In Vivo Flexible Sensor-Catheter Integration for Dynamic Tissue Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in vivo sensing devices face issues such as kinking, folding, and breaking during insertion, and they often lead to stagnant sensor-tissue interfaces, requiring multiple implantation sites which increase trauma and space usage.

Innovation Solution

A sensing and infusion device with an implantable segment featuring a sensor channel and a catheter, including spacer arms and contact tabs to maintain flexibility and reduce the likelihood of kinking, folding, and breaking, while allowing for a single implantation site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If sensors are implanted in a subject for prolonged periods, then analyte information can be obtained continuously, but the sensor-tissue interface becomes stagnant and the sensor may kink, fold, or break

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor implantation durationVSAvoidsensor integrity and interface quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is designed with a flexible, dynamic structure that allows it to move with tissue growth and body movements. The sensor includes a flexible substrate and movable sensing elements that can adapt to changing tissue conditions, preventing stagnation and mechanical failure during prolonged implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor employs thin, flexible film structures that conform to tissue surfaces and can accommodate tissue expansion and movement. These flexible films prevent kinking and folding by distributing mechanical stresses across their surface area, maintaining sensor integrity during long-term implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple implantation sites are used for catheter and sensor, then sensing and infusion functions can be provided, but more space is used and more trauma is caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing and infusion functionalityVSAvoidimplantation trauma and space usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines the sensor and catheter into a single integrated implantable unit with a common implantation site. The sensor and catheter are positioned adjacent to each other within the same subcutaneous pocket, eliminating the need for separate implantation sites and reducing overall surgical trauma while maintaining both sensing and infusion functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The implantable device performs multiple functions (glucose sensing and insulin infusion) through a single integrated system. This multi-functional design allows both sensing and therapy delivery to be achieved from one implantation site, reducing the number of surgical procedures and tissue disruptions required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250295336A1In vivo sensing and infusion devices

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 PERCUSENSE

AI summary

Sensing and infusion devices are described. In one embodiment, a sensing and infusion device may include an implantable segment having a sensor. The sensing and infusion device may also include a catheter, and a sensor channel may be formed in the catheter. The sensor channel may be configured to retain at least a portion of the implantable segment.