US Patent 7813778 Implantable tissue ischemia sensor

An implantable ischemia detection system in which a white LED (105) produces a continuous, visible, broadband light illuminating a target site (125). Light backscattered by the target is collected by a sensor (155), allowing for an index of ischemia to be determined, and subsequently transmitted by a sending unit (167). Power is provided by an internal power source (179). The entire implantable device is encapsulated by a biocompatible shell (102) to add long-term safety with regard to implantation.