TWI410230B

TWI410230B - Ingestible therapy activator system and method

Info

Publication number: TWI410230B
Application number: TW98138959A
Authority: TW
Inventors: Mark Zdeblick; Marc Jensen; Olivier Colliou; Angela Strand
Original assignee: Proteus Digital Health Inc
Priority date: 2009-11-17
Filing date: 2009-11-17
Publication date: 2013-10-01
Also published as: TW201117764A

Abstract

An ingestible therapy activator system and method are provided. In one aspect, the ingestible therapy activator includes an ingestible device having an effector module to send instruction and a responder module associated with a therapeutic device. The responder module may receive and process the effector instruction, resulting in a response by the therapeutic device. Examples of responses by therapeutic device include activating a therapy, deactivating a therapy, modulating a therapy, and discontinuing a therapy.

Description

可吞式治療活化器系統及方法Swallowable therapeutic activator system and method

本申請案主張對於2008年11月13日提出申請的美國臨時專利申請案第61/114,442號之權益，該整個揭示內容於此併入本申請案以為參考資料。The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/114,442, filed on Jan. 13, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

本申請案一般地係有關於醫藥治療系統、裝置及方法。更特定言之，本發明係有關於供使用一可吞式電子裝置之不同的醫藥治療之活化及/或調節所用的系統、裝置及方法。This application is generally related to medical treatment systems, devices and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems, devices and methods for the activation and/or regulation of different medical treatments using a swallowable electronic device.

對於不同的與健康相關之狀況、事件及缺陷存在有複數種治療法。該等治療法可應用在植入裝置，例如，心律調節管理裝置、神經刺激/神經調節裝置、腦脊髓膜內藥物遞送泵以及功能性神經調節補缺術，諸如耳蝸植入、視網膜植入以及人工關節、肢及器官。然而，一經植入，該等裝置不提供功能用以幫助控制活化或調節。There are multiple treatments for different health-related conditions, events, and defects. Such treatments can be applied to implant devices such as cardiac rhythm management devices, neurostimulation/neuromodulators, intraspinal drug delivery pumps, and functional neuromodulation, such as cochlear implants, retinal implants, and labor. Joints, limbs and organs. However, once implanted, such devices do not provide functionality to help control activation or regulation.

於一實例中，一神經刺激裝置可將疼痛控制治療傳達至脊柱，然而該神經刺激裝置未依需求活化。易言之，該神經刺激裝置係總是在植入後活化。因此，有時不需該治療時，病患受到神經刺激，以及其之相關的不必要副作用。In one example, a nerve stimulation device can communicate pain management therapy to the spine, however the nerve stimulation device is not activated as desired. In other words, the nerve stimulation device is always activated after implantation. Therefore, sometimes when the treatment is not required, the patient is subjected to nerve stimulation and its associated unnecessary side effects.

於另一實例中，一神經調節裝置，諸如一脊髓刺激器可對疼痛提供治療上優點，然而刺激之速率無法經調節用以讓刺激與病患的生活方式匹配，例如，於高活動量期間強度較高以及於輕活動量期間強度較低。因此，病患需限制與刺激強度不符合的活動用以達到最佳的治療效果，否則當從事非符合的活動時會使治療效果降低。In another example, a neuromodulation device, such as a spinal cord stimulator, can provide a therapeutic advantage to pain, although the rate of stimulation cannot be adjusted to match the stimulus to the lifestyle of the patient, for example, during periods of high activity. Higher strength and lower intensity during light activity. Therefore, patients need to limit activities that are not consistent with the stimulation intensity to achieve the best therapeutic effect, otherwise the treatment effect will be reduced when engaging in non-conforming activities.

因此，對於控制治療、使治療效果最佳化以及用於強化病患治療而不對病患設限的系統、裝置以及方法係為所需的。Accordingly, systems, devices, and methods for controlling treatment, optimizing treatment outcomes, and for limiting patient treatment without limiting the patient are desirable.

本發明之揭示內容包括一系統用以對一治療裝置提供指令。該治療裝置能夠為任一型式之裝置，諸如一心臟治療裝置、一神經刺激裝置、一腦脊髓膜內藥物遞送泵、一胃腸的裝置；以及一神經刺激補換術。該系統包括一可吞式單元以及一反應器模組。該可吞式單元包括一輸出或作用器模組，將一作用器指令提供至該反應器模組。該反應器模組接收並處理該作用器指令，並將該作用器指令傳達至該治療裝置，用以改變該治療裝置之作業。The present disclosure includes a system for providing instructions to a treatment device. The treatment device can be any type of device, such as a cardiac treatment device, a nerve stimulation device, a cerebrospinal drug delivery pump, a gastrointestinal device, and a nerve stimulation replacement. The system includes a swallowable unit and a reactor module. The swallowable unit includes an output or actuator module that provides an actuator command to the reactor module. The reactor module receives and processes the actuator command and communicates the actuator command to the treatment device for altering the operation of the treatment device.

一般地，本發明提供用於一植入醫藥裝置或是相關治療之控制活化及/或調節。更特定言之，本發明包括使用一可吞式裝置用以使與可植入醫藥裝置相關的裝置/治療之活化及/或調節。典型地，病患控制該可吞式裝置之吞入。吞入該可吞式裝置致使病患的醫藥裝置及/或治療的活化及/或調節。可任擇地，吞入該可吞式裝置可使一裝置及/或治療不活化或不連續。因此，就本發明之一新穎及有利的效果而言，病患及/或其他團體能夠隨心所欲地控制與不同的植入醫藥裝置及基於儲備可吞式裝置的相關治療有關連之不同的結果，並且保健提供者或是其他團體可控制該等可吞式裝置之供給，例如，藉由處方。In general, the present invention provides for controlled activation and/or regulation of an implanted medical device or related treatment. More specifically, the invention includes the use of a swallowable device for activation and/or regulation of a device/treatment associated with an implantable medical device. Typically, the patient controls the ingestion of the swallowable device. Ingestion of the swallowable device results in activation and/or regulation of the patient's medical device and/or treatment. Optionally, swallowing the swallowable device may render a device and/or treatment inactive or discontinuous. Thus, in terms of a novel and advantageous effect of the present invention, patients and/or other groups are able to control as desired the different outcomes associated with different implanted medical devices and related treatments based on reserve swallowable devices, And the health care provider or other group can control the supply of such swallowable devices, for example, by prescription.

使用一可吞式裝置用以活化及/或調節治療，具有廣泛潛在地應用在任何植入裝置或是治療，包括心律管理；神經刺激及/或神經調節(有時於此共同地視為”神經刺激”)；腦脊髓膜內藥物遞送泵及治療；以及功能性神經調節補缺術，諸如耳蝸植入、視網膜植入，以及人工關節、肢及器官。The use of a swallowable device for activating and/or modulating therapy has a wide range of potential applications in any implant device or treatment, including heart rhythm management; nerve stimulation and/or neuromodulation (sometimes collectively referred to herein) Neurostimulation"); intracranial drug delivery pumps and treatments; and functional neuromodulation, such as cochlear implants, retinal implants, and artificial joints, limbs, and organs.

