Implantable micro-electromechanical system sensor
AssigneePacesetter, Inc.
InventorsYong D. Zhao, Apratim Dixit
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure relates in some aspects to an implantable pressure sensor and a method of measuring pressure. In some embodiments pressure may be measured through the use of an implantable lead incorporating one or more pressure sensors. In some aspects a pressure sensor is implemented in a micro-electromechanical system (“MEMS”) that employs direct mechanical sensing. A biocompatible material is attached to one or more portions of the MEMS sensor to facilitate implant in a body of a patient. The MEMS sensor may thus be incorporated into an implantable lead for measuring blood pressure in, for example, one or more chambers of the patient's heart.
Claims14
An implantable lead comprising:
- a lead body;
- a sensor housing attached to the lead body, and defining an internal space, and comprising at least one outer wall defining an aperture;
- a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor comprising a diaphragm, wherein:
- the pressure sensor is positioned within the internal space and adjoins the aperture of the sensor housing such that an outer surface of at least a portion of the diaphragm is exposed to the aperture;
- and
- the pressure sensor is sized and contained within the internal space such that during thermal expansion the pressure sensor is free to expand in at least one direction;
- and
- a biocompatible material attached to the outer surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.