Implantable sensor and integrity tests therefor
First Claim
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1. An implantable sensor comprising:
- an implantable housing;
at least one sensing device integral with said implantable housing for sensing a physiological parameter;
measurement circuitry integral with said implantable housing and coupled to said at least one sensing device for generating an electrical signal indicative of a sensed parameter; and
wherein said measurement circuitry is configured for automatically performing on a periodic basis at least one specified integrity test which verifies proper operation of said sensing device in combination with said measurement circuitry.
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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.
465 Citations
8 Claims
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1. An implantable sensor comprising:
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an implantable housing;
at least one sensing device integral with said implantable housing for sensing a physiological parameter;
measurement circuitry integral with said implantable housing and coupled to said at least one sensing device for generating an electrical signal indicative of a sensed parameter; and
whereinsaid measurement circuitry is configured for automatically performing on a periodic basis at least one specified integrity test which verifies proper operation of said sensing device in combination with said measurement circuitry. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
at least a portion of said implantable housing is hermetically-sealed;
said measurement circuitry comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip inside of said housing; and
said sensing device comprises at least one electrode external to said hermetically sealed portion of said housing.
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3. The implantable sensor of claim 2 wherein said at least one specified integrity test comprises means for measuring voltage, current, or impedance between said at least one electrode and a specified reference point.
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4. The implantable sensor of claim 3 wherein said specified reference point comprises a point external to said hermetically-sealed housing.
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5. The implantable sensor of claim 3 wherein said specified reference point comprises a point internal to said hermetically-sealed housing.
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6. A method of testing an implantable sensor, said sensor including measurement circuitry for sensing a physiological parameter from a sensing device and generating an output signal indicative thereof, said method comprising the steps of:
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placing a sensing device integral with said sensor for sensing a physiological parameter;
placing measurement circuitry integral with said sensor that performs at least one integrity test designed to verify proper operation of said sensing device in combination with said measurement circuitry; and
periodically performing said at least one integrity test while said implantable sensor remains implanted. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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Specification