治療之活化包括，例如，用以誘導的一裝置之活化及事件或狀況。例如，具有神經刺激電極的一胃束帶裝置之活化可感應增加的飽足感及/或感應胃能動性之速率的改良。再者，該可吞式裝置可活化胃束帶裝置之該束帶部分，例如，束緊該束帶。假若在吞下膳食之前使用該可吞式裝置，則病患可控制食慾、飽足感、熱量攝取以及最後影響體重管理結果等。Activation of the treatment includes, for example, activation of a device and an event or condition for induction. For example, activation of a gastric banding device with a nerve stimulating electrode can induce an increase in the rate of satiety and/or the rate at which gastric motility is induced. Further, the swallowable device activates the portion of the band of the gastric band device, for example, to tighten the band. If the swallowable device is used before swallowing the meal, the patient can control appetite, satiety, calorie intake, and ultimately the weight management results.

特定的觀點可針對身體內治療並可包括，例如，可植入的醫藥裝置。該”可植入的醫藥裝置”一詞，如於此所使用，係有關於一裝置，其經構形至少部分地配置在一人體上，至少部分地配置在一人體中，或是該等的結合。A particular point of view may be directed to treatment within the body and may include, for example, an implantable medical device. The term "implantable medical device" as used herein relates to a device configured to be at least partially disposed on a human body, at least partially disposed in a human body, or the like Combination of.

例如，該可植入的醫藥裝置可包括一引線，其具有不同的電極構形可連通地與控制器電路、電源等結合。更特定言之並闡明地，該可植入的醫藥裝置可包含一或更多引線其具有複數之直列分段電極輔助器，其中每一電極係可獨立地控制以及電力/數據線用以與該複數之直列分段電極輔助器多路傳輸。與本發明結合使用的裝置之不同的構形於PCT申請案第PCT/US2003/039524號公開為WO 2004/052182；PCT申請案第PCT/US2005/031559號公開為WO 2006/029090；PCT申請案第PCT/US2005/046811號公開為WO 2006/069322；PCT申請案第PCT/US2005/046815號公開為WO 2006/069323；PCT申請案第PCT/US2006/048944號公開為WO 2007/075974；美國申請案序號為11/939,524號公開為US 2008-0114230 A1號中加以說明/揭示。For example, the implantable medical device can include a lead having a different electrode configuration that is communicably coupled to a controller circuit, a power source, or the like. More specifically and clarified, the implantable medical device can include one or more leads having a plurality of inline segmented electrode assisters, wherein each electrode is independently controllable and power/data lines are used to The plurality of in-line segment electrode assistants are multiplexed. The different configurations of the device for use in connection with the present invention are disclosed in PCT Application No. PCT/US2003/039524, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety in its entirety in the entire entire disclosure in PCT/US2005/046811 is disclosed as WO 2006/069322; PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/046815 is issued as WO 2006/069323; PCT Application No. PCT/US2006/048944 is issued as WO 2007/075974; The publication number is 11/939, 524, which is incorporated herein by reference.

可結合本發明使用之不同的裝置之構形係於PCT申請案第PCT/US2008/052845號公開為WO/2008/095183以及於PCT申請案第PCT/US2006/016370號公開為WO/2006/116718號中加以說明/揭示。前述申請案之每一者於此係以全文引用方式併入本案以為參考資料。該等前述構形係僅針對圖示目的，而其他不同組件及構形係為可行的。The configuration of the different devices that can be used in connection with the present invention is disclosed in PCT Application No. PCT/US2008/052845, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety in its entirety in Explain/disclose in the number. Each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for reference. These aforementioned configurations are for illustrative purposes only, while other different components and configurations are possible.

圖1圖示包括一可吞式治療活化器102的一可吞式治療活化器環境100。於不同的觀點中，該可吞式治療活化器環境可為一生物(living being)，諸如哺乳動物，包括人類。於不同的觀點中，該可吞式治療活化器102可傳達地與一或更多治療裝置108，例如，身體內(in-body)裝置，諸如植入裝置或是其他的裝置交互操作。該可傳達的交互作用可導致該治療裝置108之活化及/或調節，例如，該治療裝置108之該立即的活化，該治療裝置108之該延遲的活化，該治療裝置108之該立即的調節，與該治療裝置108相關聯的一活動之延遲的調節等。如此，病患經由吞入該可吞式治療活化器102而可控制一治療的結果。FIG. 1 illustrates a swallowable therapeutic activator environment 100 including a swallowable therapeutic activator 102. In various aspects, the swallowable therapeutic activator environment can be a living being, such as a mammal, including a human. In various perspectives, the swallowable therapeutic activator 102 can communicatively interact with one or more treatment devices 108, such as an in-body device, such as an implant device or other device. The communicateable interaction can result in activation and/or regulation of the treatment device 108, for example, the immediate activation of the treatment device 108, the delayed activation of the treatment device 108, and the immediate adjustment of the treatment device 108. The adjustment of the delay of an activity associated with the treatment device 108, and the like. As such, the patient can control the outcome of a treatment by swallowing the swallowable therapeutic activator 102.

圖2係更為詳細地圖示圖1之該可吞式治療活化器102。於不同的觀點中，該可吞式治療活化器102包括一可吞式裝置200，其具有一作用器模組202、一作用器指令204以及，可任擇地，一反應器模組206。一經吞入該可吞式裝置200，該作用器模組202即可送出，例如，傳送，該作用器指令204。例如，可經由該反應器模組206接收該作用器指令204，並可致使一治療裝置108及/或與該治療裝置108相關聯的一治療之活化及/或調節。再者，可同時地或是時間上極為接近地吞入複數之可吞式裝置200，並且該等複數之吞入的可吞式裝置200之每一者可與一或更多治療裝置108相互作用。2 illustrates the swallowable therapeutic activator 102 of FIG. 1 in greater detail. In a different perspective, the swallowable therapeutic activator 102 includes a swallowable device 200 having a sorbent module 202, an actuator command 204, and, optionally, a reactor module 206. Once the swallowable device 200 is swallowed, the actuator module 202 can send, for example, transmit, the actuator command 204. For example, the actuator command 204 can be received via the reactor module 206 and can cause activation and/or adjustment of a treatment device 108 and/or a treatment associated with the treatment device 108. Furthermore, a plurality of swallowable devices 200 can be swallowed in close proximity or in close proximity to each other, and each of the plurality of swallowable swallowable devices 200 can interact with one or more therapeutic devices 108. effect.

如之後說明，該可吞式裝置200包括能夠由生物吞下的任何裝置、組件、硬體及/或軟體，以及其之結合，並進一步地能夠與該作用器模組202作機械方面、電子方面及/或可傳達地交互操作。As will be explained later, the swallowable device 200 includes any device, component, hardware and/or software that can be swallowed by a living being, and combinations thereof, and further capable of mechanically and electronically interacting with the actuator module 202. Aspects and/or communicative interactions.

