Abstract: A suspension device for a drainage container has, on a first side, a first fastening unit for mounting and fastening the drainage container on the suspension device. On a second side, a second fastening unit is present for mounting and fastening the suspension device on a rail. The first fastening unit is arranged in a first fastening part, and the second fastening unit is arranged in a second fastening part. The suspension device further comprises a weighing part with a weighing element, wherein the weighing part is connected or can be connected to the first fastening part and to the second fastening part so as to measure, with the weighing element, a relative displacement, such that a filling quantity of the aspirated body fluid in the drainage container can be determined.

Abstract: A contrast agent removing device configured to remove a contrast agent from blood vessels includes: an elongated outer tube 40; an inner tube 20 arranged in an interior of the outer tube 40; an expandable portion 30 interlocked with a distal portion of the inner tube 20 and configured to be capable of being stored within the outer tube 40 and to expand radially outward in a funnel shape opening in a distal direction by projecting from the outer tube in the distal direction; and a fixing portion 80 provided at the rim of the expandable portion 30 and configured to be capable of being fixed to a contact object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a functionalized eyewear device that is adapted for collecting and analyzing disease biomarkers. Specifically, exemplified is a contact lens that has aptamer molecules associated therewith for binding to a specific biomarker (or biomarkers). The eyewear device is useful for detecting and diagnosing medical conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A system for measuring the blood loss comprises a measuring device that determines a hemoglobin concentration of fluid within a container utilizing a light source and a light detector. The container receives blood and other fluids from a patient during a medical procedure. Light from the light source is passed through the blood and other fluids in the container and is detected by the light detector. Based upon a magnitude of light detected, a hemoglobin concentration of the fluid in the container can be determined. A volume-measuring device determines the volume of blood and fluid in the container. Knowing the hemoglobin concentration and volume of fluid in the container, the volume of patient blood loss in the container can be determined. The blood loss measuring device in combination with infusion systems maintains a real-blood volume status so that proper infusion of blood, crystalloid and/or colloid solutions occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extracorporeal blood treatment devices and methods and devices for conserving extracorporeal blood treatment devices. In accordance with the present invention, an antifreeze agent in introduced only into that part of the dialysis liquid system of the blood treatment device that includes the volume lying upstream of a sterile filter with which sterile substituate is recovered from the dialysis liquid. Accordingly, that part of the dialysis liquid system that includes the volume lying downstream of the sterile filter is not filled with an antifreeze agent. The present invention makes it possible, after removal of the sterile filter, to easily and safely separate a substituate segment from the rest of the dialysis liquid system and drain off liquid located in the substituate segment.

Abstract: Wound contacting members and methods, apparatuses, systems and kits incorporating the same are disclosed. The wound contacting members offer improved performance in terms of preventing or inhibiting tissue in-growth and improving tissue granulation growth. The wound contacting members may be used in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) applications.

Abstract: An article having at least one microneedle (160, 260) is provided. The microneedle includes a base (162), an elongated body (161) having a central axis (130) and a body diameter (168), a tip portion (166), and a hollow channel (170). The a tip portion includes a tip (164), a first bevel face (140) oriented diagonally with respect to the central axis and extending through at least 75% of the body diameter, a second bevel face (146) oriented substantially perpendicular to the central axis and intersecting the first bevel face, and a bevel opening defined by a first edge (174) of the first bevel face and a second edge (176) of the second bevel face. The hollow channel extends axially into the body from the bevel opening (172).

Abstract: In this urine flow meter, a water wheel which is caused to rotate by a flow of urine from a urine flow passage tube is provided at a lower end side of the urine flow passage tube. The shape of a tip portion of the urine flow passage tube that causes urine to hit on the water wheel constitutes a nozzle part in which the tip-side is acutely processed, and an opening is formed in a sidewall surface of the tip-side. A guide is provided in a urine flow passage and is disposed in such a way that a tip of the guide is elongated as far as a tip-side region of the mine flow passage tube. The water wheel is caused to rotate by the flow of urine, and the urine flow rate can be detected on the basis of the rotation detection information.

Abstract: Fluid containers having a volume marking(s) and conductive element(s) disposed at the volume marking(s) and a common conductive element are provided. For example, the fluid container has a wall forming the volume. The conductive element(s) and the common conductive element have a portion disposed within the volume and a portion external to the volume. The container further has a RFID tag, where the conductive element(s) and the common conductive element are connected thereto via respective conductive wires. A fluid detection system having the fluid containers is also provided. The system comprises one or more containers and a patient site monitor having a RF reader that interrogates the RFID tag at a preset interval. Responsive to the signal, the tag supplies a predetermined current to the conductive element and the common conductive element and detects a voltage and generates an alert based on the same.

