Device and method for enhanced visualization of the small intestine
A device for distending a body lumen for enhanced visualization with a capsule endoscope includes a plurality of struts configured to extend from the capsule endoscope, a retention mechanism configured to attach the plurality of struts to the capsule endoscope, and a trigger configured to release the retention mechanism.
1. A device for distending a body lumen for enhanced visualization with a capsule endoscope, the device comprising:
a plurality of struts configured to extend from the capsule endoscope, the struts having a compact configuration having a first outmost diameter, and an expanded configuration having a second outmost diameter greater than the first outermost diameter, the struts triggerable to go from the compact configuration to the expanded configuration;
a retention mechanism configured to attach the plurality of struts to the capsule endoscope when the plurality of struts is in an expanded configuration; and
a trigger, comprising a fuse wire, that is configured to release the retention mechanism.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the retention mechanism is a retention strap.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the retention strap is configured to extend around proximal ends of the plurality of struts and the capsule endoscope.
4. The device of claim 2 , wherein the capsule endoscope includes a retention strap groove, the retention strap configured to sit within the retention strap groove.
5. The device of claim 2 , wherein the retention strap comprises suture, string, wire, filament or braid.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fuse wire is configured to corrode to release the retention mechanism.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the capsule endoscope comprises an aperture therein that allows fluid to pass therethrough to corrode the fuse wire.
8. The device of claim 6 , further comprising a power supply attached to the fuse wire, the power supply configured to accelerate corrosion of the fuse wire.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fuse wire is a galvanic time release wire.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fuse wire includes a plated cathode and an unplated anode.
11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the plated cathode comprises silver.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fuse wire comprises magnesium.
13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the retention mechanism is a retention strap, and wherein the fuse wire is configured to corrode to release the retention strap.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the trigger is configured to be attached to the capsule endoscope.
15. The device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of struts are configured to meet at an apex.
16. The device of claim 15 , wherein the apex is positioned a set axial distance away from the camera lens.
17. The device of claim 15 , wherein the apex includes at least one pin around which the struts are wound.
18. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a second trigger configured to release the plurality of struts from one another.
19. The device of claim 18 , wherein the second trigger comprises a corrodible element.