to the endoscope 110 is determined by the optimal system conditions of both the imaging device 100 and the endoscope 110. Due to the predetermined length, observation and / or imaging of the human body cavity should always be achieved in good and in-focus conditions. In other embodiments, the distance between the imaging device 100 and the endoscope 110 is not limited. In some embodiments, the cable 120 is disposed on the outer surface of the endoscope 110, but the cable 120 may be disposed in any suitable location. After the apparatus of the imaging device 100 and the endoscope 110 as shown in FIG. 1A is inserted into the lumen of the human body, the imaging device 100 is pushed forward using, for example, a semi-rigid cable, It is arranged at a certain distance from the endoscope 110. This configuration is useful when it is necessary to acquire an image of a desired location of a human body lumen from different sides in order to have a wider view of the desired location, such as when performing in-body processing. . In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the endoscope 110 is looking forward (eg, forward movement) while the imaging device is looking backward. As shown in FIG. 1B, after the imaging device 100 is pushed forward a certain distance from the endoscope, the imaging device 100 and the endoscope 110 have the same desired position in the lumen of the human body. Typically viewed from both sides. In some embodiments, the imaging device 100 includes two light receiving apertures located on opposite sides of the device.

  1C-1D are schematic views of an in-vivo imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1C shows an imaging device 100 that includes at least one imager 112, at least one light source 114, an optical system 116, and an internal power source, such as at least one battery 118. In some embodiments, all components of the imaging device 100 are located behind the light receiving aperture. In some embodiments, the housing of the imaging device 100 has a concave shape. According to some embodiments, the shape of the housing of the imaging device 100 can be different containers for different devices such as, for example, an endoscope, colonoscope, double balloon endoscopy (TM) system, catheter, needle, laparoscope, etc. Designed to have a matching curved surface. In some embodiments, the imaging device 100 has a shape configured to completely or partially surround the outer surface of other devices having a sphere or square or other shaped cross section. In some embodiments, the lens of the optical system 116 is placed over the imager 112 to focus light reflected from the body cavity of the human body onto the imager 112. In some embodiments, the optical system 116 includes a prism 122 disposed above the imager 112. In some embodiments, the lens of the optical system 116 is not placed above the imager, but there is a prism 122 mounted on the imager 112. In some embodiments, the prism 122 focuses the light reflected from the body lumen and then passes it through the lens to the imager 112. In some embodiments, the optical system 116 comprises one or more mirrors, prisms, and comprises a lens or any other suitable focusing and / or light directing element. In some embodiments, LEDs 114 are disposed around optical system 116. FIG. 1D shows a front view of the imaging device 100. FIG. 1D shows a light source 114, an optical system 116, and a PCA 124 on which electronic components are placed. In some embodiments, the PCA 124 is flexible or designed to fit the outline of the housing of the imaging device 100.

  FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a capsule endoscope 18 that includes a light source 20, an imager 22, a power supply 30, and an optical system 26. In some embodiments, the light source 20, the imager 22, the power source 30, and the optical system 26 are disposed behind the light receiving opening 24. According to some embodiments, the capsule endoscope 18 includes two light receiving openings, typically on the opposite side of the capsule endoscope 18. At least one imager, at least one light source, and an optical system are disposed behind each of the two light receiving openings. Image (and other) data transmitted from the capsule via transmitter 28 is received outside of the patient's body by a receiver 32 located at or near the patient's body. The data is then transferred to the workstation 34, which includes a storage unit and a processing unit for processing the data before and after storage. Data before and after processing is displayed on the display 36 of the workstation 34 for observation by the physician during or after processing. In some embodiments, the transmitter 28 can function using, for example, radio waves, can transmit radio frequency (RF) signals, or other types of communication signals. It essentially includes a wireless transmitter that is capable of transmitting. For example, the transmitter 28 transmits a radio signal using an antenna. Other wireless transmission methods may be used. In some embodiments, receiver 32 is a wireless (eg, RF) receiver and can receive signals from an external transmitter. In some embodiments, receiver 32 and workstation 34 are integrated into one unit. In yet another embodiment, receiver 32 and transmitter 28 are bidirectional. The receiver 32 receives the data transmitted by the transmitter 28 and sends a command signal to the transmitter 28 to activate, for example, one or more components of the capsule 18 and / or perform another control. In some embodiments, when the capsule endoscope 18 is a device having an endoscope, the display 36 is a combined display of both the capsule endoscope 18 and the endoscope.

  FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of an intracorporeal device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B illustrates a device that includes a capsule endoscope 130, typically with two light receiving apertures located on opposite sides of the capsule, and viewed via at least two semi-rigid cables 120. Connected to the mirror 110. Typically, the predetermined length of the cable 120 connecting the capsule endoscope 130 to the endoscope 110 depends on the optimum system conditions of both the capsule endoscope 130 and the endoscope 110. It is determined. Due to the predetermined length, observation and / or imaging of the human body cavity should always be achieved in good and in-focus conditions. In other embodiments, the distance between the capsule endoscope 130 and the endoscope 110 is not limited. In some embodiments, the capsule 120 is placed on the outer surface of the endoscope 110, but the cable 120 is placed in any suitable location. After inserting the device of the capsule endoscope 130 and the endoscope 110 into the lumen of the human body, the capsule endoscope 130 is pushed forward using a semi-rigid cable, for example, and the endoscope 110 is inserted. Are spaced apart from each other by a certain distance. This configuration is useful when it is necessary to acquire an image of a desired location of a human body lumen from different sides in order to have a wider view of the desired location, such as when performing in-body processing. . In some embodiments, at least one imager, at least one light source, and an optical system are disposed behind each two light receiving apertures of the capsule endoscope 130. In some embodiments, the endoscope 110 is looking forward (eg, forward movement) while the capsule endoscope 130 is looking forward and backward using both light receiving apertures. . After the capsule 130 is pushed forward a certain distance from the endoscope 110, the capsule 130 and the endoscope 110 typically view the same desired position in the body lumen from the opposite side. The capsule 130 observes the lumen through one (or both) of the light receiving openings, and typically observes the light receiving opening looking at the opposite side of the endoscope 110.

  FIG. 3 illustrates a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, in step 300, the capsule endoscope and endoscope device is inserted into a body cavity, that is, a body cavity of a human body. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope and the endoscope are in an attached state. According to one embodiment, the capsule and the endoscope are attached via at least two semi-rigid cables of a predetermined length. Typically, the predetermined length of the cable connecting the capsule and the endoscope is determined by the optimum conditions for both the capsule and the endoscope. Due to the predetermined length, observation and / or imaging of the human body cavity should always be achieved in good and in-focus conditions. In some embodiments, the cable is placed on the outer surface of the endoscope, but the cable is placed in any suitable location. According to other embodiments, the capsule is attached to the endoscope by a single cable, wire, or any other suitable attachment means. According to some embodiments, the capsule need not be attached to an endoscope. In some embodiments of the present invention, the capsule endoscope is partially covered by the outer surface of the endoscope when inserted into the body lumen along with the endoscope. This preferred embodiment helps to minimize the diameter upon insertion of the capsule endoscope-endoscope device. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope is attached to the front of the endoscope and may or may not interfere with the endoscope's field of view. In step 310, the capsule endoscope is positioned with respect to the endoscope. The capsule is moved forward to a predetermined length of the cable using, for example, a cable connected to the endoscope. This positioning is typically operated from the outside, but may be performed automatically. In step 320, both the capsule endoscope and the endoscope acquire images using the respective imaging units. Preferably, the capsule and the endoscope acquire images of both sides of the human body lumen where they are located. Other viewing angles may be utilized according to other embodiments.