為圖示，該可吞式裝置200可包括，包含，一體成型為等，一安慰劑結構。該安慰劑結構可包含，例如，一膠囊、一藥丸等。為進一步圖示，該可吞式裝置200可包括，包含，一體成型為等，一可吞式藥物。該可吞式藥物可包含，例如，一膠囊、一藥丸、液體等，並可為經處方、不用處方箋等。For purposes of illustration, the swallowable device 200 can include, include, integrally form, etc., a placebo structure. The placebo structure can comprise, for example, a capsule, a pill, and the like. To further illustrate, the swallowable device 200 can include, include, integrally formed, etc., a swallowable drug. The swallowable drug may comprise, for example, a capsule, a pill, a liquid, etc., and may be a prescription, a prescription, or the like.

不同的可吞式裝置200可包含、包括、與之一體成型等，該等裝置諸如該等於PCT/US2008/052845公開為WO/2008/095183以及PCT/US2006/016370公開為WO/2006/116718中所說明者，該整個揭示內容於此併入本案以為參考資料。此外，於此所引用的所有參考資料係以全文引用方式併入本案以為參考資料。The different swallowable devices 200 may comprise, include, and be integrally formed, such as those disclosed in WO/2008/095183, and PCT/US2006/016370, which is incorporated herein by reference. The entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety in their entireties.

在2006年4月28日提出申請之PCT/US2006/016370中所說明的一種製藥資訊系統(pharma-informatics system)，其包括該等組成，包括容許用以探測實際將一藥品投遞至身體內的系統及方法。A pharma-informatics system, as described in PCT/US2006/016370, filed on Apr. 28, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference, which is incorporated to the extent that it can be used to detect the actual delivery of a drug to the body. System and method.

一離子發射模組或可吞式事件發生器(IEM)系統係於2008年2月1日提出申請的PCT/US2008/52845，以及2009年9月21日提出申請的美國專利申請案序號12/564,017號(二者於此併入本案以為參考資料)中加以說明，包括一IEM以及一個人信號接收器。IEM方面包括一識別器，其可或不存在於一生理學上可接受的載體中。該識別器的特徵在於與身體的一目標性體內生理位置，諸如消化道體內目標位置一經接觸即活化。該個人信號接收器係經構形而與一生理位置，例如，身體內部或身體上，相結合，並且用以接收該IEM的一信號。於使用期間，該IEM傳播藉由該個人信號接收器所接收的一信號。An ion-emitting module or a swallowable event generator (IEM) system is filed on February 1, 2008, PCT/US2008/52845, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/ filed on Sep. 21, 2009. No. 564,017 (both incorporated herein by reference), which is incorporated herein by reference. The IEM aspect includes an identifier that may or may not be present in a physiologically acceptable carrier. The identifier is characterized by activation upon contact with a target physical location of the body, such as a target location within the digestive tract. The personal signal receiver is configured to combine with a physiological location, such as the internal or body of the body, and to receive a signal from the IEM. During use, the IEM propagates a signal received by the personal signal receiver.

該IEM亦包括二不同的材料係沉積在該IEM之二側邊上用以構成電化學電位，並作為陰極及陽極用以構成一電源。該等不同的材料可藉由一非傳導材料或是裙部加以分開，經由增加該電流路徑而使信號放大。更特定言之，該等不同的材料能夠由適於該IEM於其中作業的該環境的任二材料所構成。例如，當搭配該可吞式裝置使用時，該等不同的材料可為具有不同電化學電位的任何成對之可吞式材料。一圖解實例包括當該IEM係與一離子溶液，諸如胃酸，接觸時之該情況，如以下於圖8中所示。適合的材料並未限制在金屬，並且於特定觀點中，該等成對材料係由金屬與非金屬中挑選，例如，一對由一金屬(諸如鎂)與一鹽(諸如氯化亞銅(CuCl)或碘化亞銅(CuI))所構成。至於該等活性電極材料，具有相配地不同電化學電位(電壓)及低界面阻力的任何物質-金屬、鹽或嵌入化合物-之配對係為適合的。此外，一控制模組(未顯示)係與該二不同的材料之每一者電耦合，為了接收電力並亦變得活性化控制該二不同材料之間該傳導性及因此該電流路徑。該控制模組以一獨特的方式改變該二不同材料之間該傳導性。藉由改變該二不同材料之間該傳導性路徑，該控制模組能夠經由引導環繞該IEM或可吞式裝置200的流體/液體而控制該電流大小。如此產生一獨有的電流信號其搭載或將該作用器指令編碼，並可藉由能夠配置在體內或體外的一接收器，諸如該反應器模組206，加以探測並測量。The IEM also includes two different materials deposited on the side of the IEM to form an electrochemical potential, and used as a cathode and an anode to form a power source. The different materials can be separated by a non-conductive material or skirt to amplify the signal by increasing the current path. More specifically, the different materials can be constructed of any two materials suitable for the environment in which the IEM operates. For example, when used in conjunction with the swallowable device, the different materials can be any pair of swallowable materials having different electrochemical potentials. A graphical example includes this when the IEM system is in contact with an ionic solution, such as gastric acid, as shown below in Figure 8. Suitable materials are not limited to metals, and in a particular aspect, the pair of materials are selected from the group consisting of metals and non-metals, for example, a pair of metals (such as magnesium) and a salt (such as cuprous chloride (such as cuprous chloride). CuCl) or cuprous iodide (CuI)). As for the active electrode materials, a pair of any substance-metal, salt or intercalation compound having a different electrochemical potential (voltage) and low interfacial resistance is suitable. In addition, a control module (not shown) is electrically coupled to each of the two different materials to control the conductivity and thus the current path between the two different materials in order to receive power and also become active. The control module changes the conductivity between the two different materials in a unique manner. By varying the conductive path between the two different materials, the control module can control the magnitude of the current by directing fluid/liquid around the IEM or swallowable device 200. This produces a unique current signal that carries or encodes the actuator command and can be detected and measured by a receiver, such as the reactor module 206, that can be placed in the body or outside the body.

於2007年10月17日提出申請的PCT/US07/82563號中說明一受控活化可吞式識別器，包括可吞式組成諸如藥品資訊賦能組成。該受控活化可吞式識別器包括一受控活化元件，感應位在一關注之目標位置處一預定刺激之存在後，提供該識別器之活化。A controlled activated swallowable identifier, including a swallowable composition such as a pharmaceutical information-enhancing composition, is described in PCT/US07/82563, filed on Oct. 17, 2007. The controlled activation swallowable identifier includes a controlled activation element that provides activation of the identifier after the presence of a predetermined stimulus at a target location of interest.

