Abstract: A biosensor for monitoring pressure or other physical parameters at an aneurysm site is mountable to a tubular prosthesis that is expandable between contracted and enlarged conditions. A loop, having the biosensor attached thereto, is securable around the prosthesis. An apparatus is used to deliver the loop to an aneurysm site that includes a catheter having a connector on its distal end for detachably securing the loop thereto. The prosthesis is advanced in a contracted state to the aneurysm, and the apparatus, with the loop connected thereto, is advanced to the aneurysm site. The loop and the prosthesis are positioned coaxially with respect to one another, and the prosthesis is expanded towards its enlarged condition, thereby engaging the loop around the prosthesis and engaging the prosthesis with a wall of the blood vessel at the treatment site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating with an implant within a patient's body using acoustic telemetry includes an external communications device attachable to the patient's skin. The device includes an acoustic transducer for transmitting acoustic signals into the patient's body and/or for receiving acoustic signals from the implant. The device includes a battery for providing electrical energy to operate the device, a processor for extracting data from acoustic signals received from the implant, and memory for storing the data. The device may include an interface for communicating with a recorder or computer, e.g., to transfer data from the implant and/or to receive instructions for controlling the implant. The device is secured to the patient's skin for controlling, monitoring, or otherwise communicating with the implant, while allowing the patient to remain mobile.

Abstract: An implant includes a pressure sensor, a controller for acquiring pressure data from the sensor, and an acoustic transducer for converting energy between electrical energy and acoustic energy. A capacitor is coupled to the acoustic transducer for storing electrical energy converted by the transducer and/or for providing electrical energy to operate the implant. The acoustic transducer may operate alternatively or simultaneously as an energy exchanger or an acoustic transmitter. During use, the implant is implanted within a patient's body, and an external transducer transmits a first acoustic signal into the patient's body, to energize the capacitor. The implant then obtains pressure data, and transmits a second acoustic signal to the external transducer, the second acoustic signal including the pressure data.

Abstract: An acoustic biosensor is provided for deployment at an implantation site within a body, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The biosensor includes a sensor element for measuring a physiological condition at the implantation site, and for generating an information signal representative of the physiological condition. The biosensor further includes a piezoelectric transducer element for converting an externally originated acoustic interrogation signal into energy for operating the sensor, and for modulating the interrogation signal, e.g., by employing a switching element to alternate the mechanical impedance of the transducer element, to transmit the information signal outside of the body.

Abstract: A telemetry system and method for providing spatial positioning information from within a patient's body are disclosed. The system includes at least one implantable telemetry unit which includes (a) at least one first transducer being for converting a power signal received from outside the body, into electrical power for powering the at least one implantable telemetry unit; (b) at least one second transducer being for receiving a positioning field signal being received from outside the body; and (c) at least one third transducer being for transmitting a locating signal transmittable outside the body in response to the positioning field signal.

Abstract: A telemetry system for monitoring a rejection reaction of a transplanted organ being transplanted within a patient's body is provided.