Implantable devices, such as artificial organs, increasingly incorporate hardware, software, firmware, and/or wireless communication capabilities. For example, such implantable devices can utilize wireless technology to allow for efficient configuration, maintenance, and operational analysis. As these implantable devices become more connected, electronic security will become more important. This disclosure relates to implantable devices that may utilize a secure boot process and secure communication, both between artificial devices in the human body and between these devices and the external world. This disclosure provides secure communication approaches for maintaining the digital privacy and integrity of artificial devices, for protecting the individual from malicious hacking of data, and for controlling of such implantable devices.

A system and method for electrical stimulation in an orthopedic implant that includes at least one implantable component with an implant body, a plurality of electrodes, and implant circuitry is effective to convert an external wireless power transmission to an electrical current and effective to control the plurality of electrodes; and at least one non-implant with a power source, and transmitter circuitry to generate the electromagnetic field that couples with the implant circuitry.

Lumen-traveling biological interface devices and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, electrodes or other electromagnetic transducers for detecting biological signals and electrodes, coils or other electromagnetic transducers for delivering electromagnetic stimuli to stimulus responsive tissues. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices may also include additional components such as sensors, an active portion, and/or control circuitry.

A monitoring system includes: (1) an implant having at least one sensor and configured for at least partial insertion into a patient, a first one of sensors being in contact with a perimeter of a hole in a body portion of the implant for accepting a fastener; (2) a microchip associated with the implant and the sensor, the microchip configured to receive at least a first signal from the sensor; (3) a transmitter associated with the microchip for transmitting a second signal, representative of the first signal; (4) a receiver located outside of the patient, the receiver configured receive the transmitted second signal; and (5) a display device associated with the receiver, the display device configured to provide an audible or visual representation of the second signal to a user.

In a method, system and device a member is provided around an aneurysm enabling treatment and monitoring of the aneurysm. In accordance with one embodiment the device is adapted to be adjusted postoperatively. Hereby the treatment can be efficiently carried out without having to perform surgery when adjusting the member.

Expandable fusion devices, systems, and methods. The expandable fusion device includes one or more integrated deployable retention spikes configured to resist expulsion of the device when installed in the intervertebral disc space. The implant may include upper and lower main endplates, an actuator assembly configured to cause an expansion in height of the upper and lower main endplates, and a sidecar assembly including a sidecar carrier, an upper carrier endplate engaged with an upper spike, and a lower carrier endplate engaged with a lower spike such that forward translation of the sidecar carrier pushes against the upper and lower carrier endplates, thereby deploying the upper and lower spikes.

This invention relates to diagnostic medical instruments and procedures, and more particularly to implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological parameters. A device for providing in vivo diagnostics of infections in orthopedic implants having at least one signal processing device operatively coupled with sensors. The signal processing device is operable to receive the output signal from the sensors and transmit a signal corresponding with the output signal. The invention also relates to a method using the device of the invention for detecting infection associated with implants in a human or animal subject.

A method for implanting a medical device for implantation in a mammal joint. The method comprising the steps of creating an opening reaching from outside of the human body into the joint, providing said artificial contacting surface to said joint, fixating the artificial contacting surface to the joint, implanting said reservoir in the human body, and lubricating the artificial contacting surface with use of a lubricating fluid contained in said reservoir.

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.

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.