Breach detection in solid structures

Abstract

An implantable device includes at least one solid structure having an external surface and a volume beneath the surface. One or more of a first conductor or set of conductors is disposed externally and/or internally on or within the structure and an array of elongate electrically conductive elements are disposed radially outwardly within the volume. A breach is detected when a conductive fluid intrudes into the volume through the surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implantable device in the body comprising:
 a solid structure covering a volume with a surface, layer, or thickness subject to wear;   a first electrical conductor located internally or externally of the said covering structure;   an electrically conductive array including one or more elongate conductive elements embedded behind said surface, layer, or thickness of the said covering structure and isolated from said first electrical conductor, wherein said conductive elongate elements project in a direction from an interior toward a region subject to wear; and   a wireless signaling circuitry coupled to the first electrical conductor and the electrically conductive array;   wherein an electrically conductive fluid electrically bridges the first electrical conductor and the electrically conductive array to enable the circuitry to emit a detectable wireless signal warning when the wear of the surface, layer, or thickness exposes at least one distal portion of one or more of the conductive elongate elements.