IMPLANTABLE ANALYTE SENSOR

• US 20090062633A1
• Filed: 11/04/2008
• Published: 03/05/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: DexCom Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Dexcorn Incorporated
• Inventors: Seare, William J. JR., Fisher, Jack C., Brauker, James H., Carr-Brendel, Victoria, Tapsak, Mark A., Neale, Paul V., Shults, Mark
• Application Number:
  US12/264,835
• Publication Number:
  US 20090062633A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/345
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14865 invasive, e.g. introduced into the body by a catheter or needle or using implanted sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6882 Anchoring means

Abstract

An implantable analyte sensor including a sensing region for measuring the analyte and a non-sensing region for immobilizing the sensor body in the host. The sensor is implanted in a precisely dimensioned pocket to stabilize the analyte sensor in vivo and enable measurement of the concentration of the analyte in the host before and after formation of a foreign body capsule around the sensor. The sensor further provides a transmitter for RF transmission through the sensor body, electronic circuitry, and a power source optimized for long-term use in the miniaturized sensor body.

Claims

1. A method for implanting an analyte sensor in a host, the method comprising:

forming a precisely dimensioned pocket in a subcutaneous space of a host, wherein the pocket is dimensioned no greater than dimensions of an analyte sensor; and

inserting the analyte sensor into the precisely dimensioned pocket so as to minimize movement of the sensor within the pocket.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of forming a precisely dimensioned pocket comprises using a tool configured for precise dimensioning of the pocket.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the tool comprises a head dimensioned substantially similar to the analyte sensor and a handle for guiding the head into the pocket.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the tool comprises a head dimensioned smaller than the analyte sensor and a handle for guiding the head into the pocket.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising suturing the analyte sensor to the host tissue.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the pocket is formed in an abdominal region of the host.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the pocket is formed adjacent to a fascia of the host.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the analyte sensor comprises a sensing region configured for measuring an analyte concentration, and wherein the analyte sensor is placed within the pocket such that the sensing region is located adjacent to a fascia of the host.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of forming a vertical incision prior to the step of forming a precisely dimensioned pocket.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of forming a horizontal incision prior to the step of forming a precisely dimensioned pocket.