Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for active cannula configuration. Active cannula systems include a plurality of telescoping, pre-shaped nitinol tubes configured and dimensioned to reach target locations within a particular anatomical region. A three dimensional image is read for the particular anatomical region. A series of arcs are generated between a point of the anatomical region and a target location. A pathway for the active cannula is calculated from the series of arcs. The pathway is used to configure and dimension the plurality of tubes. The active cannula system is adapted to reach relatively small and complex target locations.

Abstract: In planning an ablation procedure, a planned target volume (PTV) is imported, which is typically selected by a doctor but may be computer identified. An initial set of candidate ablation regions that covers the PTV is computed. Ablation probe trajectories that avoid critical structures are computed to provide surgical 5 options for safe entry points and angles. An optimization component determines a minimum number of ablation regions, which fully covers the PTV, and generates locations and orientations for each ablation. A tracking system can be given these ablation targets, enabling the surgeon to control the probe more precisely to the desired location.

Abstract: An electronically and remotely controlled pill (500) or medicament delivery system is provided. The pill (500) includes a housing (102); a medicament reservoir (104) for storing a medicament; an electronically controlled release valve or hatch (106) for dispensing one or more medicaments stored in the medicament reservoir (104) while traversing the gastrointestinal tract; control and timing circuitry (108) for opening and closing the valve (106); and a battery (109). The control and timing circuitry (108) opens an closes the valve (106) throughout a dispensing time period in accordance with a preset dispensing timing pattern which is programmed within the control and timing circuitry (108). RF communication circuitry receives control signals for remotely overriding the preset dispensing timing pattern, reprogramming the control and timing circuitry (108) or terminating the dispensing of the medicament within the body.

Abstract: An electronically and remotely controlled pill (500) or medicament delivery system is provided. The pill (500) includes a housing (102); a medicament reservoir (104) for storing a medicament; an electronically controlled release valve or hatch (106) for dispensing one or more medicaments stored in the medicament reservoir (104) while traversing the gastrointestinal tract; control and timing circuitry (108) for opening and closing the valve (106); and a battery (109). The control and timing circuitry (108) opens an closes the valve (106) throughout a dispensing time period in accordance with a preset dispensing timing pattern which is programmed within the control and timing circuitry (108). RF communication circuitry receives control signals for remotely overriding the preset dispensing timing pattern, reprogramming the control and timing circuitry (108) or terminating the dispensing of the medicament within the body.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a substance to a selected site in an alimentary canal of a human or animal includes an ingestible capsule. The capsule has a compartment for storing the substance; a receiver suitable for receiving a signal through animal tissue; a processor for storing a programmed set of instructions; and an electronic power source. The system and method further has at least one transmitter, disposed on a medically relevant site on a body of the human or animal, for sending the signal to the receiver. The receiver includes a proximity based detector for measuring proximity of the receiver to the at least one transmitter, and the processor instructs a releasing device of the capsule to release the substance upon recognition of a pre-programmed pattern of signals.

Abstract: System actions such as presentation of information to a user via a remote control device are carried out in accordance with user preferences based on, e.g., observed user behavior over time. The preferences may be learned by observation of user actions and corresponding system state information, and the preferences may be verified by the user. Particular actions may then be repeated under the control of the system, when appropriate conditions are met. Repetition may be automatic, semi-automatic or user initiated. In an illustrative embodiment, information is presented to a user via a remote control device based at least in part on the determined preference. The information presented to the user via the remote control device may include, e.g.

Abstract: An electronically and remotely controlled pill (500) or medicament delivery system is provided. The pill (500) includes a housing (102); a medicament reservoir (104) for storing a medicament; an electronically controlled release valve or hatch (106) for dispensing one or more medicaments stored in the medicament reservoir (104) while traversing the gastrointestinal tract; control and timing circuitry (108) for opening and closing the valve (106); and a battery (109). The control and timing circuitry (108) opens and closes the valve (106) throughout a dispensing time period in accordance with a preset dispensing timing pattern which is programmed within the control and timing circuitry (108). RF communication circuitry receives control signals for remotely overriding the preset dispensing timing pattern, reprogramming the control and timing circuitry (108), or terminating the dispensing of the medicament within the body.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for control of a catheter (including an ablation catheter), bronchoscope/endoscope and beveled needle. Control of a bronchoscope (100) is calculated for a 3D environment based on capabilities of the bronchoscope and the patient morphology. This can be used to plan and simulate an optimal motion, train or compare surgical techniques or automate the procedure. A particular bronchoscope may be recommended based on its form and flexibility as well as based on the personal morphology of the patient rather than relying on statistical norms. For all tools, a 6 dimensional configuration space problem is solved using 3 storage dimensions and a ‘6D neighborhood’ for path planning. The present invention finds the kinematically feasible path from a ‘start’ to a goal, while avoiding obstacles and dangerous regions.

Abstract: In an interventional ablation therapy planning system (10), an imaging system (30) generates an image representation of a target volume located in a patient. A segmentation unit (36) segments a planned target volume (42) of the target volume which is to receive the ablation therapy. A planning processor (40) which generates an ablation plan with one or more ablation zones (44, 48, 50, 52) which cover the entire planned target volume (42) with ablation therapy, each ablation zone has a predetermined ablation volume, the predetermined ablation zone being defined by moving an ablation probe (12) during ablation. A robotic assembly guides or controls the ablation probe (12) along a non-stationary motion path which is defined by a trajectory, velocity and/or acceleration, and a rotation to apply ablation therapy to the target volume according to the predetermined ablation zone(s).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ingestible capsule containing drug and a method for controlled administration of the drug in a mammal for treatment of a disease of the GI tract. The capsule has electronic control means for dispensing the drug substantially to the diseased tissue sites of the GI tract, according to a pre-determined drug release profile obtained prior to administration from the specific mammal.