圖3係更為詳細地圖示圖2之該治療活化器的一可吞式裝置200。更特定言之，該可吞式裝置200可與不同的載具300，例如，安慰劑、藥物、膠囊等結合，如之前所述。於不同的觀點中，複數可吞式裝置200可與一單一載具300結合，例如，二可吞式裝置200可包括在一單一膠囊中；三或更多可吞式裝置200可添附於一藥丸等上/製造於一藥丸等中。除了該作用器模組202之外，該可吞式裝置可包含不同的其他組件302，整體地或是部分地與不同的其他組件302成為一體，與不同的其他組件302一體成型等。不同的其他組件302之實例包括用以探測該對象之生理參數的模組。該作用器模組202包含任何裝置、組件、硬體及/或軟體以及其之結合物，能夠接收、處理、儲存、產生及/或與圖2之該作用器指令204溝通。於不同的觀點中，例如，該作用器模組202可包含一積體電路(IC)、微電路、微晶片、矽晶片、小型化電子電路等，具有處理能力用以接收、產生、儲存等作業，以及一構件用以，例如，經由一傳送器等發送該作用器指令204。3 is a diagram illustrating a swallowable device 200 of the therapeutic activator of FIG. 2 in greater detail. More specifically, the swallowable device 200 can be combined with a different carrier 300, such as a placebo, drug, capsule, etc., as previously described. In various views, the plurality of swallowable devices 200 can be combined with a single carrier 300. For example, the second swallowable device 200 can be included in a single capsule; three or more swallowable devices 200 can be attached to one Pills, etc. are made / manufactured in a pill or the like. In addition to the actuator module 202, the swallowable device can include various other components 302, integral or partially integral with different other components 302, integrally formed with different other components 302, and the like. Examples of different other components 302 include modules for detecting physiological parameters of the object. The actuator module 202 includes any device, component, hardware, and/or software and combinations thereof that can receive, process, store, generate, and/or communicate with the actuator command 204 of FIG. In different views, for example, the actuator module 202 can include an integrated circuit (IC), a microcircuit, a microchip, a germanium chip, a miniaturized electronic circuit, etc., having processing capabilities for receiving, generating, storing, etc. The job, and a component, are used to, for example, transmit the agent command 204 via a transmitter or the like.

圖4係更為詳細地圖示圖3之該可吞式裝置的作用器模組202。該作用器模組202可包含一微晶片400、一電源402、以及一傳送器404。該微晶片400可包括及/或可結合不同的組件，例如，軟體、儲存裝置、記憶體、處理指令等，為接收、產生、執行信號處理及/或儲存作用器指令204所需。4 is a diagram illustrating the actuator module 202 of the swallowable device of FIG. 3 in greater detail. The actuator module 202 can include a microchip 400, a power source 402, and a transmitter 404. The microchip 400 can include and/or can incorporate various components, such as software, storage, memory, processing instructions, etc., as needed to receive, generate, perform signal processing, and/or store the processor instructions 204.

該電源402可經不同地構形，例如，濕電池等。於一觀點中，該電源402可為一不完全電源，其一經接觸一目標生理位置而活化。因此，該電源402得以活化，從而提供該微晶片400電力。易言之，該電源402可利用於一離子溶液，諸如胃液、血液或其他體液及一些組織中電化學反應。The power source 402 can be configured differently, such as a wet battery or the like. In one aspect, the power source 402 can be an incomplete power source that is activated upon contact with a target physiological location. Thus, the power source 402 is activated to provide power to the microchip 400. In other words, the power source 402 can be utilized in an ionic solution, such as gastric juice, blood or other body fluids, and electrochemical reactions in some tissues.

視該可吞式裝置200之該構形而定，該目標生理地點或位置可變化，其中關注之代表性目標生理位置包括，但不限定在：消化道中的一位置，諸如口、食道、胃、小腸、大腸等。於特定的觀點中，該識別器係經構形為一經與位於該目標位置處之液體，例如，胃液接觸即活化，與該目標位置之該特別成分無關。於一些觀點中，該識別器係經構形為藉由訊問、接續與一目標生理位置之成分接觸而活化。於一些觀點中，該識別器係經構形為於一目標位置處活化，其中在一段特定時間後抵達該目標位置處。Depending on the configuration of the swallowable device 200, the target physiological location or location may vary, wherein the representative target physiological location of interest includes, but is not limited to, a location in the digestive tract, such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, Small intestine, large intestine, etc. In a particular aspect, the identifier is configured to be activated upon contact with a liquid at the target location, for example, gastric fluid, regardless of the particular component of the target location. In some views, the identifier is configured to be activated by interrogation, continuation, and contact with a target of a target physiological location. In some views, the identifier is configured to activate at a target location, where the target location is reached after a certain period of time.

該微晶片400，依次，經由該傳送器404傳送與該作用器指令204結合的一信號至一目的地，例如，直接地傳送至該治療裝置108，經由該反應器模組206傳送至該治療裝置108等。The microchip 400, in turn, transmits a signal associated with the actuator command 204 to a destination via the transmitter 404, for example, directly to the treatment device 108, via which the treatment is transmitted to the treatment module 206 Device 108 and the like.

於不同的觀點中，可使用不同的傳達模式、傳達頻道以及其之結合。於一實例中，可經由一射頻(RF)信號傳達該作用器指令204。於另一實例中，可經由傳導傳達該作用器指令204，例如，使用身體內電信號作為一傳達載具。於另一實例中，可經由傳導將該作用器指令204傳達至固定在病患體外的一接收器，例如，該反應器模組，其依次地，經由不同的傳達模式將該作用器指令傳達至一或更多的治療裝置108，例如，植入治療裝置。因此，如所見，可使用體內及體外通道之不同的結合以及不同的傳達模式。Different modes of communication, communication channels, and combinations thereof can be used in different perspectives. In one example, the agent command 204 can be communicated via a radio frequency (RF) signal. In another example, the actor command 204 can be communicated via conduction, for example, using an electrical signal within the body as a communication vehicle. In another example, the actuator command 204 can be communicated via conduction to a receiver that is external to the patient, for example, the reactor module, which in turn communicates the actuator command via different communication modes. To one or more treatment devices 108, for example, implanted treatment devices. Thus, as can be seen, different combinations of in vivo and extracorporeal channels and different modes of communication can be used.

該作用器指令204包含能夠搭載如之前所說明的功能性，例如，唆使一活化及/或調節導致一治療裝置及/或與該治療裝置相關聯之治療的活化/調節之任何構件。The actuator command 204 includes any component capable of carrying the functionality as previously described, for example, an activation and/or adjustment that results in activation/adjustment of a treatment device and/or treatment associated with the treatment device.

圖5係更為詳細地圖示圖2之該可吞式治療活化器的一作用器指令。於不同的觀點中，該作用器指令204包含軟體指令500、一信號502、數據504等之任一者或是一結合。再者，如之前所論及，前述之任一者或是所有前述者可不同地加以具體化並可經由不同的模式及通道加以傳達。Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an actuator command of the swallowable therapeutic activator of Figure 2 in more detail. In different perspectives, the actor command 204 includes any one or a combination of software instructions 500, a signal 502, data 504, and the like. Furthermore, as previously discussed, any or all of the foregoing may be embodied differently and communicated through different modes and channels.

