Abstract: An autonomous in-vivo device (140) includes: an in-vivo electro-stimulation unit (190, 192) to electro-stimulate at least a portion of a body lumen; and an imager (146) to acquire in-vivo images.

Abstract: An interferometer sensor has a two-dimensional sensor head (1) comprising a polymer film (4) of substantially uniform thickness. An interrogating signal (12) is provided to the sensor head, the interrogation signal extending across the area of the sensor head and being incident normally to the sensor head (1). An optical sensing device (16) is arranged to receive an optical output signal from the sensor head at a location remote from the sensor head. The sensor converts ultrasound signals appearing over a two dimensional surface to an optical signal pattern, using a polymer interferometer sensing film. Spatial discretisation of the ultrasound signal pattern is performed by an optical sensing device. Such optical devices can be arranged having sufficiently high resolution to enable beam-steering imaging to be performed, including imaging outside the footprint of the sensor head.

Abstract: A probe comprises an excitation source and a double-core optical fiber. A pulsed laser signal (20) of the excitation sources supplied to the outer core (42) at one end of the optical fiber. The other end is provided with an interferometer film (18). An excitation signal (22) produced in the sample (10) modulates the thickness of the film (18). This provides an interferometer signal (26, 28) detected from the inner core (40).

Abstract: A method of forming an interferometer film for an interferometer sensor comprises forming a parylene polymer layer (8) of substantially uniform thickness directly on an interferometer substrate (4;45), the layer forming the interferometer film. Since the interferometer film (8) formed directly onto the surface of the interferometer substrate, there is improved conformity between the two surfaces at the interface between the polymer layer and the substrate and improved uniformity in the thickness of the film.

Abstract: A thread guide device is provided which is adapted to be removably or fixedly mounted on the distal end of an endoscope, or which is an integral part thereof. Alternatively, the device may comprise a head joined to the distal end of an elongate example in the form of longitudinally extending passages, which are laterally spaced from one another. The device permits a knot formed by threads which have passed through the thread guides to be viewed by the endoscope.

Abstract: A thread guide device is provided which is adapted to be removably or fixedly mounted on the distal end of an endoscope, or which is an integral part thereof. Alternatively, the device may comprise a head joined to the distal end of an elongate shaft that is slidable within the endoscope. The device has a pair of thread guides, for example in the form of longitudinally extending passages, which are laterally spaced from one another. The device permits a knot formed by threads which have passed through the thread guides to be viewed by the endoscope.