MicroChips has created an implantable device that contains arrays of tiny sensors, each sealed under the platinum foil.

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The artificial retina, called the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System, is the first implantable device to treat the condition and is approved for people over age 25 with advanced RP who can see some light.

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The device is implantable under the skin near the spinal cord, programmable by a clinician, and used to deliver medications for the treatment of severe chronic pain due to nerve injuries and cancer.

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From the perspective of a patient, this is a Tricorder device, albeit one centered on an implantable micromachine sensor.

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In the device arena, Drant also backed Proxima Therapeutics , which markets a tiny implantable radiation treatment for breast cancer.

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Cultivating good relations with surgeons like Dr. Vaccaro is valuable to device makers because they often perform more than 100 spine fusions a year and use thousands of dollars of implantable devices during each surgery.

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