Patent ID: 8070807
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61N,G08B

Abstract:
1. An implantable prosthesis comprising: a wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and defining an internal compartment; a first electrical probe disposed on the exterior surface of the wall so that said first probe is exposed to an electrically conductive body fluid in an external environment when the device is implanted in a body; a second electrical probe embedded within the wall so that in the absence of a breach in the wall said second probe is electrically isolated both from the electrically conductive body fluids and from the internal compartment; and transponder circuitry, wherein the first electrical probe and the second electrical probe form a circuit in the transponder circuitry; wherein a partial or full breach in the external surface of the wall will allow intrusion of the electrically conductive body fluid into the wall to close or open said circuit in the transponder circuitry to provide an externally detectable signal.