Implantable in vivo sensors used to monitor physical, chemical or
electrical parameters within a body. The in vivo sensors are integral
with an implantable medical device and are responsive to externally or
internally applied energy. Upon application of energy, the sensors
undergo a phase change in at least part of the material of the device
which is then detected external to the body by conventional techniques
such as radiography, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging,
radio frequency imaging or the like. The in vivo sensors of the present
invention may be employed to provide volumetric measurements, flow rate
measurements, pressure measurements, electrical measurements, biochemical
measurements, temperature, measurements, or measure the degree and type
of deposits within the lumen of an endoluminal implant, such as a stent
or other type of endoluminal conduit. The in vivo sensors may also be
used therapeutically to modulate mechanical and/or physical properties of
the endoluminal implant in response to the sensed or monitored parameter.