圖6係圖示該反應器模組206，其包含任何裝置、組件、硬體、及/或軟體、以及其之結合，能夠接收、處理、儲存、產生、及/或傳達該作用器指令204。於不同的觀點中，該反應器模組206可直接地與一治療裝置108結合，例如，與該治療裝置108作機械上的傳達。該一反應器模組204包括一指令收據(instruction receipt)及/或處理單元，實體上構形為一心臟裝置、一胃腸裝置、一導線裝置、一電極裝置等的一組件。6 illustrates the reactor module 206 including any device, component, hardware, and/or software, and combinations thereof, capable of receiving, processing, storing, generating, and/or communicating the actuator command 204. . In various perspectives, the reactor module 206 can be directly coupled to a treatment device 108, for example, mechanically coupled to the treatment device 108. The reactor module 204 includes an instruction receipt and/or processing unit, and is physically configured as a component of a heart device, a gastrointestinal device, a wire device, an electrode device, and the like.

於不同的觀點中，該反應器模組206可間接地與該治療裝置108結合，例如，可與該治療裝置108作電氣上傳達但非與之作機械上傳達。該一反應器模組204之實例包括一指令收據及/或處理單元，實體上與一接收器構形或是構形為一接收器，例如，一耐用的接收器，諸如補綴接收器(patch receiver)，之前於PCT/US2008/52845中加以說明。In various views, the reactor module 206 can be indirectly coupled to the treatment device 108, for example, can be electrically communicated with, but not mechanically coupled to, the treatment device 108. An example of the reactor module 204 includes an instruction receipt and/or processing unit that is physically configured with a receiver or configured as a receiver, such as a durable receiver, such as a patch receiver (patch) Receiver), previously described in PCT/US2008/52845.

圖6係更為詳細地圖示圖2之該可吞式治療活化器的一反應器模組。於不同的觀點中，該反應器模組206可包含一接收器600用以接收該作用器指令204，一微晶片400用以處理及/或儲存等，該作用器指令204以及可任擇地一傳送器404用以向前地傳送該作用器指令。Figure 6 is a more detailed illustration of a reactor module of the swallowable therapeutic activator of Figure 2. In various views, the reactor module 206 can include a receiver 600 for receiving the actuator command 204, a microchip 400 for processing and/or storing, etc., the actuator command 204 and optionally A transmitter 404 is used to forward the actuator command forward.

該接收器600，例如，可為專用的，亦即僅接收該作用器指令或可為通用的，亦即除了該作用器指令外可接收信號、數據等。就該萬用接收器而言，複數之傳達型式的該接收可提供廣泛的裝置功能性，例如，心臟起搏裝置(cardiac pacing device)其接收一起搏信號以及該作用器指令。The receiver 600, for example, may be dedicated, i.e., only receive the processor command or may be versatile, i.e., may receive signals, data, etc. in addition to the processor command. In the case of the universal receiver, the receipt of the plurality of communication patterns provides a wide range of device functionality, such as a cardiac pacing device that receives the beat signal and the actuator command.

現參考圖4，該微晶片400，例如，可執行與該作用器指令有關的不同處理活動。一實例包括聚集源自於一或更多可吞式裝置的複數之作用器指令。另一實例包括聚集源自於其他來源，例如，其他裝置之具有作用器指令的數據。另一實例包括根據其他數據修正該作用器指令。為了說明，該反應器模組206可接收及儲存與源自於一心臟裝置之心臟起搏有關的數據。例如，一作用器指令用以降低該心臟起搏之速率由每分鐘70下降至每分鐘60下。當接收該作用器指令時，該微晶片可分析該數據，以及根據該分析之結果用以修正該作用器指令降低該速率至每分鐘65下。(分析該數據之後，頃發現此速率比該每分鐘65下更好，如初使所考量。)如此，該反應器模組206及該作用器模組202可配合地發揮最佳的治療。Referring now to Figure 4, the microchip 400, for example, can perform different processing activities associated with the actuator command. An example includes a plurality of actuator instructions that aggregate from one or more swallowable devices. Another example includes aggregating data from other sources, such as other devices, having an actuator instruction. Another example includes modifying the actor instruction based on other data. To illustrate, the reactor module 206 can receive and store data related to cardiac pacing originating from a cardiac device. For example, an actuator command to reduce the rate of cardiac pacing from 70 per minute to 60 per minute. Upon receiving the actuator command, the microchip can analyze the data and, based on the results of the analysis, modify the processor command to decrease the rate to 65 per minute. (After analyzing the data, it was found that the rate is better than 65 times per minute, as originally considered.) Thus, the reactor module 206 and the actuator module 202 can cooperatively perform optimal treatment.

該傳送器404，例如，可將該(等)作用器指令204、數據或是其之結合傳送至一目標裝置，例如，該治療裝置108。如先前論及，該等傳達模式及通道可為不同的形式以及其之結合。The transmitter 404, for example, can communicate the (or) actuator command 204, data, or a combination thereof to a target device, such as the therapy device 108. As previously discussed, the modes and channels of communication can be in different forms and combinations thereof.

該治療裝置108可為能夠對一生物提供或是有助於至少一醫藥治療的任何裝置。特別地，該治療裝置108包括可植入裝置。The treatment device 108 can be any device that can provide or facilitate at least one medical treatment to a living being. In particular, the treatment device 108 includes an implantable device.

圖7圖示圖1之該可吞式活化器環境的一治療裝置。該治療裝置，例如，包括心臟裝置、導線裝置、電極裝置、偏頭痛裝置、泌尿系統裝置、胃腸裝置等。Figure 7 illustrates a treatment device of the swallowable activator environment of Figure 1. The treatment device includes, for example, a heart device, a wire device, an electrode device, a migraine device, a urinary system device, a gastrointestinal device, and the like.

該治療裝置可以不同方式加以活化及/或調節，例如，機械式致動、電氣活化、以上之結合等。於機械式致動的一實例中，由胃腸裝置，諸如一胃束帶裝置(GBD)所接收的該作用器指令，致使該GBD對與該GBD之一夾緊裝置相關聯的控制器電路發出信號。該控制器電路，依次地，產生使該夾緊裝置膨脹所需的控制，因而束緊食道導致較大的飽足感，降低吞下食物的能力，改善胃能動性(gastric motility)等。The treatment device can be activated and/or adjusted in various ways, for example, mechanical actuation, electrical activation, combinations of the above, and the like. In one example of mechanical actuation, the actuator command received by a gastrointestinal device, such as a gastric banding device (GBD), causes the GBD to issue a controller circuit associated with one of the GBD clamping devices. signal. The controller circuit, in turn, produces the controls needed to inflate the clamping device, thereby tightening the esophagus resulting in a greater satiety, reduced ability to swallow food, improved gastric motility, and the like.

