The invention relates to a method and apparatus for locating and tracking
persons by use of an implantable device. The described invention is an
implantable device composed of biocompatible materials in all areas where
contact with organic tissue occurs. The gross anatomic siting of the
device includes any limb, the torso, including back and perineum, the
neck, and the head. The surgical anatomic siting of the device includes:
(1) Supramuscular: for example, deep to the epidermis, dermis, and
subcutaneous fat, on or attached to muscle and/or muscle fascia. Such a
location is currently used for implantation of commercially available
buried intravenous access ports, which are positioned on, and attached
to, the pectoralis major muscle fascia; (2) Intramuscular: for example,
within or between the muscles of a limb; (3) Submuscular: for example,
deep to a large muscle. Such a location is currently used for
implantation of commercially available artificial urethral and anal
sphincter reservoirs, which are positioned deep to the rectus abdominus
muscles, within the pre-peritoneal Space of Retzius; (4) Intraluminal:
for example, within the lumen of an organ which has a naturally occurring
orifice. Such a location is currently used for implantation of
commercially available ingested video endoscopy capsule devices, i.e.
gastrointestinal tract lumen, and intrauterine contraceptive devices,
i.e. uterus lumen; and (5) Intracavitary: for example, intrathoracic or
intraperitoneal. Such an intraperitoneal location is currently used for
implantation of commercially available intraperitoneal dialysis
catheters.