Subcutaneous Analyte Sensor with External Transmitter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for continuous in vivo monitoring of glucose or other analytes, such as lactate, are cumbersome, inconvenient, and often restrict patient movement due to bulky and inflexible devices, lacking the ability for continuous or automatic monitoring outside controlled medical facilities.
Innovation Solution
A subcutaneously implantable electrochemical sensor system with a small, comfortable sensor control unit and transmitter that allows for continuous monitoring of analyte levels, including glucose, while enabling patients to engage in normal activities, featuring a sensor assembly with working electrodes and optional components like adhesive, mounting units, and alarm systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional electrochemical sensors are directly implanted into blood vessels or subcutaneous tissue, then continuous monitoring capability is achieved, but the devices become large, bulky, and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: a small implantable sensor portion that remains in the body and a larger control unit with transmitter that wears externally. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to be continuous while the external unit houses the bulk of electronic components, resolving the contradiction between continuous monitoring capability and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fully implantable three-dimensional device to a hybrid configuration where the sensor is implanted subcutaneously (one dimension) and the control unit wears on the skin surface (another dimension). This dimensional redistribution allows continuous monitoring while minimizing the volume of the implantable portion.
2Reliability
If sensor guides and cables are used to connect the sensor to equipment, then signal transmission is achieved, but patient movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical cable connection is replaced with wireless electromagnetic signal transmission. The implantable sensor communicates with the external control unit via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cables and thereby maintaining reliable signal transmission while allowing complete freedom of patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed as a flexible wearable device that can be comfortably positioned on the patient's skin. This flexible form factor, combined with wireless communication, maintains reliable signal transmission while accommodating patient movement without restrictive cables or rigid structures.
3Measurement precision
If periodic manual testing is performed, then glucose level determination is achieved, but consistency varies and patients may forget or avoid testing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic continuous monitoring without requiring patient intervention. The implantable sensor continuously measures glucose levels and transmits data to the control unit, which automatically processes and displays results. This self-service mechanism eliminates the variability and forgetfulness associated with manual testing while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from periodic discrete measurements to continuous uninterrupted monitoring. The sensor continuously measures analyte levels in real-time, providing a continuous stream of data that eliminates gaps in monitoring and ensures consistent measurement precision throughout the monitoring period.
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 and automatic monitoring of analyte levels, providing timely warnings for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, enhancing patient convenience and safety by allowing unrestricted movement and improved glucose management.
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
Data Source
AI summary
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.