Abstract: A composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a micropump system housed within or above a wound dressing member. The micropump system includes a miniature pump that applies a subatmospheric pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed without the need for a cumbersome external vacuum source. Hence, the wound dressing and micropump system is portable which allows the patient mobility that is unavailable when an external vacuum source is used. The patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.

Abstract: The invention addresses confounding difficulties involving continuous sweat analyte measurement. Specifically, the present invention provides: at least one component capable of monitoring whether a sweat sensing device is in sufficient contact with a wearer's skin to allow proper device operation; at least one component capable of monitoring whether the device is operating on a wearer's skin; at least one means of determining whether the device wearer is a target individual within a probability range; at least one component capable of generating and communicating alert messages to the device user(s) related to: wearer safety, wearer physiological condition, compliance with a requirement to wear a device, device operation; compliance with a behavior requirement, or other purposes that may be derived from sweat sensor data; and the ability to utilize aggregated sweat sensor data that may be correlated with information external to the device to enhance the predictive capabilities of the device.

Abstract: An integrated bodily-fluid-component analyzing apparatus includes a main body, a lancet holder connected to the main body so as to be movable back and forth along a predetermined movement path, a lancet removably attached to the lancet holder, and a test strip that is removably attached to the main body and is used to measure a component of the bodily fluid flowing from a pricked site of the living body pricked with the lancet. The movement path of the lancet holder and a bodily fluid inlet of the test strip face a specific position that is in a vicinity of the main body and at which the pricked site is to be placed. The apparatus further includes a pressing section that presses a portion of the living body adjacent to the pricked site so as to cause the bodily fluid to flow from the pricked site.

Abstract: Blood sample optimization systems and methods are described that reduce or eliminate contaminates in collected blood samples, which in turn reduces or eliminates false positive readings in blood cultures or other testing of collected blood samples. A blood sample optimization system can include a blood sequestration device located between a patient needle and a sample needle. The blood sequestration device can include a sequestration chamber for sequestering an initial, potentially contaminated aliquot of blood, and may further include a sampling channel that bypasses the sequestration chamber to convey likely uncontaminated blood between the patient needle and the sample needle after the initial aliquot of blood is sequestered in the sequestration chamber.

Abstract: A dilution and filtration device comprises: a sampling member comprising a suspension collecting chamber having at least one suspension collecting window disposed at a side surface of the suspension collecting chamber; a top cap having a through hole at a center portion of the top cap; a connecting cylinder disposed at a top end of the sampling member and mounted to the through hole of the top cap such that the connecting cylinder is concentric with the through hole and is rotatable; and a specimen tube connected to the top cap and accommodating the sampling member. An apparatus of preparing excrement detection solutions comprising the dilution and filtration device and a method of preparing excrement detection solutions using the dilution and filtration device are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transfer adapter, a puncture member, a disinfection member, and a fluid reservoir. The transfer adapter has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and defines an inner volume configured to receive the puncture member. The transfer adapter is coupled to the disinfection member. The distal end portion of the transfer adapter includes a port fluidically coupled to the puncture member and configured to be placed in fluid communication with a bodily-fluid of a patient. The proximal end portion is configured to receive a portion of the fluid reservoir to allow the fluid reservoir to be moved within the inner volume between a first position, in which a surface of the fluid reservoir is placed in contact with the disinfection member, and a second position, in which the puncture member punctures the surface to place the puncture member in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are implemented for controlling stimulus of a cell. One such method is implemented for optical stimulation of a cell expressing a NpHR ion pump. The method includes the step of providing a sequence of stimuli to the cell. Each stimulus increases the probability of depolarization events occurring in the cell. Light is provided to the cell to activate the expressed NpHR ion pump, thereby decreasing the probability of depolarization events occurring in the cell.

Abstract: A microneedle system and method for production thereof. From a board a web grating is produced which has a plurality of grating nodes each defined by three apertures and which has web grating wedges. The microneedle system comprising a board and a plurality of openings delimited circumferentially by a web grating, having at each opening at least one web grating wedge having a needle-shaped tip which projects from the board and which is oriented at least approximately normal to the board. Web grating wedges having needle-shaped tips protrude into each aperture from at least three different directions. In order to produce openings, at least all the web grating wedges which protrude into an aperture are bent by a punch and the needle-shaped tips thereof are oriented normal to the plane of the web grating. At least two web grating wedges are arranged at each opening.

