Dermal Glucose Sensor with Perfusion Modulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional in vivo analyte monitoring systems using subcutaneous sensors experience significant time lags in glucose monitoring due to physiological lag between subcutaneous and venous glucose levels, leading to inaccurate readings and increased trauma during sensor insertion.

Innovation Solution

Development of in vivo dermal analyte sensors positioned in the dermal layer with a perfusion modulator, such as protrusions or heat application, to increase perfusion and reduce lag times, allowing for more accurate and reliable glucose monitoring comparable to venous blood glucose levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If subcutaneous sensors are used for in vivo analyte monitoring, then the sensors can be positioned in the subcutaneous tissue, but this results in significant time lags in glucose monitoring due to physiological lag between subcutaneous and venous glucose levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelag timeVSAvoidaccuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting a specific tissue layer (dermal layer) with different physiological characteristics than the conventional subcutaneous layer. The dermal layer has distinct perfusion properties that reduce the physiological lag between interstitial fluid glucose and venous glucose, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reducing time loss without requiring blood vessel access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from monitoring glucose in the subcutaneous tissue layer to the dermal layer, effectively moving to a different dimensional position in the tissue hierarchy. This dimensional change in sensor positioning exploits the unique perfusion characteristics of the dermal layer to achieve better temporal correlation with venous glucose levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If subcutaneous sensors are inserted into the tissue, then analyte monitoring can be performed, but this causes skin and tissue trauma that provokes an immunological response leading to inaccurate readings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading accuracyVSAvoidtissue trauma
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting a specific tissue layer (dermal layer) with different physiological characteristics than the conventional subcutaneous layer. The dermal layer has distinct perfusion properties that reduce the physiological lag between interstitial fluid glucose and venous glucose, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reducing time loss without requiring blood vessel access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from monitoring glucose in the subcutaneous tissue layer to the dermal layer, effectively moving to a different dimensional position in the tissue hierarchy. This dimensional change in sensor positioning exploits the unique perfusion characteristics of the dermal layer to achieve better temporal correlation with venous glucose levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The dermal sensors provide analyte concentration data with markedly reduced lag times, correlating closely with blood glucose levels and reducing insertion-related trauma, while maintaining accuracy and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a perfusion modulator, such as protrusions or heat application, to increase perfusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-induced vasodilation:

Implementation Method 2

a perfusion modulator, such as protrusions or heat application, to increase perfusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal vasodilation:

Data Source

PatentEP2967460B1In VIVO glucose sensing in an increased perfusion dermal layer
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC
  • EP2967460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2967460B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2967460B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods are provided that enable the sensing of an analyte level within, e.g., the dermal layer of the skin of a subject. These systems, devices, and methods can utilize modalities that increase perfusion in an area local to a dermal sensor. The detection of the level of glucose or other analytes, such as lactate, oxygen or the like, in certain individuals is vitally important to their health. For example, the monitoring of glucose is particularly important to individuals with diabetes.