Transdermal analyte sensors, applicators and associated methods

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to systems and methods for measuring analytes in a subject. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide sensor applicators and methods of use with activation that implant the sensor, remove the insertion needle, engage the transmitter with the housing, and disengage the applicator from the housing. Systems and methods in accordance with the principles of the present invention allow these steps to occur without significant loss of spring force, and without deleterious effects such as seal slingshots.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention provides systems and methods for measuring analytes in a subject. More particularly, systems and methods for applying a transdermal analyte measurement system to a subject are provided. Background technique [0002] Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (type 1 or insulin-dependent) and / or insulin is not effective (type 2 or non-insulin-dependent). In the diabetic state, patients experience hyperglycemia, which causes a host of physiological disturbances associated with the deterioration of small blood vessels, such as renal failure, skin ulcers, or hemorrhages in the vitreous of the eye. Hypoglycemic reactions (hypoglycemia) can be caused by inadvertent overdose of insulin, or after normal doses of insulin or glucose lowering agents accompanied by excessive exercise or insufficient food intake. [0003] Traditionally, people with diabetes carry self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG)...

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Problems solved by technology

[0006] Other issues include that certain elements, especially seals, are subject to "slingshotting" as the inserted element undergoes movement caused by the insertion routine, and these effects lead to inaccurate sensor wire placement because the amount of slingshot is unpredictable

Also, where a single spring was shown in the previous embodiments, it would generally have to be a large spring to accommodate all the motion required in insertion and retraction, and this large spring could be expected to detrimentally cause tissue trauma as the needle and sensor is forcefully inserted into the body

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