Analyte Monitoring Device And Methods Of Use

Abstract

An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 10 / 336,195 filed Jan. 3, 2003, which is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 09 / 753,746 filed Jan. 2, 2001 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,471 on May 6, 2003, the disclosures of each of which are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is, in general, directed to devices and methods for the in vivo monitoring of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for the in vivo monitoring of an analyte using an electrochemical sensor to provide information to a patient about the level of the analyte. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The monitoring of the level of glucose or other analytes, such as lactate or oxygen, in certain individuals is vitally important to their health. High or low levels of glucose or other analytes may have detrimental eff...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to methods and devices for continuously and automatically monitoring the level of an analyte in a patient's body. The invention includes a sensor control unit that is placed on the skin and a sensor that is inserted into the patient's skin. The sensor control unit has conductive contacts that are connected to the sensor's contact pads. The sensor control unit also has a transmitter for transmitting data obtained from the sensor. The sensor control unit can be used with a variety of optional components such as adhesive, mounting unit, display, alarm system, and power supply. The invention also includes an insertion kit for inserting the electrochemical sensor into the patient. The sensor control unit can detect failures in the implanted sensor and calibrate it if needed. The invention allows for the continuous monitoring of analyte levels in a patient's body, providing valuable information for drug development and treatment protocols.

Problems solved by technology

High or low levels of glucose or other analytes may have detrimental effects.

This technique does not permit continuous or automatic monitoring of glucose levels in the body, but typically must be performed manually on a periodic basis.

Unfortunately, the consistency with which the level of glucose is checked varies widely among individuals.

Many diabetics find the periodic testing inconvenient and they sometimes forget to test their glucose level or do not have time for a proper test.

These situations may result in hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic episodes.

However, these devices are often difficult to reproducibly and inexpensively manufacture in large numbers.

In addition, these devices are typically large, bulky, and / or inflexible, and many can not be used effectively outside of a controlled medical facility, such as a hospital or a doctor's office, unless the patient is restricted in his activities.

These sensor guides are typically bulky and do not allow for freedom of movement.

The size of the sensor guides and presence of cables and wires hinders the convenient use of these devices for everyday applications.

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