Abstract: The present application provides articles (10) having a polymeric substrate (12) with a plurality of solid and/or hollow microneedles (20) extending therefrom. Each solid microneedle is formed by a molding process and the microneedle has body with first (30) and second cavities (40) extending therein. The hollow microneedles are formed by removing a portion of the polymeric material disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity. A method for determining the location of a microneedle in an article comprising solid microneedles is also provided. The method comprises directing electromagnetic radiation toward an article comprising a plurality of microneedles and imaging the article.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgical procedures is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive element and pads disposed on opposing sides of the conductive element. The conductive element, optionally in combination with the pads, is configured to limit the density of electrical current that passes from a patient to the return electrode. The conductive element and the pads can cooperate to define two separate working surfaces on opposing sides of the return electrode. The return electrode can also be safely used with patients of substantially any size and without requiring adjustments to the power settings of an electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: Embodiments are described that relate to flow rate measuring systems that may be used in cell expansion systems (CES) and in methods for controlling fluid input into systems such as a CES.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that can move inside a biological conduit such as an intestinal tract for sampling the content therein, and a process thereof. While moving along the intestinal tract, the device can continuously collect the content in the intestinal tract. One or more convoy belts having an adsorbent layer are configured to continuously absorb and preserve the collected intestinal content. The belt loaded with the sample may be used to establish a chemical, biochemical and microbiological spectrum along the length of the intestinal tract.

Abstract: An aspiration device is described, including a bulb aspirator including a bulb body, a first collar and tip, the bulb body includes an upper portion configured for receiving one end of the first collar and lower portion configured for receiving in a first configuration a stop and in a second different configuration a second collar associated with a suction tube, the tip is configured for insertion into a passageway; the stop being configured for detachable connection to the lower portion of the bulb body when in the first configuration; and the suction tube including the second collar, a tube portion and an adaptor, the second collar is disposed at a first end of the suction tube and being adapted to be coupled to the lower portion of the bulb body, the adaptor is configured to adapt to a human mouth to enable suction to be applied at the adaptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel system and method for amplification and detection of nucleic acids within a miniaturized device wherein sample administration occurs via capillary forces through a channel created by drying a hydrogel containing all components needed for a cell-free, enzymatic, nucleic-acid amplification system other than the template nucleic acid or precursor thereto, and wherein an aqueous sample is provided to the desiccated hydrogel, and the hydrogel is rehydrated, through capillary forces.

Abstract: A urine collection method and apparatus, the apparatus including a storage container for holding urine; a first closeable opening in the storage container for allowing urine to enter and exit the storage container, the shape of the opening configured for contacting a patient to allow the patient to urinate into the storage container; a second opening for allowing fluid transfer from the interior of the storage container to the exterior of the storage container; vacuum a seal for the second opening, the seal maintaining the urine within the storage container being sealed until an analysis vial is connected to the urine collection apparatus, the connection of the analysis vial opening the seal to allow urine to leave the storage container when the analysis vial is connected.

Abstract: An in-toilet apparatus for discrimination of urine and feces is disclosed. An optical sensor is provided for the analysis of urination and defecation events within a toilet bowl. Additionally, strain gauges are provided to make possible the quantification of urine and feces that a user releases. The combination of data from the optical sensors and strain gauges makes it possible for a user to readily know the mass of their bodily excrements, characterized by excrement type. In several embodiments the optical sensor is a thermal camera mounted on the toilet seat or in the toilet bowl. In other embodiments the optical sensor is a water level sensor. In varying embodiments, strain gauges are located in the toilet seat or in an attached footscale or both.

Abstract: An integrated blood glucose measuring device is described that has blood glucose metering device, a glucose metering test strip storage mechanism attachable to the metering device, a test strip feeding mechanism for feeding a single test strip from the storage mechanism for blood intake. The metering device, the test strip storage mechanism and the test strip feeding mechanism are integrated into a single device for blood glucose measurement. In another embodiment, a lancet mechanism is attachable to a side of the metering device and thus the metering device, the storage mechanism, the test strip feeding mechanism, and the lancet mechanism are integrated into a single device for blood glucose measurement.

