SENSORS FOR CONTINUOUS ANALYTE MONITORING, AND RELATED METHODS

• US 20180042529A1
• Filed: 10/26/2017
• Published: 02/15/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/2014
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: DexCom Incorporated
• Original Assignee: DexCom Incorporated
• Inventors: Simpson, Peter C., Blackwell, Jennifer, Bohm, Sebastian, Estes, Michael J., Jackson, Jeff, Mitchell, Jason, Pryor, Jack, Rong, Daiting, Saint, Sean T., Sheth, Disha B., Wang, Shanger
• Application Number:
  US15/795,087
• Publication Number:
  US 20180042529A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1473 invasive, e.g. introduced into the body by a catheter A61B5/1482 takes precedence

Abstract

Sensor devices including dissolvable tissue-piercing tips are provided. The sensor devices can be used in conjunction with dissolvable needles configured for inserting the sensor devices into a host. Hardening agents for strengthening membranes on sensor devices are also provided. Methods of using and fabricating sensor devices are also provided.

Claims

1. A method of making a sensor device configured for implantation in a host without use of an inserter, the method comprising:

forming a piercing tip on a sensor unit, the sensor unit including a sensor body, at least one electrode, and a membrane covering at least a portion of the at least one electrode;

wherein the membrane is applied to the sensor unit prior to forming the piercing tip on the sensor unit.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying the membrane to the sensor unit.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the piercing tip comprises forming an annular channel about a circumference of a wire that is coated with the membrane.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the annular channel extends through the membrane and partially into the wire.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising applying tension to the coated wire.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the tension induces strain in the wire proximate the annular channel, causing the wire to neck and fracture.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the necking forms the piercing tip on the sensor body.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising covering the piercing tip with a protective outer layer.