於電氣活化之一實例中，由一電極裝置，諸如一神經刺激裝置(NSD)所接收的該作用器指令，致使該NSD對與之相關的控制器電路發出信號。該控制器電路，依次地，產生經由該等電極提供電氣刺激所需的該等指令，因而隱匿疼痛、刺激心臟收縮等。In one example of electrical activation, the actuator command received by an electrode device, such as a nerve stimulation device (NSD), causes the NSD to signal a controller circuit associated therewith. The controller circuit, in turn, generates the instructions needed to provide electrical stimulation via the electrodes, thereby concealing pain, stimulating cardiac contraction, and the like.

圖8圖示經由一可吞式治療活化器之一治療裝置的吞入與活化。如所圖示，由人800吞入一可吞式治療活化器200導致該可吞式治療活化器200藉由胃酸活化。一經活化，該可吞式治療活化器200傳送該作用器指令204至與一心臟起搏裝置804相結合的控制器電路808。藉由該控制器電路808一經接收及處理該作用器指令204，即將指令傳送至該心臟起搏裝置804，致使經由該心臟起搏裝置804改變心臟之起搏速率。如此，病患能夠控制，且為極佳地，該病患之心臟治療的特定特徵、動貌及參數。Figure 8 illustrates the ingestion and activation of a treatment device via one of the swallowable therapeutic activators. As illustrated, swallowing a swallowable therapeutic activator 200 by human 800 causes the swallowable therapeutic activator 200 to be activated by gastric acid. Upon activation, the swallowable therapeutic activator 200 delivers the actuator command 204 to a controller circuit 808 in combination with a cardiac pacing device 804. Upon receipt and processing of the actuator command 204 by the controller circuit 808, the command is transmitted to the cardiac pacing device 804, causing the cardiac pacing device 804 to change the pacing rate of the heart. In this way, the patient is able to control, and is excellent, the specific characteristics, physiology and parameters of the heart treatment of the patient.

繼續前述之進一步說明，針對偏頭痛處理的一神經刺激裝置之發揮作用，例如，電刺激與偏頭痛相關聯的神經區域，致使避免或減輕疼痛。假若在偏頭痛之預兆，亦即，通常在偏頭痛之前的感覺障礙(sensory disturbance)，開始時採用該可吞式裝置，則病患可完全地避免該偏頭痛以及與之相關聯的嚴重疼痛。Continuing with the foregoing further description, a neurostimulation device for migraine treatment functions, for example, electrical stimulation of nerve regions associated with migraine, resulting in avoidance or alleviation of pain. If the temperament of migraine, that is, the sensory disturbance before the migraine, is initially initiated with the swallowable device, the patient can completely avoid the migraine and the severe pain associated with it. .

使具有電極的泌尿系統之治療裝置發揮作用，用以刺激一排空活動，有助於調節失禁發生及流出。與陰莖***相關聯的一電極裝置發揮作用，致使成功地處理不同的與陽痿相關病症，包括***的機能障礙。A therapeutic device of the urinary system with electrodes is used to stimulate an emptying activity, which helps to regulate the occurrence and outflow of incontinence. An electrode device associated with penile erection functions to successfully treat different impotence-related conditions, including dysfunction of erection.

不同的心臟裝置發揮作用用以活化/調節心臟治療，可致使改良的心臟治療、最佳化心臟治療、減小成癮、消除成癮以及避免成癮的任一或更多者。Different cardiac devices function to activate/modulate cardiac therapy, resulting in improved cardiac therapy, optimal cardiac therapy, reduced addiction, elimination of addiction, and avoidance of any one or more of addiction.

在不同的身體活動之前，與脊椎神經相關的一NSD發揮作用可導致改良的疼痛控制治療、最佳化的疼痛控制治療、減小成癮、消除成癮以及避免成癮的任一或更多者。An NSD associated with the spinal nerves can lead to improved pain management, optimized pain management, reduced addiction, elimination of addiction, and avoidance of addiction before or during different physical activities. By.

熟知此技藝之人士應注意的是，不同觀點對於由治療之病患進行的至少一些控制措施有所幫助。Those skilled in the art should note that different perspectives may be helpful in at least some of the control measures performed by the patient being treated.

前述者說明與本發明相關的該等有利結果的一些簡單實例。本發明之該等應用，以及該等合成的有利結果為數眾多以致於此無法徹底地列出。The foregoing illustrates some simple examples of such advantageous results associated with the present invention. The applications of the present invention, as well as the advantageous results of such syntheses, are numerous and thus cannot be thoroughly listed.

不同的觀點包括吞下具有一作用器模組的一可吞式裝置的步驟；經由該作用器模組傳送一作用器指令；以及經由與一治療裝置相關聯的一反應器模組接收及處理該作用器指令，導致由該治療裝置的一反應。Different views include the steps of swallowing a swallowable device having a stimulator module; transmitting an actor command via the actor module; and receiving and processing via a reactor module associated with a therapeutic device The actuator command causes a reaction by the treatment device.

不同的觀點包括一可吞式治療活化器其包含一可吞式裝置，具有一作用器模組及一作用器指令。Different perspectives include a swallowable therapeutic activator that includes a swallowable device having an actuator module and an actuator command.

不同的觀點包括一套件，其包含一可吞式治療活化器以及一治療裝置。再者，套件亦包括一反應器模組其係與該可吞式治療活化器及該治療裝置之至少之一者相結合。Different perspectives include a kit that includes a swallowable therapeutic activator and a treatment device. Further, the kit also includes a reactor module in combination with at least one of the swallowable therapeutic activator and the therapeutic device.

本發明之一或更多觀點可為電腦可讀取媒體之形式，其上儲存有程式用以執行該等不同的方法或是其之不同的步驟。該電腦可讀取媒體，例如，可為電腦磁碟或是光碟、軟式碟片、磁性”硬卡”、伺服器之形式，或是能夠包含以電子、磁性、光學或是其他方式儲存的數據或相似物的任何其他電腦可讀取媒體。因此，用以完成該等主要方法的儲存程式具體化步驟可轉換或是傳達至一處理器，例如，藉由使用一電腦網路、伺服器或是其他的界面連接，例如，該網際網路(Internet)或是其他的替續構件。One or more aspects of the present invention can be in the form of a computer readable medium having stored thereon programs for performing the different methods or different steps thereof. The computer can read media, for example, in the form of a computer disk or a compact disc, a floppy disk, a magnetic "hard card", a server, or can contain data stored electronically, magnetically, optically, or otherwise. Or any other computer readable media. Thus, the storage program avatar steps for performing the primary methods can be converted or communicated to a processor, for example, by using a computer network, server, or other interface, such as the Internet. (Internet) or other replacement components.

