Patent ID: 6259937
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N,H01L

Abstract:
An implantable sensor for sensing a specified parameter or substance to which the sensor is exposed comprising:an integrated circuit (IC), said IC comprising a semiconductor substrate having an active surface on which electronic circuitry is formed and a non-active surface where electronic circuitry is not formed;sensor electrodes formed on the non-active surface of the semiconductor substrate;means for electrically connecting the sensor electrodes with the electronic circuitry formed on the active surface of the IC;means for making electrical connection with and providing operating power to the electronic circuitry formed on the semiconductor substrate;wherein the means for electrically connecting the sensor electrodes with the electronic circuitry formed on the active surface of the IC comprises vias that pass though the body of the semiconductor substrate; anda protective coating, for enabling the sensor to be implanted in living tissue, that covers all surfaces of the semiconductor substrate except for selected portions of the sensor electrodes and selected portions of said means for making electrical connection with and providing operating power to the electronic circuitry.