Abstract: An apparatus includes a coupling portion, a bioerodible anchor portion and a bioerodable retainer. The coupling portion is configured to be coupled to an electrical conductor. The bioerodible retention portion is adjacent to the coupling portion and is moveable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The bioerodible retention portion is configured to anchor the electrical conductor with respect to body tissue when the bioerodible retention portion is in its expanded configuration. The bioerodible anchor portion is formulated to erode when disposed within the body tissue at a first rate. The bioerodible retainer is coupled to the bioerodible anchor portion and is configured to inhibit movement of the bioerodible anchor portion from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The bioerodible retainer is formulated to erode when disposed within the body tissue at a second rate greater than the first rate.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an implant delivery device configured to deliver an implant into a body. The implant delivery device includes a target member, an insertion member and an electronic circuit system. The target member has a distal end portion configured to be disposed within the body adjacent a target location. The insertion member is movably coupled to the target member. A distal end portion of the insertion member is configured to be disposed within the body and selectively coupled to the implant. The electronic circuit system is configured to produce an electronic signal in proportion to a distance between the distal end portion of the target member and the distal end portion of the insertion member when the target member and the insertion member are disposed within the body.

Abstract: A method includes inserting a target probe along a first path within a body such that a portion of the target probe is disposed adjacent a target location within the body. The target location can be, for example, a portion of a nerve, a muscle or the like. An electronic implant is inserted along a second path within the body such that a portion of the electronic implant is disposed adjacent the target location within the body. The second path is different from the first path. The electronic implant is inserted when the target probe is disposed adjacent the target location within the body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for implanting electronic implants within the body are described herein. Such electronic implants can include, for example, elongated stimulating devices, sensors and/or electronic leads. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first member and a second member operatively coupled to the first member. The first member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the first member includes a target probe. The second member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the second member is configured to be selectively coupled to an electronic implant.

Abstract: A device and system enables obtaining data such as in vivo images from within body lumens or cavities, such as images of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A device may include an imaging system and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter for transmitting signals from an imaging device to a receiving system. The signal strength of the transmitter may be varied or changed to account for, for example, the amount of signal attenuation resulting from body tissues.

Abstract: An imaging device having an in vivo CMOS image sensor, at least one illumination source and a controller. The controller controls the illumination source to illuminate for a first period and to be shut off for a subsequent period.

Abstract: A method and system may activate an in-vivo capsule to perform image collection while the capsule is outside a body and held in a cup, the cup having a mark on its inner wall.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate, a power source, a connector, electrical circuitry, and an electrode assembly. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface different than the first surface. The power source has a positive terminal and a negative terminal Each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal are coupled to the substrate. The power source is configured to provide power to an external stimulator coupled to the apparatus. The connector is disposed proximate to the first surface of the substrate and is electrically coupled to at least one of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the power source. The connector is configured to electrically couple the external stimulator to the power source. The electrical circuitry is coupled to the substrate. The electrical circuitry is configured to electrically couple the connector to at least one of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the power source.

Abstract: An in-vivo device, system, and method are described where an in-vivo device may transmit an image stream to an external receiving device. Reducing the size of the image data necessary for transmission may conserve energy consumed by the in-vivo device during transmission. An image data comparator unit incorporated within the in-vivo device may compare a captured image to a previously transmitted image and transmit, for example, only captured images that are substantially dissimilar to a previously captured image.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electronic stimulator configured to be implanted within a body, and a flexible member coupled to the electronic stimulator by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the flexible member is formulated to be soluble when exposed to a bodily tissue.

Abstract: An in vivo device for sensing a lumen such as the GI tract, such as an in vivo imaging device or other sensing device, may include a substantially spherical housing and an oblong appendage attached to the housing. The appendage may be detached in vivo, for example in the stomach. The in vivo device may then roll and glide along a stomach wall to provide, for example, a smooth sampled image stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system for illuminating and viewing a target in which an illumination element and a receiving means are disposed behind a single optical window, and which obtains data essentially free of backscatter and stray light. The optical window of the optical system is configured such that it defines a shape having at least one focal curve, i.e., an ellipsoid shaped dome. The illumination element and the receiving means are geometrically positioned on the focal curve plane or in proximity of the focal curve plane, such that, when illuminating, rays from the illumination elements, that are internally reflected from the optical window, will not be incident on the receiving means.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a percutaneous connection port configured to convey an electrical signal between an electrical device disposed outside of a body and an electrical member disposed within the body. The percutaneous connection port has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion includes a surface configured to be accessible from a region of the body. The distal portion includes an anchor configured to be disposed within the body. The anchor has a curved shape about an axis substantially parallel to a skin of the body.

Abstract: An image sensor (e.g., a CMOS sensor) includes a pixel array portion and a circuitry portion, where the circuitry portion may be segregated, for example longitudinally, from the pixel array portion.

Abstract: A system and method for localizing an in vivo signal source using a wearable antenna array having at least two antenna elements. The signal is received and a signal strength is measured at two or more antenna elements. An estimated coordinate set is derived from the signal strength measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for obtaining in vivo images. The system contains an imaging system and a transmitter for transmitting signals from a camera to a receiving system located outside a patient.

Abstract: An autonomous in vivo sensing device may include a polarizing filter to polarize light emitted by an illumination unit, and to block light specularly reflected from a turbid media from reaching an imager of such device. An autonomous in vivo sensing device with monochromatic illumination units to alternatingly illuminate a target area with light of different wavelengths, and to subtract an image illuminated by light in a first wavelength from an image illuminated by light in a second wavelength, to produce an image of a sub-surface layer of such target area.

Abstract: An in-vivo device may include an optical system, and a method for viewing in-vivo sites. A dome or cover may cover an end of the device, protecting optical elements such as illumination devices or imagers, which may be behind the dome. The dome may be forward projecting. The field of view of the imager may be for example forward looking. Illumination element(s) and a receiving unit or imager may be disposed behind a single optical window, which for example may enable obtaining of images free of backscatter and stray light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for activating an image collecting process, comprising the step of releasing the power source of a component essential to the image collecting process from an inhibition imposed by an external magnet. In an embodiment of the invention the image collecting process is designed to image the insides of a body lumen. The present invention further relates to a packaging suitable for storing therein an imaging system, said package comprising a magnet. The imaging system comprises components essential to an image collecting process, said components operable in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system for illuminating and viewing a target in which an illumination element and a receiving means are disposed behind a single optical window, and which obtains data essentially free of backscatter and stray light. The optical window of the optical system is configured such that it defines a shape having at least one focal curve, i.e., an ellipsoid shaped dome. The illumination element and the receiving means are geometrically positioned on the focal curve plane or in proximity of the focal curve plane, such that, when illuminating, rays from the illumination elements, that are internally reflected from the optical window, will not be incident on the receiving means.