Abstract: A cannula control device (70) employs a platform (80) and one or more cannula control units (40). Each cannula control unit (40) includes a cannula (30), a rotation motor assembly (50) mechanically connected to the cannula (30) for rotating the cannula (30) to a specific rotational orientation relative to a calibration orientation associated with cannula control unit (40) and/or the platform (80), and a translation motor assembly (60) mechanically connected to the platform (80) for translating the cannula control unit (40) to a specific translational position relative to a calibration position associated with the cannula control unit (40) and/or the platform (80). The cannula(s) (30) of device (70) are capable of precisely reaching numerous target locations, particularly within an anatomical region of a same body or different bodies.

Abstract: An active cannula (10) can include a plurality of hollow tubes (100, 110, 120), a plurality of blocks (200, 210, 220), and a track (1800). Each of the blocks can be connected to one of the hollow tubes. Each of the blocks can be operably connected to the track for movement therealong. In a first position, the blocks can be separate from each other along the track and the plurality of hollow tubes can be nested. In a second position, the blocks can be adjacent to each other along the track and the plurality of hollow tubes can be extended. In the second position, the plurality of hollow tubes can provide access to the targeted anatomical region from outside of the body. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A digestible capsule containing a balloon or expandable material is disclosed. The capsule comprises a container containing a gas therein and a means for generating a signal to the container to release the gas contained therein to expand the balloon to a known size or shape. In one aspect of the invention, a first portion of said capsule material is dissolved a predetermined time after encountering an acid, and the means for generating the signal generates the signal to the container after exposure to the acid. In another aspect of the invention, the means generates the signal to the container in response to an external signal. In still another aspect of the invention, the capsule further includes acid measuring means to determine an acid level and the signal generating means generates the signal in response to a known acid level. In still another aspect the capsule includes means for generating a second signal to cause the capsule to return to its original volume or less.

Abstract: A wearable accessory controls (103) and provides security for a pill delivering medical substances and services. An initialization procedure allows decryption information (814) to be loaded into the accessory for each pill and/or decryption information (818) about the accessory to be loaded into the pill. The pill preferably sends encrypted messages to the accessory and the accessory preferably sends encrypted messages to the pill. The pill operates only when the proximity of the accessory is verified or authenticated during the operation of the pill, preferably at frequent intervals. Where the pill is no longer useful, its information can be deleted (1205) from memory in the accessory or other controlling device.

Abstract: In planning an ablation procedure, a planned target volume (PTV) (70, 102) is imported, which is typically selected by a doctor but may be computer identified. An initial set of candidate ablation regions (112) that covers the PTV (40, 70, 102) is computed. Ablation probe trajectories that avoid critical structures (136) are computed to provide surgical 5 options for safe entry points and angles. An optimization component (14) determines a minimum number of ablation regions, which fully covers the PTV (40, 70, 102), and generates locations and orientations for each ablation (108). A tracking system can be given these ablation targets, enabling the surgeon to control the probe more precisely to the desired location.

Abstract: An electronically controlled capsule or medicament delivery system (900) is provided. Disposed within a housing (102) of the system (900) configured for internal placement within a patient is a reservoir (960) for storing medicament. The reservoir (960) communicates with at least one respective aperture (970) of the housing (102). A pressure mechanism (962) is provided for displacing medicament stored within the reservoir (960) for causing the medicament to exit the housing (102) through the at least one respective aperture (970). At least one a closure member (966) is provided. Respective closure members (966) are in fluid communication with an associated aperture. The respective closure members (966) are actuatable between a closed state for substantially blocking flow of the medicament through the respective closure member (966) and an open state for permitting flow of the medicament through the respective closure member (966) for dispensing of the medicament.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a substance to a selected site in the alimentary canal of a human or animal is provided. The system has an ingestible capsule comprising: a compartment for storing the substance; a receiver suitable for receiving a signal through animal tissue; a processor for storing a programmed set of instructions; an electronic power source; and at least one transmitter, disposed on a medically relevant site on the body of the human or animal, for sending a signal to the receiver, wherein the receiver further comprises a proximity based detection means for measuring proximity of the receiver to the at least one transmitter, and wherein the processor instructs the releasing means to release the substance upon recognition of a pre-programmed pattern of transmitters.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ingestible capsule containing drug and a method for controlled administration of the drug in a mammal for treatment of a disease of the GI tract. The capsule has electronic control means for dispensing the drug substantially to the diseased tissue sites of the GI tract, according to a pre-determined drug release profile obtained prior to administration from the specific mammal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for active cannula configuration. Active cannula systems include a plurality of telescoping, pre-shaped nitinol tubes configured and dimensioned to reach target locations within a particular anatomical region. A three dimensional image is read for the particular anatomical region. A series of arcs are generated between a point of the anatomical region and a target location. A pathway for the active cannula is calculated from the series of arcs. The pathway is used to configure and dimension the plurality of tubes. The active cannula system is adapted to reach relatively small and complex target locations.

Abstract: A treatment system (1600, 1900) is provided for traversing the alimentary tract. The system (1600, 1900) includes an ingestible capsule, which includes a gas pressurizing module (1602)) providing a gas and at least one balloon (1604, 1901) in fluid communication with the gas pressurization module (1602). The capsule further includes an exhaust channel (1610) in fluid communication with a respective balloon of the at least one balloon (1604, 1901), and a depressurizing closure member (1608) for selectively controlling flow of gas between the balloon (1604, 1901) and the ambient surroundings of the capsule. The system further includes control circuitry (906) for controlling the depressurizing closure member (1608).