Implantable non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor
First Claim
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1. A method of detecting changes in blood glucose levels, comprising:
- providing an implantable non-enzymatic blood glucose detector having a non-reactive semiconductor measurement electrode energized by a battery means and disposed within a sleeve member having an opening permitting glucose molecules to pass therethrough to said measurement electrode, but resisting the passage therethrough of molecules of predetermined greater size;
connecting said measurement electrode to a monitoring means for monitoring a current density at said measurement electrode in response to glucose molecule oxidation or glucose molecule reduction reactions at said measurement electrode;
continuously passing blood through said sleeve opening to said measurement electrode;
continuously monitoring said current density by said monitoring means; and
translating changes in current density detected by said monitoring means to changes in blood glucose levels.
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Abstract
A non-enzymatic implantable blood glucose detector. The detector makes use of a non-reactive tin oxide semiconductor measurement electrode which is suitably energized by an electrical power source. Variations in current density at the measurement electrode are related to variations in glucose content of blood. The device also uses variable voltage to allow the electrode to be self-cleaning.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of detecting changes in blood glucose levels, comprising:
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providing an implantable non-enzymatic blood glucose detector having a non-reactive semiconductor measurement electrode energized by a battery means and disposed within a sleeve member having an opening permitting glucose molecules to pass therethrough to said measurement electrode, but resisting the passage therethrough of molecules of predetermined greater size; connecting said measurement electrode to a monitoring means for monitoring a current density at said measurement electrode in response to glucose molecule oxidation or glucose molecule reduction reactions at said measurement electrode; continuously passing blood through said sleeve opening to said measurement electrode; continuously monitoring said current density by said monitoring means; and translating changes in current density detected by said monitoring means to changes in blood glucose levels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of delivering insulin within a patient comprising:
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providing an implantable non-enzymatic blood glucose unit comprising an implantable non-reactive semiconductor measurement electrode, said electrode energized by an electrical power source and disposed within a sleeve member having an opening permitting glucose molecules to pass therethrough to said measurement electrode, but precluding the passage therethrough of molecules sized greater than about 100,000 M.W., said unit further comprising monitoring means connected to said electrode for monitoring current density at said measurement electrode, said unit further including an insulin reservoir and insulin pump; implanting said unit in a patient; continuously passing blood from said patient through said sleeve opening to said measurement electrode; continuously monitoring changes in current density at said measurement electrode in response to glucose molecule oxidation or glucose molecule reduction reactions at said measurement electrode, with said monitoring means; translating changes in current density detected by said monitoring means to changes in blood glucose levels; and delivering insulin from said insulin reservoir to said patient via said insulin pump in response to changes in current density detected by said monitoring means in response to changes in blood glucose levels from a normal glucose level to a glucose level exceeding a predetermined set point. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification