Methods and systems relating to biological systems with embedded mems sensors
Inventors
Harvey, Edward • Chodavarapu, Vamsy • Allan, Charles
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10499822-B2
Publication Date
2019-12-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
Small implantable silicon-based devices offer an ability to revolutionize the management of trauma victims. For example, implantable pressure sensors allow the devastating outcomes of compartment syndrome to be minimized through continuous or periodic monitoring whilst being compatible with the ongoing drives to increase out-patient care and reduced hospitalization time. Further, small implantable silicon-based sensor microsystems according to embodiments of the invention whilst being capable of measuring pressures under diverse conditions are easily used by nurses in hospital settings as well as also being easily deployed by paramedical personnel in cases of accidents, natural disasters, war, etc. Beneficially, the implantable sensor microsystem will not interfere with movement of the patient during stabilization, surgery, intensive care stay, outpatient management, etc.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a pressure sensor device at least partially implantable into a body, where sensing is performed on a flexible circuit that includes at least one opening between a first surface and a second surface. A pressure sensor is mounted on the first surface over the opening to measure a pressure within the body, with the measured pressure coupled through the opening to the pressure sensor.
The device includes an antenna for at least transmitting data and a wireless interface circuit connected to the antenna and the pressure sensor to transmit a signal indicative of the measured pressure via the antenna. The device further includes an encapsulant deposited over at least a portion of the pressure sensor and the portion of the flexible circuit including the first surface excluding the second surface, and a flexible coating encapsulating at least the pressure sensor and the encapsulant.
The disclosed pressure sensing concept is directed to absolute pressure by using pressure sensing elements and reference pressure elements, where measured pressure corresponds to absolute pressure. Absolute pressure may be determined based on capacitances of one or more pressure sensing elements and one or more reference pressure elements.
The disclosed implantable pressure sensor device can also provide identification by configuring the wireless interface circuit to transmit, together with the measured pressure, a unique identification code stored in the wireless interface circuit. The described system embodiments include a receiver antenna/coil and an external reader/coil architecture for wireless interaction.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers an implantable pressure sensor device with a flexible circuit having openings, a pressure sensor mounted over the openings for measuring in-body pressure coupled through the openings, and a wireless interface circuit transmitting a signal indicative of the measured pressure via an antenna. It also requires specific encapsulation/coating arrangements covering the pressure sensor and a portion of the flexible circuit while excluding the second surface.
Implantable pressure sensor on flexible circuit with openings
A pressure sensor device at least partially implantable into a body, including a flexible circuit with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the flexible circuit being provided with at least one opening extending between the first surface and the second surface.
Pressure sensor mounted over openings for in-body pressure coupling
At least one pressure sensor mounted on the first surface of the flexible circuit over a respective one of the at least one opening of the flexible circuit for measuring a pressure within the body, where the measured pressure is coupled to the at least one pressure sensor through the respective one of the at least one opening of the flexible circuit.
Wireless interface transmitting pressure signal via antenna
A wireless interface circuit connected to the antenna and the at least one pressure sensor, the wireless interface circuit for transmitting a signal indicative of the measured pressure via the antenna.
Encapsulant and flexible coating excluding second surface
An encapsulant deposited over at least a portion of the at least one pressure sensor and a portion of the flexible circuit including the first surface and excluding the second surface of the flexible circuit, and a flexible coating encapsulating at least the at least one pressure sensor and the encapsulant.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on implantable pressure sensing performed on a flexible circuit with through openings, wireless transmission of a pressure-indicative signal through an antenna, and encapsulation/coating structures that cover the pressure sensor and first-surface region while excluding the second surface.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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