應瞭解的是本發明並未限制在所說明的特定觀點，而就其本身而論係可加以變化。亦應瞭解的是於此所使用的專門用語係僅為了說明特定的觀點而不意欲具限制性，因為本發明之範疇將僅由該等附加的申請專利範圍所限定。It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particulars illustrated, but may be varied as such. It is also to be understood that the language of the invention is intended to be limited to the specific scope of the invention, and the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

所提供的一數值範圍中，應瞭解的是每一居中值，除非於上下文中清楚地另有說明外否則係至該下限之單位的十分位，介於該範圍的上與下限之間，以及於該陳述範圍中任何其他的陳述或居中值係包含於本發明中。該等較小範圍之該上限及下限可獨立地包括在該等較小範圍中並亦係包含於本發明中，受該所陳述範圍中任何具體排除的限制所規限。該陳述範圍包括該等限制之一或是二者，排除該等包括之限制的任一者或是二者的範圍亦包括於本發明中。In the range of values provided, it is understood that each of the median values, unless clearly stated otherwise in the context, is the decile of the unit of the lower limit, between the upper and lower limits of the range, and Any other statements or median values in the scope of this statement are included in the present invention. The above-mentioned upper and lower limits of the smaller ranges may be independently included in the scope of the invention, and are also included in the invention, and are limited by any specific exclusions in the stated scope. The scope of the statement includes one or both of the limitations, and the exclusion of either or both of the limitations are included in the invention.

於此所提出的特定範圍係於該用語”大約(about)”之前具有數值。於此使用的該用語”大約(about)”，針對其之前的確切數字，以及接近或是大約為該用語之前的該數字的一數字提供字面上的支援。在確定一數字係接近或是大約為一具體詳述的數字當中，該接近或是近似未詳述數字，於提出的上下文中，可為一數字提供該具體詳述之數字之實質等同。The specific range set forth herein has a numerical value before the term "about". The term "about" as used herein provides literal support for the exact number before it, and for a number that is close to or approximately the number before the term. In determining whether a number is near or approximately a specific detail, the proximity or approximation is not a detailed number, and in the context of the present disclosure, a numerical equivalent of the specifically recited number can be provided.

除非另有定義，否則於此使用的所有技術及科學的用語具有如熟知本發明所屬技藝之人士一般瞭解之相同的意義。儘管與於此說明者相似或等同的任何方法及材料亦能夠在實踐或測試本發明時使用，但現說明的是代表性說明方法及材料。All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the presently illustrated methods and materials are representative.

於此說明書中所引用的所有公開案及專利，於此係以全文引用方式併入本案以為參考資料，如同每一個別公開案或專利係具體地及個別地指示併入作為參考資料，並係於此併入作為參考資料用以揭示及說明與該等公開案所引用之相關聯的該等方法及/或材料。任何公開案之引用係針對在申請日之前其之揭示內容，並且不應視為承認本發明係未具資格藉由先前發明將該公開案提前日期。再者，所提供的該公開案之日期可與該需獨立地確認之實際的公開案日期不同。All publications and patents cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein in their entirety herein in the the the the the the the The methods and/or materials associated with the references cited in the publications are hereby incorporated by reference. The disclosure of any publication is directed to the disclosure of the disclosure prior to the filing date and is not to be construed as an admission that the invention is not Furthermore, the date of the publication provided may be different from the actual publication date that needs to be independently confirmed.

應注意的是，如於此及該等附加的申請專利範圍中所使用者，除非於上下文中另有清楚地指示，否則該等單數形式”a”、”an”、及”the”包括複數的指示物。應進一步注意的是該等申請專利範圍可經擬寫成將任何可任擇元件排除。就其本身而論，此陳述係意欲使用作為與申請專利範圍元件之詳述有關針對使用諸如”唯一地(solely)”、”僅有(only)”及相似者，或是使用”負面”表示的先行詞基礎。It should be noted that the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are used in the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Indicator. It should be further noted that the scope of such claims can be construed as excluding any optional elements. For its part, this statement is intended to be used in connection with the detailed description of the elements of the patent application for the use of such as "solely", "only" and the like, or "negative" The antecedent foundation.

熟知此技藝之人士一經閱讀此揭示內容將為顯而易見的是與此說明及圖示的每一個別觀點具有各別的構成成分與特性，其可與任何的其他複數觀點之該等特性容易地分開或是與之結合而不致背離本發明之範疇及精神。任何詳述的方法能夠在所詳述情況之順序，或是邏輯上可能的任何其他順序下完成。It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that upon reading this disclosure, it is obvious that each individual point of the description and illustration has individual constituents and characteristics that can be easily separated from those of any other plural. It may be combined with it without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Any detailed method can be performed in the order of the details described, or in any other order that is logically possible.

儘管該前述發明為了清楚地瞭解之目的已經由圖式及實例稍微詳細地加以說明，但熟知此技藝之人士根據本發明之講授內容將容易地顯而易見，可對本發明作改變及修改而不至背離該等附加的申請專利範圍之精神或範疇。Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail and the embodiments of the embodiments of the present invention, the invention may be The spirit or scope of these additional patentable scopes.

因此，前述內容僅說明本發明之原理。應察知的是熟知此技藝之人士能夠策劃不同的佈置，儘管於此未明確地說明或顯示，其使本發明之原理具體化並係涵蓋於本發明之精神與範疇內。再者，於此詳述的所有實例及條件性語言主要地係意欲幫助讀者瞭解本發明之原理以及由發明人提供的該等概念，用以促進此技藝並係視為未限制在該等具體詳述的實例以及狀況上。此外，於此詳述本發明之原理、觀點以及其之具體實例的所有陳述，係意欲包含其之結構及功能性等同。此外，意欲該等等同包括目前熟知的等同以及未來發展的等同，亦即，所發展的任何組成執行相同的功能，與結構無關。本發明之範疇並不意欲限定在於此所顯示及說明的該等觀點及精神上。更確切地說本發明之範疇及精神係由該等附加的申請專利範圍加以具體化。Accordingly, the foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. It is to be understood that a person skilled in the art can devise various arrangements, which are not specifically described or shown, which are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, all of the examples and conditional language that are described herein are intended to be illustrative of the principles of the invention and the concepts provided by the inventors to facilitate the art and are not to be construed as limiting Detailed examples and status. In addition, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and specific examples of the invention are intended to be construed as a Furthermore, it is intended that such equivalents include the presently known equivalents and equivalents of the future development, that is, any component that is developed performs the same function, regardless of the structure. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects and spirits shown and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of the invention are embodied by the scope of the appended claims.

100．．．可吞式治療活化器環境100. . . Swallowable treatment of activator environment

102．．．可吞式治療活化器102. . . Swallowable therapeutic activator

108．．．治療裝置108. . . Treatment device

200．．．可吞式裝置200. . . Swallowable device

202．．．作用器模組202. . . Actuator module

204．．．作用器指令204. . . Actuator instruction

206．．．反應器模組206. . . Reactor module

300．．．載具300. . . vehicle

302．．．組件302. . . Component

400．．．微晶片400. . . Microchip

402．．．電源402. . . power supply

404．．．傳送器404. . . Transmitter

500．．．軟體指令500. . . Software instruction

502．．．信號502. . . signal

504．．．數據504. . . data

600．．．接收器600. . . receiver

800．．．人800. . . people

804．．．心臟起搏裝置804. . . Cardiac pacing device

808．．．控制器電路808. . . Controller circuit

圖1圖示包括一可吞式治療活化器的一可吞式活化器環境。Figure 1 illustrates a swallowable activator environment including a swallowable therapeutic activator.