  Upon insertion in some embodiments, the capsule imaging unit is the only unit that observes and / or images the insertion step. In other embodiments, the endoscopic imager is the only device that observes and / or images, or both the capsule and the endoscope can be observed as they are inserted into the lumen of the human body. it can. In some embodiments, after the capsule is placed at a predetermined length from the endoscope, both devices acquire an image of a human body cavity located between the devices. In some embodiments, the capsule includes two light receiving apertures on opposite sides.

  When an in-vivo process is performed, in an area with a large number of folds, such as the colon, the endoscopic imager cannot observe the pathology in the vagina. However, the capsule endoscope imager that observes wrinkles from the opposite side is the capsule endoscope imager while the endoscope medical instrument capable of reaching the pathology is performing the process The pathology in the vagina can be observed. Therefore, by having both capsule-type and endoscope-type imagers that capture images from different sides of the lumen of the human body on which processing is being performed, the processing field of view is expanded in real time.

  FIG. 4 depicts a method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, in step 400, the capsule endoscope and endoscope device is inserted into the body, ie, the body cavity of the human body. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope includes two light receiving apertures, each of which includes at least one imager, at least one light source, and an optical system behind it. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope and the endoscope are attached via at least two semi-rigid cables of a predetermined length. According to some embodiments, the cable is placed on the outer surface of the endoscope, but the cable is placed in any suitable location. Any suitable number of cables or other attachment means are utilized. In some embodiments of the present invention, the capsule endoscope is partially covered by the outer surface of the endoscope when inserted into a human body cavity with the endoscope. In step 410, the capsule endoscope guides the endoscope forward in the body cavity of the human body, depending on the image of the body cavity of the human body acquired by the imager included in the capsule. This step is typically performed in real time. In some embodiments, when inserted as a single device, the position of the capsule relative to the endoscope is obstructed by the scope's field of view, so the image from the capsule is initially in the body cavity. To help guide. In some embodiments, when the capsule and endoscope are in a desired position in the body cavity of the human body, the capsule is then spaced a predetermined distance from the capsule according to the length of the cable connecting both devices. And placed with respect to the endoscope. In some embodiments, in-vivo processing is performed while both the capsule and the endoscope observe and / or image the position of the processing of the body lumen from different sides. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope includes two light receiving openings on the opposite side of the capsule. In some embodiments, during step 410, the first imager of the capsule endoscope disposed behind one light receiving port acquires an image to be inserted into the body cavity of the human body, and Get guidance. When the process is subsequently executed, the second imager of the capsule endoscope placed behind the second light receiving aperture, typically opposite the first imager, is the endoscope opposite its body cavity. While acquiring the side image, the image of the affected part of the body cavity of the human body is acquired.

  FIG. 5 depicts a method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, in step 500, the capsule endoscope and the endoscope device are inserted into a body cavity, that is, a body cavity of a human body. In some embodiments, the capsule endoscope and the endoscope are attached via, for example, at least two semi-rigid cables. In step 510, the capsule endoscope guides the endoscope forward in the body lumen while relying on an image of the body cavity of the human body acquired by an imager included inside the capsule. This stage is typically performed in real time. In some embodiments, the position of the capsule relative to the position of the endoscope interferes with the scope's field of view, and thus the capsule first guides the endoscope into the body cavity. In some cases, it is difficult to advance the endoscope forward without causing any obstruction, such as causing a body cavity, such as a perforation. In step 520, the capsule is guided or passively moved within the body cavity of the human body without an endoscope. In some embodiments, the capsule remains connected to the endoscope and is wired and connected to the external power source of the endoscope. In other embodiments, the capsule remains connected to the endoscope but is not connected to the power source of the endoscope. In some embodiments, the semi-rigid cable connecting the capsule endoscope to the endoscope is predetermined. In some embodiments, the distance between the capsule endoscope and the endoscope is not predetermined.

