Composite material for implantable device
First Claim
1. A device suitable for implantation in a body of a host, the device comprising a composite material comprising a matrix material and a plurality of hollow gas-filled beads, wherein a dielectric constant of the composite material is less than a dielectric constant of the matrix material, the device further comprising an antenna that is configured for wireless communication and that is substantially encapsulated by the composite material, and wherein the composite material is configured to enhance tuning of the antenna.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices suitable for implantation in a body of a host and systems and methods for their manufacture are provided. The implantable devices include a composite material formed at least from a matrix material and hollow gas-filled beads. In preferred embodiments, the composite material includes a polymeric matrix mixed with hollow air-filled glass beads, which are mixed and cured to form at least a portion of the body of the implantable device. Implantable devices including this composite material have decreased weight and/or overall density as compared to implantable devices without the beads incorporated therein, which is believed to improve the acceptance and function of the implantable device in vivo. Additionally, implantable devices concerned with transmitting and receiving via RF are believed to achieve improved RF performance due to a reduced dielectric constant provided by the incorporation of beads within the composite material.
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Citations
26 Claims
- 1. A device suitable for implantation in a body of a host, the device comprising a composite material comprising a matrix material and a plurality of hollow gas-filled beads, wherein a dielectric constant of the composite material is less than a dielectric constant of the matrix material, the device further comprising an antenna that is configured for wireless communication and that is substantially encapsulated by the composite material, and wherein the composite material is configured to enhance tuning of the antenna.
- 14. A device suitable for implantation in a body of a host, the device comprising a composite material comprising a matrix material and a plurality of hollow gas-filled beads and further comprising an antenna for radiating or receiving an RF transmission, wherein the antenna is substantially encapsulated by the composite material, and wherein the composite material is configured to enhance tuning of the antenna.
- 22. A device suitable for implantation in a host, the device comprising electronics having an antenna for radiating or receiving an RF transmission and further comprising a body that substantially encapsulates the antenna, wherein the overall density of the device is about 1 g/cm3, and wherein the body is formed of a composite material configured to enhance tuning of the antenna.
Specification