Implantable Medical Systems for the Invasive Monitoring of Pressure and Temperature

Tumours trigger different mechanisms in the surrounding tissue leading to the establishment of an environment perfect for its growth The tumours interstitial pressure and internal temperature are two parameters that are affected during the tumours development; therefore, they carry information that could potentially be used to estimate growth rate as well as to assess the efficacy of therapies. For this reason, a miniaturized system to continuously monitor these parameters is envisioned.

The characteristics of the interfaces for the periodic acquisition of pressure and temperature are presented. Prototypes for these construction units were developed and tested to provide a starting point to develop an implantable system. Furthermore, calibration and packaging requirements are defined and used to develop a first implantable system for in-vivo tests. The performed proof of concept showed promising results as the tendency of the tumours pressure and temperature followed the expected behaviours.