Patent ID: 11937791

Abstract:
Devices for sampling gastro-intestinal material are disclosed. In one arrangement a device comprises a capsule body that has a sample input valve. A suction mechanism is provided that is capable of generating a partial vacuum within the capsule body and thereby drawing gastro-intestinal material into the capsule body through the sample input valve. An actuator actuates the suction mechanism. The actuator comprises a dissolvable element and is configured so that the dissolvable element dissolves in a predetermined region of the gastro-intestinal tract and the dissolving of the dissolvable element causes actuation of the suction mechanism. The suction mechanism comprises a biasing member restrained by the dissolvable element prior to actuation of the suction mechanism. The dissolving of the dissolvable element releases the biasing member. The biasing member expands a sample chamber within the capsule body on release of the biasing member, and generates the partial vacuum within the capsule body.