In the field of endoscopic inspection of digestive organs, internally-swallowed-type endoscopes in lieu of conventional catheter types are now of interest, and such devices are applicable to minimally invasive treatment. Electrical power supplies for an internally-swallowed endoscope include compact batteries, and other devices that utilize electromagnetic induction by an external magnetic field.
However, compact batteries contain toxic substances, and a severe health problem may occur in the event that such a battery breaks within the body. At the same time, methods using electromagnetic induction entail issues; they deprive patients of free movement and are also inapplicable to patients who use a pacemaker or other medical equipment.
Internally-swallowed endoscopes also require further miniaturization and substantially more and improved functions, and new batteries must be developed to supply sufficient electrical power to the equipment.
According to the present invention, an internally-swallowed-type generator battery is structured in the form of a voltaic cell that uses stomach acid as an electrolytic solution. Inside the cylindrical case to which stomach acid is introduced there are an anode comprising a metal (e.g., platinum) which is harmless to the human body and has hydrogen reduction activity, and a cathode comprising a metal (e.g., zinc) which is harmless to the human body and has a higher electric potential difference for ionization than the metal that constitutes the anode.
A filter is also provided to prevent the stomach contents from entering the case and ensure that stomach acid is retained.
The present invention enables manufacturing of a small-sized generator battery which is harmless to the human body when swallowed and can supply electrical power for an extended period, thereby allowing a physician to perform more precise endoscopic inspection.
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