Importance

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Abstract

An implantable probe having a non-metallic insulating base, non-metallic conductive traces supported by the base, and a plurality of non-metallic light sources supported by the base and coupled to the conductive traces. The conductive traces and the light sources are fabricated from a conductive polymer, which does not cause any artifacts if the implantable probe is left at the treatment site while it is imaged. Further, the implantable probe includes an envelope that is transparent and hermetically encloses the base, the pair of conductive traces, and the light sources. At least a portion of the envelope is optically transparent, enabling light emitted by the light sources to illuminate an adjacent treatment site. The conductive traces and the base are substantially flexible, enabling the probe to be flexed without breaking when the implantable probe is advanced within the body to the treatment site. A non-metallic receiver coil implanted in a patient's body is energized by inductively coupling it to an external transmitter coil. The current from the receiver coil is conveyed to the implanted probe through non-metallic leads.

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First Claim