The invention relates to methods and devices for remote or distributed continuous monitoring of physiologically relevant states. The invention provides for methods to automatically detect deviations or other states in physiological parameters and automatically alert a measured subject, user or other authorized party. The device provides for a universal platform for sensors, and further provides for the automatic compensation or distribution of devices or bioactive agents at appropriate levels and/or intervals in response to deviations or other states sensed in various physiological parameters.

Gateway platform for biological monitoring and delivery of therapeutic compounds

A surgical instrument includes a distal portion. A force sensor is operatively mounted on the distal portion. The force sensor includes a wireless package, which wirelessly provides (1) identification information of the surgical instrument and (2) strain data related to the distal portion. A surgical end effector includes a jaw and the distal portion is on a non-contact portion of the jaw. The wireless package includes a surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The wireless package also includes a small folded antenna electrically coupled to the surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The identification information includes an identification of a type of surgical instrument and unique identification of the specific surgical instrument in the type of surgical instrument.

Wireless force sensor on a distal portion of a surgical instrument and method

An endovascular or intraluminal stent comprising an expandable framework including a plurality of interconnected undulating or otherwise connected segments, and a plurality of fibers disposed on the expandable framework. At least a portion of the plurality of fibers is loaded with a therapeutic agent.

Medical device including drug-loaded fibers

An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte using both indicator and reference channels. The sensor has a sensor body with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. At least one optical characteristic of these indicator molecules varies with analyte concentration. For example, the level of fluorescence of fluorescent indicator molecules or the amount of light absorbed by light-absorbing indicator molecules can vary as a function of analyte concentration. In addition, radiation emitted by the source also interacts with reference membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. Radiation (e.g., light) emitted or reflected by these indicator molecules enters and is internally reflected in the sensor body. Photosensitive elements within the sensor body generate both indicator channel and reference channel signals to provide an accurate indication of the concentration of the analyte. Preferred embodiments are totally self-contained and are sized and shaped for use in vivo in a human being. Such embodiments preferably include a power source, e.g. an inductor, which powers the source of radiation using external means, as well as a transmitter, e.g. an inductor, to transmit to external pickup means the signal representing the level of analyte.

Optical-based sensing devices

Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects.

Circulatory monitoring systems and methods

An implant device is provided which is responsive to an external interrogation circuit. The implant device includes a structure implantable within a living animal and operatively configured to carry out or assist in carrying out a function within the living animal. The device further includes an electrically passive sensing circuit integral with the structure for sensing a parameter associated with the function. In particular, the sensing circuit includes an inductive element wherein the sensing circuit has a frequency dependent variable impedance loading effect on the interrogation circuit in response to an interrogation signal provided by the exciter/interrogator element, the impedance loading effect varying in relation to the sensed parameter.

Remotely interrogated diagnostic implant device with electrically passive sensor

A system (30) for remotely interrogating a diagnostic implant device (32) utilizes acoustic energy to power, and interrogate the device (32). Acoustic energy is utilized by an acoustic source/detector unit (38) to excite the device (32) from outside the body of a patient. By analyzing the response of the device (32) to such excitation with an acoustic analyzer (36), it is possible to ascertain the condition of the device (32). Additionally, acoustic energy may be used to provide operating power to the device (32).

Acoustic-based remotely interrogated diagnostic implant device and system

An implant device which includes a structure implantable within a living animal and a sensor included as part of the structure. The sensor is operatively configured to detect accretion of biological material on the sensor by producing an output which varies as a function of the accretion of biological material on the sensor. A communication element is further included as part of the structure and is operatively coupled to the output of the sensor. The communication element is configured to communicate information based on the output of the sensor wirelessly to a remote element located outside the living animal.

Remotely interrogated implant device with sensor for detecting accretion of biological matter

An analyzer apparatus and method is provided for analyzing restenosis associated with a stent implanted within a living body. The apparatus includes an input for receiving ultrasonic data from an ultrasonic imaging apparatus; digital memory for storing the ultrasonic data at least temporarily; a processor for analyzing the ultrasonic data, the processor being configured to analyze the data in accordance with at least one predefined criteria to diagnose a degree of restenosis experienced by the stent; and an output for outputting information indicative of the diagnosis.

Ultrasonic detection of restenosis in stents

A system for detecting wear debris particulate from a medical implant within the body of a living animal is provided. The system includes an acoustic transmitter for transmitting acoustinc energy from outside the body to a soft tissue region proximate the medical implant containing wear debris particles; an acoustic receiver located outside the body to detect resultant acoustic energy generated by the wear debris particles and produce a received signal indicative thereof; a processor for processing the received signal to evaluate at least one parameter associated with the wear debris particles; and an output for indicating the at least one parameter.

Eric M. Weissman

Papers

Remotely interrogated diagnostic implant device with electrically passive sensor

Acoustic-based remotely interrogated diagnostic implant device and system

Remotely interrogated implant device with sensor for detecting accretion of biological matter

Ultrasonic detection of restenosis in stents

Implant wear debris detection apparatus and method