Abstract: A method for measuring blood pressure utilizes an implantable sensor for measuring blood pressure. The implantable sensor includes a probe having a neck portion extending outwardly from the main body to a conical locking flange; a terminus of the conical locking flange forming an aperture that is covered with a flexible membrane that defines an internal chamber that is filled with a biocompatible fluid; and a capacitor electronically connected to the implant inductor and operatively positioned adjacent the internal chamber. The implantable sensor is positioned adjacent a blood vessel such that the probe extends through a blood vessel wall such that the conical locking flange lockingly engages the blood vessel wall.

Abstract: A method for measuring an intraocular pressure within an eye has several steps. An intraocular pressure sensor that is adapted to be implanted intrasclerally is provided. An incision is cut through a scleral layer of the eye. The scleral layer is lifted with a grasping tool. The intraocular pressure sensor is inserted under the scleral layer, and the incision of the scleral layer is closed.

Abstract: A method for measuring blood pressure utilizes an implantable sensor for measuring blood pressure. The implantable sensor has a main body having an implant inductor; a probe having a neck portion extending outwardly from the main body to a conical locking flange; a terminus of the conical locking flange forming an aperture that is covered with a flexible membrane that defines an internal chamber that is filled with a biocompatible fluid; and a capacitor electronically connected to the implant inductor and operatively positioned adjacent the internal chamber. The implantable sensor is positioned adjacent a blood vessel such that the probe extends through a blood vessel wall such that the conical locking flange lockingly engages the blood vessel wall.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system has an ultrasound probe adapted to be placed in an instrument working channel of an endoscope, the ultrasound probe having a probe housing; an ultrasound transducer mounted within the probe housing; and an elongate flexible cord extending from the probe housing, the elongate flexible cord being adapted to fit through the instrument working channel of the endoscope and operably connect the ultrasound transducer with a computer.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing an intraocular pressure within an eye includes a glaucoma drainage device and a pressure sensor. The glaucoma drainage device has an explant plate and a lumened tube, the explant plate being adapted to fit over the eye, and the lumened tube being adapted to be inserted into the eye. The pressure sensor is operably attached to the glaucoma drainage device for sensing the intraocular pressure of the eye and for generating a sensor signal representative of the pressure.

Abstract: An implanted sensor for measuring pressure in a conduit through a wall has a main body and a probe. The main body includes an implant inductor. The probe has capacitor electronically connected to the implant inductor. The probe is adapted to fit through the wall so that the capacitor can sense pressure in the conduit.

Abstract: An antigen detection device for detecting the presence of an antigen in a fluid sample has a substrate micro-fabricated to define an antigen detection well. An antibody is disposed in the antigen detection well. The antibody is specific for the antigen being tested. An electrode positioned adjacent the antigen detection well is used to detect conductivity, which is turn can be used to determine whether the antibody is binding to an antigen.

Abstract: An intraocular pressure sensor for sensing pressure within an eye has a sensor reed and a strain gauge for sensing the pressure within they eye and for generating a sensor signal representative of the pressure. The intraocular pressure sensor also includes a transponder responsive to the strain gauge for converting the sensor signal to a pressure signal representative of the pressure. The transponder includes a processor, a sensor antenna adapted for receiving an interrogation signal generated from outside the eye, a modulator for converting the pressure signal into a response signal, and a power converter coupled with the sensor antenna for converting the interrogation signal to a power signal for energizing the processor. In addition to receiving the interrogation signal, the sensor antenna further functions to transmit the response signal out of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable biomarker for finding a location inside a patient while performing minimally invasive or open surgical procedures. The implantable biomarker includes a dielectric base that includes two opposing sides from which extend a plurality of wave-guide rods. The implantable biomarker is preferably mounted upon a surgical instrument or surgical implant and used in conjunction with an image-guided system to enable a surgeon to quickly and easily find the location without requiring extensive x-rays or the use of expensive and cumbersome equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable biomarker for finding a location inside a patient while performing minimally invasive or open surgical procedures. The implantable biomarker includes a dielectric base that includes two opposing sides from which extend a plurality of wave-guide rods. The implantable biomarker is preferably mounted upon a surgical instrument or surgical implant and used in conjunction with an image-guided system to enable a surgeon to quickly and easily find the location without requiring extensive x-rays or the use of expensive and cumbersome equipment.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging marker has a marker body that is constructed of an ultrasound resonant material and that includes a resonant pocket. The marker body includes an interior surface and preferably an angled surface. The resonant pocket provides a feature that is easily visible to the ultrasound device. The interior surface is preferably coated with a metallic resonant layer such as alumina or gold. The angled surface bounds the interior surface and connects the interior surface with the perimeter lip. The ultrasound imaging marker is preferably used in conjunction with an insertion device for inserting the ultrasound imaging marker adjacent the location.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging marker has a marker body that is constructed of an ultrasound resonant material and that includes a resonant pocket. The marker body includes an interior surface and preferably an angled surface. The resonant pocket provides a feature that is easily visible to the ultrasound device. The interior surface is preferably coated with a metallic resonant layer such as alumina or gold. The angled surface bounds the interior surface and connects the interior surface with the perimeter lip. The ultrasound imaging marker is preferably used in conjunction with an insertion device for inserting the ultrasound imaging marker adjacent the location.