Implantable sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A blood glucose detector for implantation within a blood vessel, comprising:
- a support, having a first side for contacting the wall of the vessel and a second side for facing radially inwardly toward the center of the vessel;
a sensor carried by the support and having a sensing surface thereon;
wherein the sensing surface is spaced radially inwardly from the first side by a distance of at least about 0.2 mm, such that the velocity of blood in the vessel inhibits obstruction of the sensing surface; and
a transmitter on the support, for transmitting information from the sensor to an external receiver.
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Abstract
A sensor is disclosed, for implantation within a blood vessel to monitor an analyte in blood. In one embodiment, the analyte is glucose. A signal indicative of glucose level is transmitted to an external receiver. The signal may also be used to drive an internal or externally worn insulin pump. Methods are also disclosed.
137 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A blood glucose detector for implantation within a blood vessel, comprising:
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a support, having a first side for contacting the wall of the vessel and a second side for facing radially inwardly toward the center of the vessel;
a sensor carried by the support and having a sensing surface thereon;
wherein the sensing surface is spaced radially inwardly from the first side by a distance of at least about 0.2 mm, such that the velocity of blood in the vessel inhibits obstruction of the sensing surface; and
a transmitter on the support, for transmitting information from the sensor to an external receiver. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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15. An implantable sensor for sensing the presence of an analyte in a vessel, comprising:
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a tubular support structure for anchoring the sensor in the vessel, the support having a side wall with a luminal side facing toward the center of the vessel and an abluminal side facing toward the wall of the vessel;
a sensor housing carried by the support structure, the housing comprising gradually sloped surfaces to minimize blood flow turbulence;
a power supply and electrical circuitry in the housing;
a sensing surface exposed to the exterior of the housing;
wherein the sensing surface is positioned on the radially inwardly most portion of the luminal side of the housing; and
a transmitter on the support structure for transmitting information from the sensor to an external receiver.
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Specification