Implantable devices having ultrasonic echographic signature

Abstract

Abstract A target having a characteristic ultrasonic signature for implantation beneath the skin is described. The target, when placed within an implanted injection port enables ultrasonic echographic discrimination of the target from surrounding tissue. In particular, the target enables one to locate its position beneath the skin non-invasively by means of ultrasonic echograpy. In practice, the signature comprises reflections of ultrasonic waves from a target comprising varying thicknesses of a material having sound transmission characteristics different from human tissue. Ultrasonic sound waves reflected from different surfaces of the target arrive at a detector with a characteristic time delay thereby providing a signature. Biocompatible plastics, such as methacrylate, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene or polyethylene, or elastomers such as silicone may be used for the target.

Inventors

• 👤 Martin Masters

Bibliographic Details