  In step 530, the capsule endoscope is the only device that acquires the desired image of the body cavity of the human body because it is the only device that advances within the body cavity of the human body. In accordance with some embodiments, the capsule endoscope is capable of performing, for example, proximal perforation stitching, biological tissue acquisition, polyp removal, and other appropriate processing and care that can be performed by the endoscope. The in-vivo process can be performed on its own as it does. In some embodiments, the endoscope includes a sensor that detects the surrounding environment in the body, such as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a pH sensor, and a conductivity sensor. In some embodiments, the endoscope obtains an image of the body cavity of the human body where it was last placed when required by the physician.

  FIG. 6 depicts a method according to another embodiment according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, in step 600, the capsule endoscope is inserted into a body cavity, that is, a body cavity of a human body. In some embodiments, the capsule is swallowed by the patient. In some embodiments, the capsule is pushed by natural peristalsis to passively advance through the body cavity of the human body. In some embodiments, the capsule actively advances through the body cavity of the human body. In step 610, the capsule is fixed in a desired position in the body cavity of the human body. In some embodiments, capsule fixation is performed via pins, clasps, fasteners, and suction means. In some embodiments, immobilization is controlled by an external transmitter that sends commands to a capsule that internally includes a receiver (eg, an RF receiver). In step 620, the endoscope is inserted into a desired position in the body, i.e., the body cavity of the human body, such as a position where the capsule is fixed. According to some embodiments, based on the position of the capsule endoscope in the human body, the physician can easily determine from which side of the mouth or anus the endoscope should be inserted. Let's go. When the capsule is close to the oral cavity, it is the side where the oral cavity is inserted. If the capsule is close to the colon, for example, the endoscope is preferably inserted through the anus. In step 630, both the capsule endoscope and the endoscope acquire an image of a desired position in the lumen of the human body. In some embodiments, the capsule and endoscope acquire images from the opposite side of their position. Other viewing angles may be used. In some embodiments, the capsule includes two light receiving apertures disposed on opposite sides of the capsule.

  It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the details shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims.

1 is a schematic diagram of an intracorporeal device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an intracorporeal device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an in-vivo imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of an in-vivo imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of an intracorporeal device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method according to yet another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method according to another embodiment of the invention.

Claims (16)

An in-vivo imaging device,
A housing,
At least one imager;
At least one light source;
An in-vivo imaging device including an optical system inside, wherein the casing includes a curved surface portion adapted to a contour of the second in-vivo device. 2. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a light receiving port, and the at least one imager, the at least one light source, and the optical system are disposed behind the light receiving port. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the device is connected to an endoscope via at least two semi-rigid cables having a predetermined length. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the device is connected to an endoscope via removable means. A method for observing the lumen of a human body,
Inserting a capsule endoscope and an endoscope into the lumen of the human body,
Disposing the capsule endoscope at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the endoscope in the lumen of the human body;
A method comprising acquiring images from both sides of a desired location in a lumen of a human body. 6. The method of claim 5, comprising performing in-vivo processing at the desired location while acquiring images from both sides of the processing location. The method according to claim 5, wherein the capsule endoscope comprises at least one imager, at least one light source, and an optical system. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one imager, the at least one light source, and the optical system are disposed behind a light receiving aperture. The method according to claim 5, wherein the capsule endoscope includes two light receiving ports. The method of claim 5, comprising connecting the capsule endoscope to the endoscope. The method according to claim 10, wherein connecting the capsule endoscope to the endoscope is performed via at least two semi-rigid cables of a predetermined length. The insertion of the capsule endoscope and the endoscope into a lumen of a human body includes a curved surface portion that fits a contour of the endoscope. The method described. The method of claim 5, wherein the capsule endoscope comprises a transmitter. The method of claim 13, wherein the transmitter is a wireless transmitter. The method according to claim 5, wherein supplying power to the capsule endoscope is performed via an electric wire connected to the endoscope. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method comprises receiving a control signal from an external transceiver.

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