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 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: Advanced implanted medical devices require long-lived, reliable power supplies. Lithium-ion batteries can be used to meet this need if they can be assured of maintaining a hermetic seal while implanted. The invention is a hermetic seal for a lithium-ion battery where the battery header is made of aluminum and the pin is a conventional metal, such as platinum. The glass-to-metal seal utilizes low-temperature processable ALSG-32 glass, which has been demonstrated to bond to aluminum at temperature below the melting point of aluminum and which has been demonstrated to exhibit excellent resistance to lithium battery electrolyte. ALSG-32 is a high phosphate glass having about 6.0% B2O3, 40.0% P2O5, 15.0% Na2O, 18.0% K2O, 9.0% PbO, and 12.0% Al2O3, expressed in mole percent.

Abstract: The invention is a hermetic seal that is compatible with lithium-ion electrolyte in lithium batteries. Pin feed throughs are sealed by compression, chemical bonding, and mechanical bonding between the metal pin and a sealing glass, such as Cabal-12. The pin may be coated with a metal or a metal oxide to enhance compatibility with the lithium battery environment. The pin surface is roughened or mechanically shaped to ensure mechanical bonding with the glass seal. Mechanical bonds are also achieved by placing the pin/glass seal interface in compression by an external compression band.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating ceramic materials, including oxide ceramic materials such as zirconia, with a treatment agent comprising a metallic material, such as titanium, by contacting a surface of the ceramic material with the treatment agent and heating the assembly to a temperature at which the ceramic material incorporates a portion of the metallic material by diffusion. The treated ceramic material is uniformly darkened and exhibits improved structural and physical properties.

Abstract: Methods for hermetically sealing an interface surface of ceramic materials, such as zirconia, to an interface surface of metallic materials, such as titanium alloys, using a titanium-nickel alloy filler material are disclosed. Preferred ceramic materials include stabilized zirconia materials; preferred metallic materials include titanium-niobium alloys; and a preferred titanium-nickel filler material is a 50-50 titanium-nickel alloy. At least one of the interfaces is contacted by the titanium-nickel alloy filler material and sealing is accomplished under vacuum conditions at temperatures of from 900 to 1200° C. during application of pressure to the joint. The methods are especially suitable for use in hermetically sealing ceramic and metallic components for applications such as implantable medical devices, electrical connectors, electronic packages, sporting goods, structural components, and the like.