Dermal Interstitial Sensor Placement in Lymphatic Sinus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dermal interstitial sensors for analyte monitoring often decline in signal integrity over time and cause skin irritations due to improper placement within the dermal lymphatic sinus.
Innovation Solution
A method for precise placement of dermal interstitial sensors within the dermal lymphatic sinus or reticular dermis, using a trocar to confirm correct placement and then inserting the sensor device for consistent and maximal exposure to lymph.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dermal interstitial sensors are inserted into the skin for analyte monitoring, then analyte detection capability is provided, but signal integrity declines over time and skin irritations occur due to improper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a trocar with a cannula to pre-establish the correct insertion path into the dermal lymphatic sinus before deploying the actual sensor. The trocar is inserted first to confirm proper placement within the lymphatic sinus, then the sensor is advanced through the established pathway. This preliminary positioning action ensures the sensor reaches the precise target location, thereby maintaining signal integrity over time and preventing skin irritations caused by incorrect placement in surrounding tissues.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors are placed deeper in the tissue to avoid irritation, then skin irritation is reduced, but signal integrity and exposure to lymph decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the intermediary principle by using a specialized trocar with a cannula as a mediating tool to bridge the gap between the insertion point and the precise target location within the dermal lymphatic sinus. The cannula acts as an intermediary structure that guides the sensor along the correct pathway, ensuring the sensor reaches the optimal depth within the lymphatic sinus without requiring excessive insertion depth that would cause skin irritation. This intermediary mechanism enables precise positioning at the correct depth for maximal lymph exposure while avoiding surrounding tissues that cause irritation.
3Reliability
If precise placement within the dermal lymphatic sinus is achieved, then signal integrity and lymph exposure are maximized, but insertion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by designing a trocar system where the cannula is nested within the trocar shaft, and the sensor is nested within the cannula. The trocar provides the outer protective structure and guidance mechanism, the cannula provides the inner pathway for sensor delivery, and the sensor is contained within the cannula during insertion. This nested configuration allows the complex function of precise placement to be achieved through a hierarchical structure where each component serves a specific function, making the overall insertion procedure more manageable despite the increased precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for inserting and using dermal interstitial sensors in, for example, an analyte monitoring system, and for injecting active pharmaceutical ingredients, a bio-artificial organ device, and detection of a protein biomarker.