ISSYS Gets Patent For Implantable Sensors

Ypsilanti-based Integrated Sensing Systems Inc. said Tuesday that it had received United States Patent No. 7,869,579, titled "Delivery System, Method, and Anchor for Medical Implant Placement."

This patent covers advanced methods for using miniature, wireless, batteryless, implantable sensors anchored within the heart, as well as other organs, for non-invasive monitoring of cardiovascular biological pressures.

ISSYS' wireless, batteryless, sensor and the anchor are delivered via a catheter in an outpatient procedure. The biocompatible anchor allows the miniature telemetric sensor to be stabilized within the heart and monitor left atrium pressure. This is a very difficult task due to the stringent biocompatibility requirements of the left heart. 

The novel anchor manufacturing renders highly reliable anchors demanded by the chronic nature of cardiac sensors. ISSYS' miniature sensors can also be anchored in two other ways: open heart surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. 

ISSYS CEO Nader Najafi said the targets of the company's products are  cardiovascular disease, especially congestive heart failure; hydrocephalus (high brain pressure); and traumatic brain injuries.

Najafi said that ISSYS plans to start its cardiovascular clinical studies later this year.

Najafi noted that ISSYS' intellectual property -- its patents, know-how and trade secrets -- "cover a wide spectrum including MEMS pressure sensors, the overall system, delivery and anchoring, and a variety of medical applications.  Another major competitive advantage for ISSYS is its newly expanded manufacturing facility that is capable of producing tens of thousands of the miniature implants per year."

Founded in 1995, ISSYS is one of the oldest independent MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) companies in the United States. ISSYS operates a comprehensive MEMS fabrication plant in Ypsilanti.

More at www.mems-issys.com.