Patent ID: 8478378

Claim:
An implantable medical device having components for detecting the degree of endothelialization on a surface of the device, the device comprising: (a) a radially-expandable body having a lumen, and (b) a detection and transmitting device attached to the lumen, the detection device comprising: (i) a sensor positioned on the luminal surface, wherein the sensor is configured on the luminal surface to measure the degree of endothelialization of the luminal surface, and the sensor comprises at least two electrodes positioned apart on the luminal surface, and a signal from the sensor by a transmitter is dependent upon the electrical resistance or electrical capacitance between the two electrodes; (ii) a transmitter coupled to the sensor and configured to transmit a signal from the sensor, wherein the transmitter transmits signals originating from the at least two electrodes, wherein the signals are dependent upon the electrical resistance or electrical capacitance between the at least two electrodes, and a change in the electrical resistance or electrical capacitance between the two electrodes provides a measure of the degree of endothelialization, wherein electrical resistance measured through endothelialized cells is higher than in the case of a non-endothelialized environment in which the interrogating electrical current pulse encounters less resistance through the blood environment; and (iii) a receiver coupled to the sensor and a radio frequency transmitter configured to provide electrical power to the detection device from a radio frequency received from an external power source.