Vascular Access Analyte Sensor with Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring blood glucose levels in diabetic patients are invasive, inconvenient, and often fail to detect hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions in a timely manner, leading to dangerous side effects due to the infrequent measurement intervals.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensor system that includes an analyte sensor, a vascular access device, and a flow control system to measure analyte concentrations in a biological sample, allowing for continuous monitoring and infusion of a reference solution to regulate sensor exposure, thereby improving the accuracy and frequency of glucose level readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single point blood glucose meters are used, then the measurement method is simple, but the monitoring frequency is insufficient leading to undetected hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated sensor system: the analyte sensor, vascular access device, and flow control system are merged into one unified device that enables continuous monitoring while managing fluid infusion and sensor exposure automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control system operates automatically based on pre-programmed flow profiles, regulating sensor exposure to biological sample and reference solution without continuous manual intervention, thereby achieving high-frequency monitoring with reduced operational complexity
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then the detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with programmed flow profiles that automatically control the timing and duration of sensor exposure to biological sample and reference solution, enabling accurate continuous monitoring without requiring complex real-time decision-making or manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control system uses feedback mechanisms to regulate fluid flow based on sensor performance and monitoring requirements, automatically adjusting exposure cycles to maintain measurement precision while managing system complexity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the sensor is continuously exposed to biological sample, then the monitoring is continuous, but sensor fouling and drift increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system implements periodic exposure cycles where the sensor alternates between exposure to biological sample and reference solution, allowing continuous monitoring while periodically refreshing the sensor surface to prevent fouling and maintain performance stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically discards accumulated biological sample from the sensor surface by flushing with reference solution, thereby recovering sensor performance and preventing long-term fouling that would compromise reliability
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 system enables continuous, accurate monitoring of blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of undetected hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic events and allowing for more informed insulin therapy decisions, thereby improving patient safety and reducing healthcare workload.
Implementation Method 1
the valve is configured and arranged with a gravity flow position and a controlled flow position
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.