Abstract: Implantable devices formed of materials which are not readily imageable, and which may shift from a delivery configuration to a deployment configuration upon deployment, are delivered and deployed with a deployment/delivery device having sensors generating a signal indicating contact of the delivery/deployment device with tissue to guarantee purchase of the implantable device with tissue upon deployment. The implantable device may be a tissue anchor with talons which shift from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. The sensors may be positioned along a distal end of the delivery/deployment device to indicate purchase of the device with tissue, to ensure purchase of the talons with tissue upon deployment. The sensors may include at least three sensors, which may be spaced apart from one another, to indicate full contact of the distal end of the delivery/deployment device with tissue. The sensors may optionally be aligned with the talons.

Abstract: Implantable devices formed of materials which are not readily imageable are delivered and deployed with a deployment/delivery device having one or more sensors generating a signal indicating a condition of the implantable device relative to the deployment site. For instance, the signal indicates at least one or more of the following: purchase of the implantable device with tissue, level of purchase of the implantable device with tissue, the position of the implantable device relative to the deployment site, seating of tissue with respect to the implantable device, extent of contact of the implantable device with tissue, or further information about the implantable device and/or the delivery/deployment device. As such, the implantable device need not be imaged to determine the relationship of the implantable device relative to the deployment site.