Abstract: The invention is an antenna for use with an implantable microdevice, such as a microstimulator or microsensor, having a dipole antenna that is formed by ceramic processes on the inner or outer surface of the ceramic case of the microdevice. The antenna receives data transmitted from an external device, and transmits data to an external device. A dipole antenna may be formed from two radiating elements separated by an insulating material. A tuning circuit comprising capacitors and/or inductors is used to obtain resonance in the dipole antenna. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna is formed of a biocompatible material by applying a metal-containing paste to the ceramic case of the microdevice and thermally processing it.

Abstract: A system and method that minimizes plaque accumulation on a stent and thereby restenosis that could require a subsequent invasive medical procedure following implantation of the stent in a patient. A plurality of electrically-powered, biocompatible devices, implantable via injection, are positioned within the patient proximate to the stent and under control of a externally-placed controller are commanded to emit ultrasonic waves corresponding to the mechanical resonance of the stent. By controlling the frequency and the relative phases of the ultrasonic waves, the accumulation of plaque on the stent can thus be minimized.

Abstract: A system and method that minimizes plaque accumulation on a stent and thereby restenosis that could require a subsequent invasive medical procedure following stent implantation. The stent, essentially an expandable wire mesh tube comprised of a plurality of integral lattice portions, configured for expansion within a blood vessel of a patient, is formed with an electrically-controlled, biocompatible device as one of its integral lattice portions. In a first implementation, the biocompatible device is under control of an externally-positioned controller which causes the device to emit an ultrasonic wave at a frequency corresponding to the mechanical resonance of the stent and thereby minimize accumulation of plaque. In a second or supplemental implementation, the device is or other portions of the stent are coated with a drug that can be controllably eluted by passing a current through the coating under control of the biocompatible device and the externally-positioned controller.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing the material that is unaffected by the low-temperature degradation, humidity-enhanced phase transformation typical of yttria-stabilized zirconia in general, as well as of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic (Y-TZP). Because of the high fracture toughness and high mechanical strength, this class of materials is widely used, including as implants, such as for the packaging material for small implantable neural-muscular sensors and stimulators. The destructive phase transformation is eliminated by converting the surface to stable cubic or T-prime zirconia by post-densification thermal treatment in a cation-rich milieu.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a material and a method of producing the material that is unaffected by the low-temperature degradation, humidity-enhanced phase transformation typical of yttria-stabilized zirconia in general, as well as of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic (Y-TZP). Because of the high fracture toughness and high mechanical strength, this class of materials is widely used, including as implants, such as for the packaging material for small implantable neural-muscular sensors and stimulators. The destructive phase transformation is eliminated by converting the surface to stable cubic or T-prime zirconia by post-densification thermal treatment in a cation-rich milieu.

Abstract: A hermetic seal that is compatible with lithium-ion electrolyte in lithium batteries is formed in feedthroughs by compression, chemical bonding, and mechanical bonding between the metal pin and a sealing glass, such as Cabal-12. The pin is alternately coated with a metal or a metal oxide to enhance compatibility with the lithium battery environment. The pin surface is deformed to enhance bonding with the glass seal. Mechanical bonds are also achieved by placing the pin/glass seal interface in compression by a compression bushing.