Integrated Cannula Sensor Assembly for Single-Site Sensing and Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in vivo sensing devices face issues such as kinking, folding, and breaking during insertion, and often require multiple implantation sites, leading to a stagnant sensor-tissue interface and increased trauma.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cannula and sensor assembly with a channel and undercut configuration to retain the sensor, allowing for a single implantation site that combines sensing and infusion functions, accommodating multiple sensor assemblies and reducing the likelihood of a stagnant interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If sensors are implanted for prolonged periods to monitor analytes, then monitoring duration is improved, but the sensor-tissue interface becomes stagnant
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is designed with a flexible, bendable structure that allows it to move and adapt its shape in response to tissue movement and compression. This dynamic flexibility prevents the formation of a stagnant sensor-tissue interface while maintaining prolonged monitoring capability, as the sensor remains in contact with fresh tissue surfaces throughout the implantation period.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple implantation sites are used for separate catheter and sensor implantation, then functional requirements are met, but trauma and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the catheter and sensor into a single integrated assembly that is implanted through one insertion site. The cannula body contains both the infusate delivery lumen and the sensor housing, allowing simultaneous infusion and sensing functions to be achieved at a single implantation location, thereby reducing tissue trauma and improving patient comfort.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are made flexible to reduce trauma, then ease of insertion is improved, but sensors are more prone to kinking, folding, and breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is encased within the cannula structure, which provides a protective rigid or semi-rigid housing that prevents kinking, folding, and breaking. The cannula's flexible outer surface allows easy insertion through tissue, while the internal sensor compartment maintains structural integrity and protects the sensitive sensing elements during implantation and wear.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate catheter and sensor assemblies are used, then functional versatility is achieved, but device complexity and implantation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter and sensor are merged into a single integrated cannula assembly. The cannula body incorporates both the infusate delivery channel and the sensor housing, eliminating the need for separate catheter and sensor implantation. This integration reduces the number of components, simplifies the implantation procedure, and decreases overall device complexity while maintaining full sensing and infusion functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an integrated cannula and sensor assembly is disclosed. The integrated cannula and sensor assembly includes a cannula with a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula also has a body and a tip. The body includes a channel and a body distal that is defined between the proximal end and the distal end. The tip is defined between the body distal and the distal end. The assembly further includes a sensor assembly that is located within the channel, wherein the tip further includes an undercut configured to retain the sensor assembly.