圖2係更為詳細地圖示圖1之該可吞式治療活化器。Figure 2 illustrates the swallowable therapeutic activator of Figure 1 in more detail.

圖3係更為詳細地圖示圖2之該治療活化器的一可吞式裝置。Figure 3 is a diagram showing a swallowable device of the therapeutic activator of Figure 2 in more detail.

圖4係更為詳細地圖示圖3之該可吞式裝置的一作用器模組。Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the actuator module of the swallowable device of Figure 3 in more detail.

圖5係更為詳細地圖示圖2之該可吞式治療活化器的一作用器指令。Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an actuator command of the swallowable therapeutic activator of Figure 2 in more detail.

圖6係更為詳細地圖示圖2之該可吞式治療活化器的一反應器模組。Figure 6 is a more detailed illustration of a reactor module of the swallowable therapeutic activator of Figure 2.

圖7圖示圖1之該可吞式活化器環境的一治療裝置。Figure 7 illustrates a treatment device of the swallowable activator environment of Figure 1.

圖8圖示經由一可吞式治療活化器之一治療裝置的吞入與活化。Figure 8 illustrates the ingestion and activation of a treatment device via one of the swallowable therapeutic activators.

102．．．可吞式治療活化器102. . . Swallowable therapeutic activator

108．．．治療裝置108. . . Treatment device

Claims

一種用於對一治療裝置提供指令的系統，該系統包含：一可吞式單元，其包含：一外殼；以及一作用器模組，其係固定在該外殼內用以提供一作用器指令，其中該外殼一經與一所需目標位置之該周圍流體接觸即溶解以釋放該作用器模組而其中該作用器模組包含：一支撐結構，其包括二不同的材料配置於其上，其中該不同的材料表現出一電壓電位差並一經與該流體接觸即對該可吞式單元提供電力；一反應器模組，其與該治療裝置連通用以接收並處理該作用器指令，其中該作用器指令改變該治療裝置之至少一作業；以及一密封地閉合的傳導控制模組，其電耦合至該等不同材料之每一者用以控制該等不同材料之間之傳導，用以產生提供該作用器指令的一獨有的電流信號，其中經由控制離子發射產生該電流信號。 A system for providing instructions to a treatment device, the system comprising: a swallowable unit comprising: a housing; and an actuator module secured within the housing for providing an actuator command Wherein the housing dissolves to release the actuator module upon contact with the surrounding fluid at a desired target location, wherein the actuator module includes: a support structure including two different materials disposed thereon, wherein the housing Different materials exhibit a voltage potential difference and provide power to the swallowable unit upon contact with the fluid; a reactor module in communication with the therapeutic device for receiving and processing the actuator command, wherein the actuator Commanding to change at least one operation of the treatment device; and a hermetically closed conduction control module electrically coupled to each of the different materials for controlling conduction between the different materials for generating the A unique current signal commanded by the actuator, wherein the current signal is generated via controlled ion emission.

如申請專利範圍第1項之系統，其中該可吞式單元進一步包含一口服藥。 The system of claim 1, wherein the swallowable unit further comprises an oral drug.

如申請專利範圍第1項之系統，其中該可吞式單元進一步包含一第二作用器模組其係固定在該外殼內，用以提供一第二作用器指令。 The system of claim 1, wherein the swallowable unit further comprises a second actuator module secured within the housing for providing a second actuator command.

如申請專利範圍第1項之系統，其中該作用器指令包含資料。 The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator command includes data.

如申請專利範圍第1項之系統，其中該反應器模組更包含一傳送器以傳送資料與訊號之至少一者。 The system of claim 1, wherein the reactor module further comprises a transmitter for transmitting at least one of data and signals.

如申請專利範圍第1項之系統，更包含該治療裝置。 The system of claim 1 further includes the treatment device.

如申請專利範圍第6項之系統，其中該治療裝置為心臟裝置。 The system of claim 6, wherein the treatment device is a cardiac device.

如申請專利範圍第7項之系統，其中該治療裝置為導線裝置。 The system of claim 7, wherein the treatment device is a wire device.

如申請專利範圍第6項之系統，其中該治療裝置為選自由電極裝置、偏頭痛裝置、泌尿系統裝置、胃腸裝置所組成之群組中之一者。 The system of claim 6, wherein the therapeutic device is one selected from the group consisting of an electrode device, a migraine device, a urinary system device, and a gastrointestinal device.

如申請專利範圍第1項之系統，其中該反應器模組包含一硬體組件與一軟體組件之至少之一者。 The system of claim 1, wherein the reactor module comprises at least one of a hardware component and a software component.

一種對使用一可吞式裝置的一治療裝置提供指令的方法，該方法包含以下步驟：將該可吞式裝置之一作用器模組程式化；吞下該可吞式裝置，其中該可吞式裝置包含一外殼及固定在該外殼內之作用器模組，且其中該作用器模組包含一支撐結構，其包括二不同的材料配置於其上，以及一密封地閉合的傳導控制模組，其電耦合至該等不同材料之每一者；一經抵達一目標位置即活化該可吞式裝置，其中該目標位置之特徵在於存在有傳導流體，其中該外殼一經與該傳導流體接觸即溶解以釋放該作用器模組，且其中該不同的材料表現出一電壓電位差並一經與該流體接觸即對該可吞式單元提供電力；經由該作用器模組傳送一作用器指令，其中該密封地閉合的傳導控制模組控制該等不同材料之間之傳導以產生提供該作用器指令的一獨有的電流信號，且其中該電流信號係經由控制離子發射而產生；以及經由與該治療裝置結合的一反應器模組接收及處理該作用器指令，導致該治療裝置作一反應，其改變該治療裝置之至少一操作。 A method of providing instructions to a treatment device using a swallowable device, the method comprising the steps of: staging a stimulator module of the swallowable device; swallowing the swallowable device, wherein the swallowable device The device comprises a housing and an actuator module fixed in the housing, and wherein the actuator module comprises a supporting structure, comprising two different materials disposed thereon, and a sealingly closed conduction control module Electrically coupled to each of the different materials; the swallowable device is activated upon reaching a target location, wherein the target location is characterized by the presence of a conductive fluid, wherein the outer shell dissolves upon contact with the conductive fluid Releasing the actuator module, and wherein the different material exhibits a voltage potential difference and provides power to the swallowable unit upon contact with the fluid; Transmitting an actuator command via the actuator module, wherein the hermetically closed conduction control module controls conduction between the different materials to generate a unique current signal that provides the actuator command, and wherein the current The signal is generated by controlling ion emission; and receiving and processing the actuator command via a reactor module in conjunction with the therapeutic device, causing the therapeutic device to react to alter at least one operation of the therapeutic device.