This document describes, among other things, a body having at least one
acoustically detectable property that changes in response to a change in
a physiological condition, such as ischemia. The body is positioned with
respect to a desired tissue region. At least one acoustic transducer is
used to acoustically detect a change in physical property. In one
example, the body is pH sensitive and/or ion selective. A shape or
dimension of the body changes in response to pH and/or ionic
concentration changes resulting from a change in an ischemia state. An
indication of the physiological condition is provided to a user.