Communication device and methods

A method of transcutaneously transmitting data from a subcutaneous sensor positioned within a subject, the subcutaneous sensor configured to couple with an implant, wherein the implant includes a circuit board, and wherein the subcutaneous sensor configured to sense data and transmit the sensed data to the circuit board, the circuit board configured to receive data sensed by the subcutaneous sensor and communicate the sensed data to a controller, and the controller configured to wirelessly and transcutaneously transmit data sensed by the subcutaneous sensor using an ultrasound data signal, the transmitter includes a tubular piezoelectric transducer,

• wherein the tubular piezoelectric transducer extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the implant, and the tubular piezoelectric transducer is configured to propagate data radially to a receiver external to a subject into which the implantable device is positioned;
• the method comprising:
• transcutaneously transmitting wireless power to a receiver external or subcutaneous to the subject;
• sensing data with the subcutaneous sensor;
• and
• transcutaneously radially transmitting sensed data from the subcutaneous sensor covering 360 degrees.

An implant kit, comprising:

• an implant configured to be implanted in a subject;
• and
• a subcutaneous force sensor configured to couple with the implant, the subcutaneous force sensor configured to sense force data associated with an applied force of the implant and transmit the sensed data to a circuit board;
• wherein the implant includes:
• the circuit board configured to receive data sensed by the subcutaneous sensor and communicate the sensed data to a controller;
• the controller configured to transmit the sensed data to a transmitter;
• a force-load coupler configured to interface between the implant and the subcutaneous force sensor;
• and
• the transmitter configured to wirelessly receive power and configured to wirelessly and transcutaneously transmit the force data sensed by the subcutaneous force sensor via an ultrasound data signal, wherein the transmitter includes a tubular piezoelectric transducer, the tubular piezoelectric transducer extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the implant, and the tubular piezoelectric transducer is configured to propagate data radially covering 360 degrees to a receiver external to a subject into which the implantable device is positioned.