Patent ID: 7682313

Claim:
An implantable pressure monitor comprising: a sensor assembly comprising: a substantially rigid chip including: a proximal end and a distal end; pressure sensors exposed on a first surface of the chip in a sensor region of the distal end; signal processing circuitry receiving pressure-indicative signals from the sensors and producing pressure-indicative output signals; and a chip electrical connector in the proximal end communicating the output signals; a substantially rigid substrate that: is spaced apart from the chip; faces the first surface of the chip; is connected to the chip electrical connector in the chip's proximal end by a substrate electrical connector; defines an aperture positioned over the sensor region of the chip's distal end, thereby exposing the pressure sensors; and covers the distal end of the chip except for the sensor region; and a flexible filler material located throughout space between the chip and the substrate except beneath the aperture, thereby leaving the pressure sensors exposed, such that (a) the flexible filler material connects the chip to the substrate, and (b) the distal end of the chip is connected to the substrate by only the flexible filler material; a wire that: extends from the substrate; is electrically connected to the substrate electrical connector; communicates the output signals; and is not connected to the chip; an antenna electrically connected to the wire, emitting radiofrequency electrical signals conveying the output signals, and receiving radiofrequency power; a biocompatible sheath that encapsulates the sensor assembly, wire, and antenna and is sufficiently flexible to transmit pressure exerted on the sheath exterior through the sheath; a pressure-transferring medium extending from the sheath, through the aperture, and to the pressure sensors, thereby transferring pressure exerted on the sheath exterior to the pressure sensors; an anchor structure that is: sized and shaped for securing the implantable pressure monitor to an anatomic structure; and foldable to fit within a delivery catheter lumen; and a sensor fastener connecting the sensor assembly to the antenna and holding the sensor assembly away from the anchor structure.