Intra-body communication method for implanted and non-implanted biosensors or devices

Abstract

An intra-body communication system for monitoring physiological changes in a patient is provided. The system can include a first device implanted into a patient's body; a second device spaced apart from the first device; and a receiver for detecting and/or decoding the signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient. The first device and second device are capable of engaging in a two-way communication through transmission of one or more signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device. In one embodiment, the signal may be an optical signal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An intra-body communication system for monitoring physiological changes in a patient comprising:
 a first device implanted into a patient's body;   a second device spaced apart from the first device;
 the first device and second device capable of engaging in a two-way communication through transmission of one of more signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device; and 
   a receiver for detecting and/or decoding the one or more signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first device comprises a biologic component. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the biologic component comprises a cell layer having cells from a target site pre-positioned on or in the device prior to implantation. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the pre-positioned cells are adapted to respond to a physiological signal from the patient. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first device further comprises an electronic component. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the electronic component comprises at least one sensor and at least one electrode contacting said biologic component. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second device is implanted inside the patient's body. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second device is external to the patient's body. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the two-way communication includes transmitting and receiving optical signals. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the optical signals are selected from the group consisting of infrared light, visible light, and ultraviolet light. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more signals comprise at least one of infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays, and ultrasonic signals or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more signals are transmitted with a wavelength frequency in a range of approximately 1×10 −8  to 1×10 −1  Hz. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more signals travel through the body with minimal interference from a surrounding tissue(s) or organ(s). 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more signals measure blood pressure, ECG, heart rate, body temperature, glucose levels, gene changes, protein changes, local cellular changes that reflect systemic disease or change in health status, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the receiver compares the one or more signals to a reference signal to diagnose a disease or condition. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the receiver decodes the one or more signals to trigger an event. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the event includes adjusting the patient's medical treatment. 
     
     
         18 . A method for monitoring physiological changes in a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing an intra-body communication system comprising:
 a first device implanted into a patient's body; 
 a second device spaced apart from the first device;
 the first device and second device capable of engaging in a two-way communication through transmission of signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device; and 
 
 a receiver for detecting and/or decoding the signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient; 
   transmitting one or more signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device; and   providing a receiver for detecting and/or decoding the signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient.   
     
     
         19 . A method of diagnosing a patient, the method comprising:
 providing an intra-body communication system comprising:
 a first device implanted into a patient's body; 
 a second device spaced apart from the first device; and
 the first device and second device capable of engaging in a two-way communication through transmission of signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device; and 
 
 a receiver for detecting and/or decoding the signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient; 
   transmitting one or more signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device;   detecting and/or decoding the one or more signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient; and   comparing the one or more signals in the patient to a reference signal to diagnose a disease or condition.   
     
     
         20 . A method of treating a patient, the method comprising:
 providing an intra-body communication system comprising:
 a first device implanted into a patient's body; 
 a second device spaced apart from the first device;
 the first device and second device capable of engaging in a two-way communication through transmission of signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device; and 
 
 a receiver for detecting and/or decoding the signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient; 
   transmitting one or more signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device;   detecting and/or decoding the one or more signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient;   reviewing and/or analyzing the one or more signals; and   treating the patient based on the review and/or analysis of the one or more signals.