Microtransponder Array for Implant

• US 20090198293A1
• Filed: 11/26/2008
• Published: 08/06/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: MicroTransponder Inc., Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Original Assignee: MicroTransponder Inc., Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Inventors: Weiner, Richard, Cauller, Lawrence
• Application Number:
  US12/324,000
• Publication Number:
  US 20090198293A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0219 of externally powered implanted units
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/028 Microscale sensors, e.g. electromechanical sensors [MEMS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6849 in combination with a needle set
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source

Abstract

A wireless microtransponder array constructed as a single structure of joined microtransponders. The microtransponders can be configured as a linear array strip with connective material in between. The microtransponders can also be entirely embedded within a strip of material, or joined by a single, common substrate structure.

Claims

1. A microtransponder array, comprising:

an array comprised of adjacent and physically joined wireless microtransponders;

wherein each microtransponder is wirelessly interfaced.

3. The array of claim 1, wherein the array includes both longitudinal and latitudinal joined wireless microtransponders.

5. The array of claim 1, wherein the joined wireless microtransponders form a geometric shape that can include at least one of the following:

elongated strip;

square;

rectangle;

hexagon;

circle; and

oval.

6. The array of claim 1, wherein the array comprises a material selected from the following group:

silicone elastomers;

silicone hydrogels;

plastic.

8. The array of claim 1, wherein the array is biodegradable and comprises a material selected from the following group:

protein-based polymers;

sugar-based poly-saccharides;

poly-glyolic acids (PGA); and

poly-lactic acids (PLA).

11. The array of claim 1, wherein the array is coated with material that comprises a material selected from the following group:

polyethylene glycol (PEG);

poly-lactic acids (PLA);

biomimetic coating; and

trillium biosurface.

13. The array of claim 1, wherein the wireless microtransponders expose superior and inferior electrodes through windows.

14. The array of claim 1, further comprising:

an ion permeable material that resist ingrowth of surrounding tissue; and

joined wireless microtransponders totally embedded within.

2. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

9-10. -10. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

15-47. -47. (canceled)

48. An electronic device for implantation, comprising:

an array of physically joined embedded wireless components;

wherein the array is ion permeable and resists ingrowth of nonconductive fibrous matter.

49. The electronic device of claim 48, wherein the array is marked.

50. The electronic device of claim 49, wherein the marking can include a fluorescent dye marker visible under appropriate light sources through the skin.

51. The method of claim 48, wherein the array includes both longitudinal and latitudinal joined wireless components.

52. The method of claim 48, wherein the array of joined embedded components is removable and coated with a material selected from the following group:

polyethylene glycol (PEG);

poly-lactic acids (PLA);

biomimetic coating; and

trillium biosurface.

53. The array of claim 48, wherein the array comprises a biological degradable material.

54-63. -63. (canceled)

64. A biocompatible electronic module implantable into living tissue, comprising:

a plurality of electronic devices wirelessly powered and coupled together to form a physically joined array of a size permitting implanting from a needle; and

at least one electrical conduction path through said array that connects at least one terminal of said device to surrounding tissue.

66. The biocompatible electronic module of claim 64, wherein the array is physically joined using material selected from the following group:

silicone elastomers;

silicone hydrogels;

plastic; and

monofilament.

67. The biocompatible electronic module of claim 64, wherein the electronic device is coated with material that comprises a material selected from the following group:

polyethylene glycol (PEG);

poly-lactic acids (PLA);

biomimetic coating; and

trillium biosurface.

70. The biocompatible electronic module of claim 64, wherein the array comprises an ion permeable strip that resists ingrowth of surrounding tissue and joined microtransponders that are totally embedded within.

71. The biocompatible electronic module of claim 64, wherein the array keeps tissue a minimum distance away from at least a portion of the electronic device.

72. The biocompatible electronic module of claim 64, wherein the electronic device includes a single substrate structure.

74. The biocompatible electronic module of claim 64, wherein the array comprises a biological degradable material.

65. (canceled)

68-69. -69. (canceled)

73. (canceled)