Transcutaneous analyte sensors, applicators therefor, and associated methods

• US 9,931,065 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Issued: 04/03/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DexCom Incorporated
• Original Assignee: DexCom Incorporated
• Inventors: Pryor, Jack, Bohm, Sebastian, DeRenzy, David, Halac, Jason, Kline, Daniel S., Lieu, Phong, Livingston, Adam J., Masterson, Steve, Neale, Paul V., Simpson, Peter C., Ubach, Antonio Joao
• Primary Examiner(s): WESTON, TIFFANY C
• Application Number:
  US13/826,372
• Publication Number:
  US 20130267811A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,846 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0412 Low-profile patch shaped housings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0004 characterised by the type of physiological signal transmitted
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14503 invasive, e.g. introduced into the body by a catheter or needle or using implanted sensors A61B5/1459, A61B5/1464, A61B5/1473, A61B5/1482, A61B5/14865 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6833 Adhesive patches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6849 in combination with a needle set

Abstract

The present embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present embodiments provide sensor applicators and methods of use with pushbutton activation that implant the sensor, withdraw the insertion needle, engage the transmitter with the housing, and disengage the applicator from the housing, all in one smooth motion. Some embodiments contemplate engagement of the transmitter with the housing after release of the applicator.

Claims

1. A device for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to skin of a host, the device comprising:

a base configured to secure a housing, wherein the housing is configured to receive an electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit is configured to generate analyte information based on a signal from a sensor;

a sensor insertion assembly configured to insert the sensor into the host;

a resistance feature configured to prevent securement of the electronics unit to the housing; and

a trigger configured, in response to being activated, to cause the sensor insertion assembly to insert the sensor into the host, to cause the electronics unit to secure to the housing by releasing the resistance feature from preventing the securement of the electronics unit to the housing such that the sensor electrically contacts the electronics unit, and to cause the housing to detach from the base.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the electronics unit is configured, in response to the trigger being activated and/or the electrical connection of the sensor to the electronics unit, to generate analyte information.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured such that the electronics unit cannot be removed from the housing while the housing is adhered to the skin of the host.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to draw the electronics unit into the housing.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein, in use, a time between sensor insertion into the host and the electronics unit securing to the housing is less than about 1 second.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one contact on the electronics unit is more rigid than the sensor, and wherein the electronics unit is configured such that, when fully secured to the housing, the at least one contact presses the sensor into an elastomeric seal such that the elastomeric seal is compressed and conforms to the sensor.

7. The device of claim 1, the sensor is configured, after insertion into the host, to be surrounded by an elastomeric seal, and wherein the electronics unit is configured, in response to the electronics unit being released from a lock, to compress the elastomeric seal to secure the sensor and to form a seal around the sensor.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to disengage from the housing and from the electronics unit in response to the electronics unit being released from a lock.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to provide one or more tactile, auditory, or visual indications that the electronics unit has been inserted into the housing to the extent permitted by a lock.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a lock configured to prevent accidental activation of the trigger.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a protective cover configured to cover the electronics unit and the housing after sensor insertion and to secure the electronics unit to the housing.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the electronics unit is releasably secured to the housing.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is detached from the base by actuating the resistance feature away from the housing.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the resistance feature is a standoff.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the standoff is configured to limit an extent to which the electronics unit is inserted into the housing prior to sensor insertion.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the trigger is further configured, in response to being activated, to release the electronics unit from the standoff after sensor insertion.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein after the resistance feature is actuated, the electronics unit is secured to the housing by a spring force.

18. A device for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to skin of a host, the device comprising:

a base configured to secure a housing, wherein the housing is configured to receive an electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit is configured to generate analyte information based on a signal from a sensor;

a sensor insertion assembly configured to insert the sensor into the host; and

a trigger configured, in response to being activated, to cause the sensor insertion assembly to insert the sensor into the host, to cause the electronics unit to secure to the housing by releasing a resistance feature from preventing the securement of the electronics unit to the housing such that the sensor electrically contacts the electronics unit, and to cause the housing to detach from the base.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the resistance feature is a standoff configured to limit an extent to which the electronics unit is inserted into the housing prior to sensor insertion.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the electronics unit is releasably secured to the housing.