Abstract: A device for measuring a pressure differential comprises a tube, at least one pressure sensor and a processor. The tube comprises a closed insertion portion for insertion into a body, the insertion portion having an insertion end and an internal bore in communication with ambient pressure via an opening in the tube. The sensor is located in or on the insertion portion and comprises an internally facing region in communication with the bore and an externally facing region in communication with an exterior of the tube. The processor is configured to provide a stimulus, which may be an electrical stimulus, to the pressure sensor so that when the stimulus is provided, the pressure sensor provides a measurable response wherein the processor correlates the response with the pressure differential between the exterior of the tube and the bore. The measurable response may be indicative of a change in pressure differential between the exterior of the tube and the bore.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medical device for implantation in a body comprising: one or more sensors for sensing a physiologically or clinically relevant parameter; and telemetric communications means for telemetrically transmitting data related to a parameter sensed by the one or more sensors to a remote device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medical device adapted to be implanted in the heart of a patient and operable therein i) as a heart valve; or ii) to assist in the functioning of one of the patient's heart valves; or iii) to monitor the functioning of one of the patient's heart valves. The device includes one or more sensors for sensing a physiologically or clinically relevant parameter of a patient. A telemetric communication device telemetrically transmits data related to a parameter sensed by the sensor to a remote device.

Abstract: A method of forming a tissue equivalent is described. A length of polyester tube is threaded over a mandrel (H) and attached at either end by clips at A and D. A block (F) is then screwed into place. The polyester is then pre-soaked by injecting through Tap (2) an acidified collagen solution for approximately one hour. After a suitable period of time the excess solution is aspirated off. Following this stage, a second, alkaline solution is injected into the apparatus which contains smooth muscle cells (SMC). Thus, neutralisation of the collagen impregnated within the fabric of the tube occurs leading to spontaneous fibrillogenesis within the interstices of the cloth, eliminating the risk of delamination. The apparatus is then incubated. The collagen contracts down onto the fabric tube and the cell-impregnated gel becomes incorporated into the presoaked collagen. The pre-impregnated collagen and the collagen provided in the aqueous mixture contract down as one into a coherent whole with the SMC.