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.

1 . A medical device in a body comprising:
 a structure having a surface, layer, or thickness over a volume, said surface, layer, or thickness being subject to a breach;   a material with a diagnostic or therapeutic value within the volume;   a first electrically conductive element located internally or externally of the structure;   a second electrically conductive element located internally of the structure coupled to the said material;   wireless signaling circuitry coupled to the first and second electrical conductors so that an electrically conductive fluid intruding into a partial or total breach through said surface, layer, or thickness into the volume electrically bridges the conductors to enable the circuitry to emit a detectable wireless signal of the breach.   
     
     
         2 . A medical device as in  claim 1 , wherein the surface, layer, or thickness is a cover or coating. 
     
     
         3 . A medical device as in  claim 2 , wherein the cover or coating is degradation resistant to time, wear, corrosion, or handling. 
     
     
         4 . A medical device as in  claim 2 , wherein the cover or coating hardens the surface or structure. 
     
     
         5 . A medical device as in  claim 2 , wherein the cover or coating helps retain the shape of the surface or structure. 
     
     
         6 . A medical device as in  claim 1 , wherein the material comprises a solid. 
     
     
         7 . A medical device as in  claim 6 , wherein the solid comprises compacted particles. 
     
     
         8 . A medical device as in  claim 1 , wherein the material comprises a liquid. 
     
     
         9 . A medical device as in  claim 1 , wherein the material comprises a gel. 
     
     
         10 . A medical device as in  claim 1 , wherein the material comprises an elastomer. 
     
     
         11 . A medical device as in  claim 1 , wherein the value of the material is based on its physical properties. 
     
     
         12 . A medical device as in  claim 1 , wherein the value of the material is based on its chemical properties. 
     
     
         13 . A medical device as in  claim 1 , wherein the value of the material is based on its biological properties. 
     
     
         14 . A carrier of a biological or chemical agent placed in a body comprising:
 a structure having a surface, layer, or thickness over a volume, said surface, layer, or thickness being subject to a breach;   a first electrically conductive element located internally or externally of the structure;   a second electrically conductive element located internally of the structure coupled to the said biochemical agent;   wireless signaling circuitry coupled to the first and second electrical conductors so that an electrically conductive fluid intruding into a partial or total breach through said surface, layer, or thickness into the volume electrically bridges the conductors to enable the circuitry to emit a detectable wireless signal of exposure to the biochemical agent.   
     
     
         15 . A carrier of biological or chemical agent as in  claim 14 , wherein the surface, layer, or thickness is a cover or coating. 
     
     
         16 . A carrier of biological or chemical agent as in  claim 14 , wherein the cover or coating is degradation resistant to time, wear, corrosion, or handling. 
     
     
         17 . A carrier of biological or chemical agent as in  claim 14 , wherein the cover or coating hardens the surface or structure. 
     
     
         18 . A carrier of biological or chemical agent as in  claim 14 , wherein the cover or coating helps retain the shape of the surface or structure. 
     
     
         19 . A carrier of biological or chemical agent as in  claim 14 , wherein the said biochemical agent comprises a solid. 
     
     
         20 . A carrier of biological or chemical agent as in  claim 14 , wherein the solid comprises compacted particles. 
     
     
         21 .- 39 . (canceled)