Distributed external and internal wireless sensor systems for characterization of surface and subsurface biomedical structure and condition
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsWilliam J. Kaiser, Majid Sarrafzadeh, Denise Aberle, Maxim Batalin, Alireza Mehrnia, Ani Nahapetian
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Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed that use wireless coupling of energy for operation of both external and internal devices, including external sensor arrays and implantable devices. The signals conveyed may be electronic, optical, acoustic, biomechanical, and others to provide in situ sensing and monitoring of internal anatomies and implants using a wireless, biocompatible electromagnetic powered sensor systems.
Claims24
An interrogatable sensor system for acquiring one or more biological characteristics of an internal tissue region of a patient, comprising:
- an interrogator configured to be positioned at a location external to the body of the patient and transmit energy in the form of an electromagnetic waveform;
- a first implant configured to be disposed at or near the internal tissue region;
- wherein the first implant comprises a sensor element configured to receive a physiological signal through at least a portion of the internal tissue region;
- wherein the physiological signal emanating within the body of the patient and comprising at least one physiological characteristic of the internal tissue region;
- wherein the first implant comprises an antenna responsive to electromagnetic energy transmitted from the interrogator;
- and
- wherein the electromagnetic energy powers the implant with sufficient energy to power the receipt of the physiological signal through the sensor element.
A method for acquiring one or more biological characteristics of an internal tissue region of a patient, comprising:
- positioning an interrogator at a location external to the body of the patient;
- the interrogator configured to transmit energy in the form of an electromagnetic waveform;
- delivering a first implant to a location at or near the internal tissue region;
- wherein the first implant comprises a sensor element configured to receive a physiological signal through at least a portion of the internal tissue region;
- wherein the first implant comprises an antenna responsive to electromagnetic energy transmitted from the interrogator;
- transmitting an electromagnetic signal from the interrogator;
- receiving the electromagnetic signal via the antenna;
- inductively powering the first implant via the electromagnetic signal;
- and
- instructing the implant via the electromagnetic receive a physiological signal emanating within the body of the patient and comprising at least one physiological characteristic of the internal tissue region;
- wherein the electromagnetic energy powers the implant with sufficient energy to power the receipt of the physiological signal through the sensor element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.