Wireless endovascular stent-based electrodes

Apparatus for use with a blood vessel of a subject, comprising:

• a stent configured to be placed in the blood vessel, the stent comprising:
• a generally cylindrical stent body;
• a plurality of posts protruding longitudinally from an end of the stent body;
• an antenna disposed annularly on the posts, such that the posts separate the antenna from the end of the stent body.

A method for use with a blood vessel of a subject, comprising:

• providing a stent that includes:
• a generally cylindrical stent body;
• a plurality of posts longitudinally protruding from an end of the stent body;
• an antenna disposed annularly on the posts, such that the posts separate the antenna from the stent body;
• and
• placing the stent inside the blood vessel.

A method for use with a blood vessel of a subject, comprising:

• placing into the blood vessel:
• a stent having a generally cylindrical stent body;
• at least one electrode that is coupled to the stent body;
• and
• an antenna that is coupled to the stent body,
• the placing being performed such that the antenna is separated from the stent body;
• and
• operating a transmitter:
• to generate an inductive current through the antenna by transmitting RF energy toward the antenna;
• and
• using the inductive current, to drive a current into the blood vessel via the electrode.