Integrated Sensor Cannula for Single-Site Glucose Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous glucose monitors and insulin delivery devices require separate insertion points and devices, leading to increased pain, complexity, and potential inaccuracies in medication delivery due to separate communication and tracking needs.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly is integrated with a hollow cannula element, combining glucose sensing and insulin delivery capabilities, allowing a single insertion point for both functions, with electrodes formed on the cannula surface for sensing and a central cavity for medication delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate glucose monitor and insulin pump devices are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and number of insertion points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the glucose sensor and insulin delivery cannula into a single integrated sensor assembly. The sensor electrodes are formed directly on the outer surface of the hollow cannula body, creating a unified device that performs both sensing and medication delivery functions through one insertion point, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the hollow cannula body delivers insulin or other therapeutic agents through its cavity, while the electrodes formed on its surface monitor glucose levels in interstitial fluid. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate glucose monitor and insulin pump devices
2Reliability
If separate insertion points are used for sensor and cannula, then each component can be independently optimized, but patient discomfort and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor and delivery cannula are merged into a single integrated assembly that requires only one skin insertion point. The hollow cannula body provides the medication delivery pathway while the electrodes on its surface perform glucose sensing, eliminating the need for separate insertion procedures and reducing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor electrodes are nested on the outer surface of the hollow cannula body. The cannula serves as the structural core for medication delivery, while the electrodes are formed around it, creating a nested configuration where both functions coexist within a single inserted component
3Reliability
If separate communication and tracking systems are used for monitor and pump, then each system can be independently optimized, but system complexity and potential inaccuracies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication and data tracking systems are merged into a single integrated system. Since the sensor and delivery functions are combined in one device, the data flow, control algorithms, and user interface can be optimized as a unified system, reducing communication overhead and potential synchronization errors between separate devices
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
This integration reduces patient discomfort and complexity by eliminating multiple insertion points, enhances accuracy through integrated sensing and delivery, and lowers overall therapy costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrodes formed on a surface of the body, wherein each of the electrodes extends at least partially longitudinally along the body
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, wherein at least part of the body is tubular and defines a cavity that extends along the longitudinal axis to facilitate delivery of medication therethrough, and a plurality of electrodes formed on a surface of the body, wherein each of the electrodes extends at least partially longitudinally along the body, with an electrical contact closer to the first end and a sensing region closer to the second end.