HOUSING FOR AN INTRAVASCULAR SENSOR

• US 20100331644A1
• Filed: 07/01/2010
• Published: 12/30/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: DexCom Incorporated
• Original Assignee: DexCom Incorporated
• Inventors: Blackwell, Jennifer, Leach, Jake S., Simpson, Peter C., Neale, Paul V.
• Application Number:
  US12/828,967
• Publication Number:
  US 20100331644A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/345
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0223 of calibration, e.g. protocols for calibrating sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/085 combined with means for recording calibration data
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/145 Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissuemeasuring of blood pressure or blood flow A61B5/02; non-radiation detecting or locating of foreign bodies in blood A61B5/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14542 for measuring blood gases A61B5/14551 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1473 invasive, e.g. introduced into the body by a catheter A61B5/1482 takes precedence
• 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 5/1495 Calibrating or testing of in-vivo probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6848 Needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6849 in combination with a needle set
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/1726 the body parameters being measured at, or proximate to, the infusion site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/201 Glucose concentration
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14 Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16804 Flow controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1723 using feedback of body parameters, e.g. blood-sugar, pressure measurement of body parameters A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 1/001 : Enzyme electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 1/006 : for glucose
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/40 : for data related to laboratory analysis, e.g. patient specimen analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 : delivered via infusion or injection
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/40 : for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades

Abstract

An apparatus houses an intravascular sensor and is configured to measure the analyte in a biological sample of a host. The apparatus includes a fluid coupler having a first end configured to mate with a connecting end of a catheter and a second end configured to mate with a tubing assembly including, for example, an infusion pump, and a housing connected to the fluid coupler. The housing is configured to receive a sensor disposed within the fluid coupler such that when the fluid coupler is mated to the catheter, the sensor can be exposed to a biological sample. The housing is also configured to electrically couple the sensor with an external device, such as a processor for receiving and analyzing the sensor output. The housing and the fluid coupler are connected such that a fluidic seal is formed thereby preventing fluid in the fluid coupler from entering the housing.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with an intravascular sensor, the apparatus comprising:

a fluid coupler comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to releasably couple with a connecting end of an intravascular catheter, and wherein the second end is configured to releasably couple with a tubing assembly, said fluid coupler adapted to at least partially house an intravascular sensor; and

a housing connected to the fluid coupler, the housing configured to receive a portion of at least one sensor disposed at least partially within the fluid coupler such that when the fluid coupler is mated to an intravascular catheter inserted into a circulatory system of the host, the at least one sensor can be exposed to a biological sample, the housing further configured to electrically couple the at least one sensor with at least one external device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a seal is formed around a peripheral of the sensor at or proximate the intersection of the fluid coupler and the housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connection between the fluid coupler and the housing forms a seal configured to prevent flow of fluid from the fluid coupler into the housing.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid coupler further comprises a seal proximate the connection between the fluid coupler and the housing, the seal configured to prevent flow of fluid from the fluid coupler into the housing.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises a seal proximate the connection between the housing and the fluid coupler, the seal configured to prevent flow of fluid from the fluid coupler into the housing.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one conductive wire with an electrode fainted on a distal end and wherein the housing is further configured to receive the at least one conductive wire of the sensor and electrically couple the at least one conductive wire with the at least one external device.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the housing further comprises at least one connector configured to electrically couple the at least one conductive wire with the at least one external device.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the at least one connector comprises at least one elastomeric contact.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the housing further comprises a printed circuit board configured to electrically couple with the at least one connector and the at least one external device thereby electrically coupling the at least one conductive wire of the sensor with the at least one external device.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured to measure at least one analyte in the biological sample of the host and wherein the sensor comprises an analyte sensor.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tubing assembly comprises an infusion system configured to supply a fluid to the fluid coupler, the fluid coupler configured to transfer the fluid to the sensor.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid coupler and at least a portion of the housing are formed as a unitary piece.

13. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the housing comprises:

at least one recessed pathway configured to guide placement of the at least one conductive wire of the sensor; and

at least one well connected with or proximate to the at least one recessed pathway and configured to receive the at least one conductive wire, the at least one well configured to receive the at least one connector and configured to couple the at least one conductive wire with the at least one connector.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the housing further comprises a printed circuit board configured to electrically couple with the at least one connector and the at least one external device thereby electrically coupling the at least one conductive wire of the sensor with the at least one external device.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the housing further comprises a housing cover configured to close the housing, the housing cover comprising an electrical connector configured to electrically couple with the printed circuit board and the at least one external device.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a protective sheath configured to cover at least a portion of the sensor during mating of the fluid coupler with the intravascular catheter; and

a hub configured to grasp the protective sheath and mate with the second side of the fluid coupler at least during sensor insertion into the catheter.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

an intravascular catheter having a catheter connector configured to releasably couple with the first end of the fluid coupler, the catheter configured for insertion into a vessel of a host thereby establishing fluid communication with the host'"'"'s circulatory system.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

an intravascular sensor configured to measure a characteristic of a biological sample; and

a supporting member at least partially surrounding at least a portion of the intravascular sensor situated within a portion of a catheter, the supporting member configured to reduce potential bending of the at least a portion of the intravascular sensor.

19. An apparatus for use with an intravascular sensor, the apparatus comprising:

a fluid coupler comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to releasably couple with a connecting end of an intravascular catheter, and wherein the second end is configured to releasably couple with a tubing assembly, said fluid coupler adapted to at least partially house an intravascular sensor;

a housing coupled to the fluid coupler, the housing configured to receive a portion of at least one sensor disposed at least partially within the fluid coupler such that when the fluid coupler is mated to an intravascular catheter inserted into a circulatory system of the host, the at least one sensor can be exposed to a biological sample, the housing further configured to electrically couple the at least one sensor with at least one external device; and

a seal disposed between the fluid coupler and the housing, the seal configured to couple the fluid coupler to the housing, configured to define a conduit for the at least one sensor from the fluid coupler to the housing, and configured to prevent flow of fluid from the fluid coupler into the housing.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one conductive wire with an electrode formed on a distal end and wherein the housing is further configured to receive the at least one conductive wire of the sensor and electrically couple the at least one conductive wire with the at least one external device.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the housing further comprises at least one connector configured to electrically couple the at least one conductive wire with the at least one external device.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the at least one connector comprises at least one elastomeric contact.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the housing further comprises a printed circuit board configured to electrically couple with the at least one connector and the at least one external device thereby electrically coupling the at least one conductive wire of the sensor with the at least one external device.

24. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the apparatus is configured to measure at least one analyte in the biological sample of the host and wherein the sensor comprises an analyte sensor.

25. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the tubing assembly comprises an infusion system configured to supply a fluid to the fluid coupler, the fluid coupler configured to transfer the fluid to the sensor.

26. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the fluid coupler and at least a portion of the housing are formed as a unitary piece.

27. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the housing comprises:

at least one recessed pathway configured to guide placement of the at least one conductive wire of the sensor; and

at least one well connected with or proximate to the at least one recessed pathway and configured to receive the at least one conductive wire, the at least one well configured to receive the at least one connector and configured to couple the at least one conductive wire with the at least one connector.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the housing further comprises a printed circuit board configured to electrically couple with the at least one connector and the at least one external device thereby electrically coupling the at least one conductive wire of the sensor with the at least one external device.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the housing further comprises a housing cover configured to close the housing, the housing cover comprising an electrical connector configured to electrically couple with the printed circuit board and the at least one external device.

30. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising:

a protective sheath configured to cover at least a portion of the sensor during mating of the fluid coupler with the intravascular catheter; and

a hub configured to grasp the protective sheath and mate with the second side of the fluid coupler at least during sensor insertion into the catheter.

31. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising:

an intravascular catheter having a catheter connector configured to releasably couple with the first end of the fluid coupler, the catheter configured for insertion into a vessel of a host thereby establishing fluid communication with the host'"'"'s circulatory system.

32. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising:

an intravascular sensor configured to measure a characteristic of a biological sample; and

a supporting member at least partially surrounding at least a portion of the intravascular sensor situated within a portion of a catheter, the supporting member configured to reduce potential bending of the at least a portion of the intravascular sensor.

33. An apparatus for use with an intravascular sensor, the apparatus comprising:

a fluid coupler comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to releasably couple with a connecting end of an intravascular catheter, and wherein the second end is configured to releasably couple with a tubing assembly, said fluid coupler adapted to at least partially house an intravascular sensor;

a housing connected to the fluid coupler, the housing configured to receive a portion of at least one sensor disposed at least partially within the fluid coupler such that when the fluid coupler is mated to an intravascular catheter inserted into a circulatory system of the host, the at least one sensor can be exposed to a biological sample, the housing further configured to electrically couple the at least one sensor with at least one external device;

wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one conductive wire with an electrode formed on a distal end and wherein the housing is further configured to receive the at least one conductive wire of the sensor and electrically couple the at least one conductive wire with the at least one external device; and

wherein the housing further comprises;

at least one connector configured to electrically couple the at least one conductive wire with the at least one external device.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein a seal is formed around a peripheral of the sensor at or proximate the intersection of the fluid coupler and the housing.

35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the connection between the fluid coupler and the housing forms a seal configured to prevent flow of fluid from the fluid coupler into the housing.

36. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the fluid coupler further comprises a seal proximate the connection between the fluid coupler and the housing, the seal configured to prevent flow of fluid from the fluid coupler into the housing.

37. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the housing further comprises a seal proximate the connection between the housing and the fluid coupler, the seal configured to prevent flow of fluid from the fluid coupler into the housing.

38. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the at least one connector comprises at least one elastomeric contact.

39. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the housing further comprises a printed circuit board configured to electrically couple with the at least one connector and the at least one external device thereby electrically coupling the at least one conductive wire of the sensor with the at least one external device.

40. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the apparatus is configured to measure at least one analyte in the biological sample of the host and wherein the sensor comprises an analyte sensor.

41. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the tubing assembly comprises an infusion system configured to supply a fluid to the fluid coupler, the fluid coupler configured to transfer the fluid to the sensor.

42. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the fluid coupler and at least a portion of the housing are formed as a unitary piece.

43. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the housing comprises:

at least one recessed pathway configured to guide placement of the at least one conductive wire of the sensor; and

at least one well connected with or proximate to the at least one recessed pathway and configured to receive the at least one conductive wire, the at least one well configured to receive the at least one connector and configured to couple the at least one conductive wire with the at least one connector.

44. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the housing further comprises a printed circuit board configured to electrically couple with the at least one connector and the at least one external device thereby electrically coupling the at least one conductive wire of the sensor with the at least one external device.

45. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the housing further comprises a housing cover configured to close the housing, the housing cover comprising an electrical connector configured to electrically couple with the printed circuit board and the at least one external device.

46. The apparatus of claim 33 further comprising:

a protective sheath configured to cover at least a portion of the sensor during mating of the fluid coupler with the intravascular catheter; and

a hub configured to grasp the protective sheath and mate with the second side of the fluid coupler at least during sensor insertion into the catheter.

47. The apparatus of claim 33 further comprising:

an intravascular catheter having a catheter connector configured to releasably couple with the first end of the fluid coupler, the catheter configured for insertion into a vessel of a host thereby establishing fluid communication with the host'"'"'s circulatory system.

48. The apparatus of claim 33 further comprising:

an intravascular sensor configured to measure a characteristic of a biological sample; and

a supporting member at least partially surrounding at least a portion of the intravascular sensor situated within a portion of a catheter, the supporting member configured to reduce potential bending of the at least a portion of the intravascular sensor.