Implantable sensor and integrity tests therefor
First Claim
1. In an electrochemical sensor having an hermetically sealed portion and a non-hermetically sealed portion, the hermetically sealed portion containing electronic circuitry, the non-hermetically sealed portion having at least one electrode associated therewith, the electronic circuitry comprising means for measuring a specified parameter within body fluids or tissue to which the at least one electrode is exposed, and means for performing at least one integrity test to verify proper operation of the sensor.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable sensor includes electronic circuitry for automatically performing on a periodic basis, e.g., every 1 to 24 hours, specified integrity tests which verify proper operation of the sensor.
646 Citations
20 Claims
- 1. In an electrochemical sensor having an hermetically sealed portion and a non-hermetically sealed portion, the hermetically sealed portion containing electronic circuitry, the non-hermetically sealed portion having at least one electrode associated therewith, the electronic circuitry comprising means for measuring a specified parameter within body fluids or tissue to which the at least one electrode is exposed, and means for performing at least one integrity test to verify proper operation of the sensor.
-
13. An implantable sensor comprising:
-
implantable structure;
means integral with said implantable structure for generating an electrical signal indicative of a monitored parameter; and
electronic circuitry integral with said implantable structure, said electronic circuitry including means for automatically performing on a periodic basis at least one specified integrity test which verifies proper operation of the sensor.
-
-
18. A method of testing an implantable sensor, said sensor including means for sensing a parameter and generating an output signal indicative thereof, said method comprising the steps of:
-
placing circuitry integral with said sensor that performs at least one integrity test designed to verify proper operation of said implantable sensor; and
periodically performing said at least one integrity test while said implantable sensor remains implanted
-
Specification