초록 ▼

Remote-controllable, micro-scale, robotic device for use in diagnosing and/or treating abnormalities inside a human body in vivo. The device has a length from 0.1 mm to 10 mm and can be introduced into the body either from natural body openings or by injection into the blood stream. Once inside the

Remote-controllable, micro-scale, robotic device for use in diagnosing and/or treating abnormalities inside a human body in vivo. The device has a length from 0.1 mm to 10 mm and can be introduced into the body either from natural body openings or by injection into the blood stream. Once inside the body, the device can be guided to different locations in the body by an outside operator using radio controls and computer software. 2-dimensional image information and spectroscopic information (e.g., fluorescence, absorption, elastic scattering, Raman, etc.) gathered by the device inside the body are transmitted by video and radio signals to a computer located externally relative to the body. The transmitted information is processed, analyzed and displayed by the external computer for use by the outside operator. The outside operator can then make a diagnosis and, if applicable, instruct the device to render a treatment on the examined area. Such treatments include the ablation of tissue using lasers or the like and the binding of ruptured tissues together using chemical glue, UV cured epoxy materials or photochemical or photo-ionization techniques using near-infrared light to weld tissue from absorption at water bands.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A wireless, remote-controllable, micro-scale device adapted for use inside a patient's body, said wireless, remote-controllable, micro-scale device comprising:(a) a transport capsule;(b) means for moving said transport capsule inside a patient's body;(c) imaging means,

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A wireless, remote-controllable, micro-scale device adapted for use inside a patient's body, said wireless, remote-controllable, micro-scale device comprising:(a) a transport capsule;(b) means for moving said transport capsule inside a patient's body;(c) imaging means, on board said transport capsule, for collecting image information on the appearance of the inside of the patient's body;(d) examining means, on board said transport capsule, for collecting spectroscopic information regarding the presence of abnormal biological materials inside the patient's body; and(e) communication means, on board said transport capsule, for transmitting the information collected by said imaging means and said examining means to a location outside the patient's body.