Abstract: The straw comprises a tube (11) having a swelling plug (15) provided with a fibrous support agent and a swelling agent combined with the support agent and configured, at least close to a second end (18) of the swelling plug, after a liquid-based substance has come up against its second end, to be in a state of swelling constrained by said tube such that if a first part (26) of the swelling plug of length comprised between 2 mm and 3 mm starting from its second end has come out of the tube via a second end (14) of the tube, whereas a second part of the swelling plug remains in the tube, the first part of the swelling plug becomes decompacted and expands with the second end of the swelling plug which assumes a diameter (d) at least equal to one and a half times the inner diameter of the tube.

Abstract: A comfortable, light weight device to properly position and elongate breast tissue for extended periods of time during radiotherapy and other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the breast fixation device is a generally cylindrical inflatable enclosure that wraps around the breast tissue. In another embodiment, the breast fixation device is composed of multiple rings that are placed around the breast tissue and inflated. In a further embodiment, the breast fixation device consists of multiple inflatable fingers which drape around the breast tissue and then squeeze the breast tissue into an elongated position as they are inflated.

Abstract: An excreta-sampling toilet is disclosed which includes a bowl, a processing apparatus, and a chiller. The bowl separates excreta into solid excreta and liquid excreta. The processing apparatus then processes the solid excreta into a solid excreta sample, including metering it by weight or volume and storing it in containers. The chiller lowers the temperature of the sample, which is stored to await analysis. A metered liquid excreta sample is also stored and chilled in separate storage containers.

Abstract: A lancing device comprising a lancet holder for holding an exchangeable lancet and comprising a drive element for driving the lancet holder. The drive element has two spring elements comprising a lancing spring element for accelerating the lancet holder in the lancing direction and a restoring spring element for accelerating the lancet holder counter to the lancing direction. The drive element has a carriage unit with a spring-tensioning carriage part and a lancing carriage part, and the spring-tensioning carriage part and the lancing carriage part are arranged to be displaceable in translation relative to one another and form a lancing spring element receiving region and a restoring spring element receiving region. The lancing spring element receiving region can be reduced by translational displacement of the spring-tensioning carriage part relative to the lancing carriage part, in order to pre-tension the lancing spring element within the lancing spring element receiving region.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue retrieval bag. The bag is made primarily of a first material, the bag having a region defining an opening; a pleated fold intersecting the opening. The bag has at least one porthole on at least one side of the bag. The at least one porthole is covered by a second material, the second material being different from the first material. The bag also includes a first hem circumferentially formed around the opening, the first hem forming insertion points adapted to receive a first draw string.

Abstract: A device for collecting fluid from a penis includes a fluid collection structure configured to be attached to a glans of the penis directly over a meatus of the penis such that a substantial majority of the glans remains uncovered by the device. The device includes an attachment structure configured to secure the fluid collection structure to the penis.

Abstract: In an endodontic procedure, after the working of a root canal by instruments to remove material and shape the walls of the canal, irrigant is supplied via a microcannula. A vacuum is applied via a tube which is inserted partway down the root canal. The irrigant is supplied in a manner sufficient to ensure delivery to a side vent of the microcannula. The vacuum at the end of tube draws the irrigant and debris up from the apex of the root canal into the tube. The side vent may have a plurality of more round holes, a diagonal slit, or a U shaped slit, or any other shape. The vent opening should not extend more than approximately 0.75 mm from the closed spherical tip of the microcannula, it must be burr free and the opening must be smaller than the internal diameter of the microcannula.

Abstract: A biological fluid analysis cartridge is provided. In certain embodiments, the cartridge includes a base plate extending between a sample handling portion and an analysis chamber portion. A handling upper panel is attached to the base plate within the sample handling portion. A collection port is at least partially formed with the handling upper panel. An initial channel and a secondary channel are formed between the handling upper panel and the base plate. The collection port and initial and secondary channels are in fluid communication with one another. A chamber upper panel is attached to the base plate within the analysis chamber portion. At least one analysis chamber is formed between the chamber upper panel and the base plate. The secondary channel and the analysis chamber are in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.

Abstract: An infusion and blood collection device allows clean blood collections into a collection tube via a previously installed angiocatheter without interrupting the administration of intravenous therapies after initial installation. The device optionally includes passive control of the blood collection flow rate to prevent contamination of the collected blood draw with the IV therapy fluid being simultaneously infused through the angiocatheter. A blood collection method uses an infusion and blood collection device to draw a clean blood sample from a patient and into a collection tube via a previously installed angiocatheter without interrupting the administration of intravenous therapies.

