EIS Continuous Glucose Sensor Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors face challenges in assessing viability post-insertion due to potential damage, biofouling, and movement issues, which affect accuracy and require frequent calibration.

Innovation Solution

An electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) enabled sensor system that monitors the condition of subcutaneously insertable sensors by comparing in vivo capacitance values to reference values, allowing for real-time calibration adjustments to maintain accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CGM sensors are inserted subcutaneously for continuous monitoring, then continuous glucose data can be obtained, but sensor damage, biofouling, and movement occur during/after insertion affecting accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor viabilityVSAvoidbiofouling and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements during the insertion process and immediately after insertion to assess sensor membrane integrity before the sensor begins its monitoring function. This early assessment allows detection of insertion-related damage or biofouling events, enabling timely calibration adjustments or sensor replacement before accuracy degradation occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring EIS parameters (capacitance, resistance) of the sensor membrane and comparing them against reference values or calibration profiles. When deviations indicate biofouling or damage, the system provides feedback to adjust calibration parameters or alert the user, maintaining reliable glucose measurements despite in vivo challenges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If sensor calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and increased device complexity occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglucose reading accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the sensor system to automatically perform EIS-based self-diagnosis and self-calibration. The system autonomously assesses its own membrane condition through impedance measurements and adjusts its calibration profile without requiring manual user intervention, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating time-consuming manual calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by monitoring variations in EIS parameters (capacitance C, resistance R) that correlate with membrane integrity and biofouling states. By detecting these parameter changes and mapping them to calibration adjustments, the system dynamically adapts its measurement parameters to maintain accuracy without frequent manual recalibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If EIS monitoring is implemented to assess sensor condition, then sensor viability detection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor condition assessmentVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the EIS measurement system to serve multiple functions: it characterizes glucose levels, assesses membrane integrity, detects biofouling events, and provides calibration data all through a single impedance spectroscopy measurement. This multi-functionality improves sensor condition detection capability while minimizing the addition of separate diagnostic devices or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses EIS measurements as an intermediary that indirectly probes sensor membrane condition and biofouling states without requiring direct physical access to or manipulation of the sensor membrane. The impedance parameters serve as mediators that translate complex biological and physical changes into quantifiable electrical signals that indicate sensor viability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 EIS system effectively determines sensor integrity and adjusts calibration profiles to prevent biofouling and movement-related errors, enhancing the accuracy and longevity of CGM sensors.

Implementation Method 1

performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on the in vivo sensor to obtain an in vivo parameter value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical impedance spectroscopy: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

the in vivo electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test results can be compared to a previously obtained reference test result to determine whether, for example, the sensor has been inserted properly, has been damaged or otherwise compromised, or is intact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8868151B2Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy enabled continuous glucose monitoring sensor system
Publication Date: 2014.10.21 ASCENSIA DIABETES CARE HLDG AG
  • US8868151B2 patent drawing
  • US8868151B2 patent drawing
  • US8868151B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The use of electrical impedance spectroscopy to adjust calibration settings in an in vivo monitoring system, such as an in vivo continuous glucose monitoring sensor. The adjustments can compensate for the condition of the sensor membrane in vivo.