Implantable Glucose Sensor Segmentation and Wireless Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for continuous glucose monitoring in diabetics are invasive, bulky, and restrictive, lacking the ability to provide real-time data and automatic alerts for hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic events, which can lead to inconsistent and inconvenient glucose level management.
Innovation Solution
A subcutaneously implantable analyte monitoring system with a processor and communication interface that detects carbohydrate intake events and rate of change in glucose levels, providing real-time data and alerts, while being compact and comfortable enough for everyday use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrochemical sensors are directly implanted into blood vessels or subcutaneous tissue for continuous monitoring, then real-time analyte level detection is achieved, but the devices become large, bulky, and difficult to manufacture inexpensively
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: a small implantable sensor that remains in the body and a larger external sensor guide that contains the electronics and communication interface. This segmentation allows the implantable portion to be small and simple while the external portion handles the complex functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor guide acts as an intermediary device that interfaces between the implantable sensor and external equipment. The sensor guide receives signals from the implantable sensor via wireless communication and relays them to external analyzers, eliminating the need for cables or wires.
2Reliability
If sensor guides and cables are used to connect sensors to analyzers, then signal transmission is achieved, but patient freedom of movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection system (cables and wires) is replaced with a wireless communication system. The implantable sensor and sensor guide communicate via wireless signals, eliminating physical constraints on patient movement while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
3Measurement precision
If periodic manual glucose testing is performed, then glucose level monitoring is achieved, but consistency and convenience are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic continuous monitoring without requiring manual intervention from the patient. The implantable sensor continuously measures analyte levels and transmits data wirelessly, eliminating the need for patients to manually collect blood samples and perform tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous monitoring rather than periodic measurements. The implantable sensor operates continuously to track analyte levels in real-time, providing uninterrupted data compared to discrete manual testing events.
4Extent of automation
If in vivo glucose sensors are implanted for continuous monitoring, then automatic monitoring is achieved, but patient comfort and activity range are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the implantable sensor from the external electronics, the system achieves automatic monitoring while minimizing the burden on the patient. The implantable portion is small and flexible, allowing normal activities, while the external sensor guide can be removed or adjusted as needed.
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
Enables continuous, automatic monitoring of glucose levels with real-time alerts, allowing for timely interventions and improved patient management of glucose levels without restricting patient activity.
Implementation Method 1
A variety of devices have been developed for continuous or automatic monitoring of analytes, such as glucose, in the blood stream or interstitial fluid. A number of these devices use electrochemical sensors which are directly implanted into a blood vessel or in the subcutaneous tissue of a patient.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and device for outputting one or more signals associated with a monitored analyte level of an individual, the one or more signals including a substantially real time monitored analyte level and a rate of change information associated with the monitored analyte level, outputting a carbohydrate intake event indication, determining one or more data associated with one or more therapy information related to the monitored analyte level and the meal event indication, and outputting the determined one or more data over the outputted one or more signals associated with the monitored analyte level and the carbohydrate intake event indication are provided.