Abstract: A system and method for a Micro Electro-Mechanical System acoustic sensor, or MEMS acoustic sensor, to be used as an implanted microphone for totally implantable cochlear implants or middle ear implants is presented. The MEMS acoustic sensor comprises a coupler that attaches the sensor to an inner part of the ear, a MEMS acoustic sensor that converts acoustic vibrations into a change in capacitance, and a low-noise interface electronics circuit chip that detects the change in capacitance in the MEMS acoustic sensor, creates an signal representing a portion of the acoustic vibrations, and transmits the signal to one or more other devices, such as a cochlear implant. A method of fabrication enables the MEMS acoustic sensor to be fabricated as a small, less than 1 mm3, light weight, less than 30 mg, device suitable for implantation on a structure of the middle ear.

Abstract: An implantable flat blood pressure sensing cuff structure and an implantable blood pressure monitoring device use a first portion of the cuff structure that comprises a sidewall that extends from a surface and contains a pressure sensor, and a second portion of the cuff structure that is configured to overlie and be removably relative to the first portion. The first and second portions of the cuff structure are configured to provide an aperture extending transversely through the cuff structure for receiving a blood vessel therein generally sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion when the second portion is positioned on the first portion such that the pressure sensor is operative to detect vessel expansion and contraction.

Abstract: An implantable flat blood pressure sensing cuff structure and an implantable blood pressure monitoring device use a first portion of the cuff structure that comprises a sidewall that extends from a surface and contains a pressure sensor, and a second portion of the cuff structure that is configured to overlie and be removably relative to the first portion. The first and second portions of the cuff structure are configured to provide an aperture extending transversely through the cuff structure for receiving a blood vessel therein generally sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion when the second portion is positioned on the first portion such that the pressure sensor is operative to detect vessel expansion and contraction.