For fixedly implanting a device for material or signal delivery or acquisition or a part of such a device in a human or animal body, an opening is provided in hard tissue of the body, the opening reaching through a hard tissue layer, e.g. through a cortical bone layer into cancellous bone underneath. The device includes a plug portion and/or a cover portion which includes a ring of a material having thermoplastic properties extending around the plug portion or on a tissue facing surface of the cover portion. The opening provided in the hard tissue has a cross section at least in the area of its mouth that is adapted to the plug or cover portion such that the plug portion can be introduced through the mouth of the opening or the cover portion can be positioned over the mouth of the opening such that the ring extends around the opening, along its wall and/or on the hard tissue surface around its mouth.

A method for assessing the orthopaedic performance of a joint of a patient can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site and determining and storing their positions before a surgical procedure is performed. The procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected and stored after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to generate a representation of the orthopaedic performance of the joint after the procedure.

A diagnostic system is provided that provides sensing and transmitting of fusion indicia to determine whether fusion has occurred. In some embodiments, a diagnostic system comprises a spinal implant or graft material; an antenna configured for sending signals to a remote location; a sensor configured for measuring at least one fusion indicia; and a receiver for receiving signals at the remote location. In some embodiments, a method of utilizing a diagnostic system comprises the steps of inserting a spinal implant or graft material within a disc space between two vertebrae; measuring at least one fusion indicia; sending signals to a remote location with an antenna; and receiving signals with a receiver at the remote location.

A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

Medical devices coupled to a sensor, and systems including such devices, can generate data and analysis based on that data, which may be used to identify and/or address problems associated with the implanted medical device, including incorrect placement of the device, unanticipated degradation of the device, and undesired movement of the device. Also provided are medical devices coupled to a sensor, and devices and methods to address problems that have been identified with an implanted medical device.

Modulation of foreign body responses in living tissue, and more particularly, devices and related methods for light-based modulation of foreign body responses in living tissue are disclosed. Light sources are disclosed that provide light with characteristics for modulation of foreign body responses that may be elicited by percutaneous and/or subcutaneous devices, including medical devices and other consumer electronic devices. Light delivery structures are disclosed that propagate light from the light sources to irradiate associated subcutaneous tissues. Modulation of foreign body responses may include inhibiting collagen and fibrous tissue generation, modulating inflammation and healing, and/or increasing nitric oxide production and/or release. By modulating foreign body responses associated with percutaneous and/or subcutaneous devices, performance characteristics and lifetimes of such devices may be improved.

An end to end process is disclosed that includes an installation of a prosthetic component, a prosthetic joint, or repair a musculoskeletal system. The pathway of care comprises a pre-operative pathway of care, an intra-operative pathway of care, and a post-operative pathway of care. An application downloaded to a computer drives the process. The application can include integrated PROMS, pain scores, patient Q&A, surveys, a calendar of events (such as physical therapy visits), and contact to surgeon, doctor, or healthcare provider. The pathway of care is an end to end process utilizing wearable devices, implantable devices, sensorized equipment, and sensorized tools to generate measurement data that supports a pre-operative plan, surgery, and post-operative rehabilitation. The application couples to the devices disclosed herein above to engage the patient one or more tasks such that sensors on the devices generate measurement data. The process provides better patient care while allowing the surgeon, doctor, or healthcare provider to handle more patients.

A surgical system for intra-operative and post-operative measurement of motion and position of the musculoskeletal system. The surgical system comprises a surgical navigation system configured to support the installation of at least one prosthetic component. The surgical navigation system measures motion and position of the musculoskeletal system during surgery. Holes are drilled in a first bone and a second bone of the musculoskeletal system to retain tracking devices of the surgical navigation system. Leaving the holes in the first bone and the second bone after completing the surgery can introduce stress risers that could reduce bone integrity. The surgical system includes a first implantable device and a second implantable device each having anchors corresponding to the holes of the first bone and the second bone. The first implantable device and the second implantable device each has an IMU to measure motion and position post-operatively. The anchors are configured to reduce stress risers.

An implantable device includes a substrate and protective cover that cooperate to define an enclosed sensor volume. A sealed enclosure is provided within the sensor volume, with an electronic component assembly (ECA) being located within the sealed enclosure. A flexible circuit board assembly (FCBA) is electrically coupled with the ECA through a wall of the sealed enclosure. At least one transducer is provided on the FCBA in contact with the substrate, and the FCBA is held apart from the enclosure via a polymeric spacer provided therebetween. An inert polymer fill is provided within the sensor volume external to the enclosure.

A method and system for monitoring analytes in the circulatory system of an individual is provided. A biological sensor is implanted in the bone marrow of a patient and may be self contained within a housing. The biological sensor measures physiological parameters of a patient, including analytes, on a fixed or adjustable schedule. The biological sensor includes a control unit having a transmitter and an energy source for providing energy to the control unit. The biological sensor may be used to adjust other medical treatments and devices in a closed or semi closed loop mechanism and/or predict patient treatment.