Abstract: A body fluid sensing device with a body fluid capture structure and a body fluid measurement sensor positioned in the body fluid capture structure. A capacitance sensor is coupled to the body fluid measurement sensor. The capacitance sensor is used to assist in the positioning of a body part relative to the body fluid capture structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems include a long-term implantable ultra-filtrate monitoring system that uses micro-porous membranes to produce an ultra-filtrate of tissue interstitial fluid or blood plasma. The ultra-filtrate is transported through a sensor to detect a level of analyte in the ultra-filtrate. The long-term implantable fluid monitoring system thus includes a first porous catheter, a second porous catheter, a sensor configured to measure an amount of analyte in fluid, and a pump configured to move fluid through the first porous catheter to the sensor and from the sensor through the second porous catheter.

Abstract: An automated microscope apparatus, comprises an outer housing having an external wall; optionally but preferably an internal wall in said housing, and configured to form a first compartment and a separate second compartment in said outer housing; a microscope assembly in said housing, preferably in said first compartment; and a microprocessor in said housing, preferably in said second compartment; and optionally but preferably a heat sink mounted on said housing external wall, preferably adjacent said second compartment, with said microprocessor thermally coupled to said heat sink and operatively associated with said microscope assembly.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. The reader component may communicate with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

Abstract: A blood sampling device includes a housing and a lancet supporting a lancet needle or tip, the lancet and needle being urged or urgeable in a pricking direction. A trigger mechanism is moveable to a fire position for releasing the lancet to travel in the pricking direction. A removable safety cap initially covers the lancet needle. The lancet has an initial position in which movement of the trigger mechanism to the fire position is blocked and an intermediate position in which the trigger mechanism may be moved to the fire position. The intermediate position is obtainable only on removal of the safety cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a urine specimen capture device comprising a narrow slit disposed on a surface exposed to urine that retains a portion of the urine specimen.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to an apparatus and a method for uroflowmetry. Uroflowmetry can generally be defined as the collection and measurement of a patient's urination for the purpose of determining urine flow data that are necessary to analyze the patient's urination by comparing the patient's urine flow data to standardized urine flow data of healthy individuals. The present invention allows medical professionals to non-invasively diagnose a patient's urination by collecting, measuring and computing urine flow data to determine if any medical conditions and symptoms that affect urine flow are present. The within invention is designed and constructed in such a manner as to allow for the collection and measurement of urination to be done quickly, easily and at a reduced cost.

Abstract: A lancet removal mechanism for a blood sampling device contains: a stop assembly, a trigger unit, and a control button. The stop assembly includes an inner protrusion. The trigger unit includes a lancet holder and a triggering shaft, wherein the lancet holder is fixed in the stop assembly and has an outer protrusion formed on an outer wall thereof to engage with the inner protrusion of the stop assembly, the lancet holder has an orifice defined therein, and the orifice has a first inner shoulder arranged on a top end thereof, the triggering shaft extends into the orifice of the lancet holder and has a first outer shoulder for engaging with the first inner shoulder of the lancet holder. Furthermore, the control button is fitted on a top end of the triggering shaft.

Abstract: A cover for an ostomy pouch comprises a flexible waterproof material and an opening sealable in a waterproof manner through which the ostomy pouch may pass. An aperture in the front side is sized to closely surround an orifice of the ostomy pouch. A flange extends outward from the aperture and is sized to cover any portion of the ostomy pouch which projects through the aperture. An adhesive layer contacts the flange and adheres removably to the skin of the wearer. In an embodiment, a resilient ring surrounds the aperture. Reusable and disposable versions of the cover are provided.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site includes a single drive force generator. A plurality of penetrating members are operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves each of the members along a path out of a housing with a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. A flexible support member couples the penetrating members to define a linear array. The support member is movable and configured to move each of the penetrating members to a launch position associated with the force generator.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal capsule (GIC) including a capsule housing having a longitudinal axis; a thrusting mechanism, disposed within the housing; and a battery adapted to power the and a battery adapted to power the thrusting mechanism; the thrusting mechanism having an active mode, and a passive mode with respect to the active mode, the thrusting mechanism adapted to exert a radial force on the housing, in a radial direction with respect to the axis, such that when the capsule is disposed within a gastrointestinal tract of a user, and the mechanism is in the active mode, the gastrointestinal capsule stimulates a wall of the tract; the active mode including a series of at least two pulses of the radial force, the series having a first duration, the passive mode having a second duration, wherein an activation cycle is defined by the series of pulses followed by the second duration.