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Implantable analyte sensor

Implantable analyte sensor description/claims

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/838,658 filed May 3, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and is hereby made a part of this specification.

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for making and using an implantable analyte sensor.

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the pancreas cannot create sufficient insulin (Type I or insulin dependent) and/or in which insulin is not effective (Type 2 or non-insulin dependent). In the diabetic state, the victim suffers from high blood sugar, which may cause an array of physiological derangements (for example, kidney failure, skin ulcers, or bleeding into the vitreous of the eye) associated with the deterioration of small blood vessels. A hypoglycemic reaction (low blood sugar) may be induced by an inadvertent overdose of insulin, or after a normal dose of insulin or glucose-lowering agent accompanied by extraordinary exercise or insufficient food intake.

Conventionally, a diabetic person carries a self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) monitor, which typically comprises uncomfortable finger pricking methods. Due to the lack of comfort and convenience, a diabetic will normally only measure his or her glucose level two to four times per day. Unfortunately, these time intervals are so far spread apart that the diabetic will likely find out too late, sometimes incurring dangerous side effects, of a hyper- or hypo-glycemic condition. In fact, it is not only unlikely that a diabetic will take a timely SMBG value, but the diabetic will not know if their blood glucose value is going up (higher) or down (lower) based on conventional methods, inhibiting their ability to make educated insulin therapy decisions.

The prior art discloses a variety of analyte sensors that provide complex, short-term, transcutaneous, or partially implantable analyte sensors. Unfortunately, each of these sensors suffers from various disadvantages, such as lack of continuous care (short-term sensors), discomfort (transcutaneous and partially implantable sensors), and inconvenience (sensors with multiple components).

There is a need for a device a long-term, implantable analyte sensor that functions accurately and reliably, to provide improved patient convenience and care.

Accordingly, in a first embodiment, an implantable analyte sensor for measuring an analyte in a host is provided, the sensor including: a sensor body including a sensing region for measuring the analyte and a non-sensing region for immobilizing the sensor body in the host; a first biointerface material adjacent to the sensing region, wherein the first biointerface material includes a porous architecture that promotes vascularized tissue ingrowth and interferes with barrier cell layer formation, for allowing analyte transport to the sensing region in vivo; and a second biointerface material adjacent to at least a portion of the non-sensing region, wherein the second biointerface material includes a porous architecture that promotes tissue ingrowth for anchoring the sensor in vivo.

In an aspect of the first embodiment, the first biointerface material further includes a domain proximal to the sensing region that is impermeable to cells or cell processes and is permeable to the passage of the analyte.

In an aspect of the first embodiment, the second biointerface material and the first biointerface material include porous silicone, and wherein first biomaterial material includes porous silicone with a through porosity substantially across the entire material.

In an aspect of the first embodiment, the sensing region is on a first surface of the sensor body, and wherein the sensor body includes a second surface opposite the first surfaces, and wherein the second biointerface material is disposed on a substantial portion of the first and second surfaces of the sensor body.

In a second embodiment, an analyte sensor for short-term and long-term immobilization in a host's soft tissue is provided, the sensor including: a short-term anchoring mechanism for providing immobilization of the sensor in the soft tissue prior to substantial formation of the foreign body capsule; and a long-term anchoring mechanism for providing immobilization of the sensor in the soft tissue during and after substantial formation of the foreign body capsule.

In an aspect of the second embodiment, the short-term anchoring mechanism includes a suture tab on the sensor body. In an aspect of the second embodiment, the short-term anchoring mechanism includes a suture. In an aspect of the second embodiment, the short-term anchoring mechanism includes at least one of prongs, spines, barbs, wings, and hooks. In an aspect of the second embodiment, the short-term anchoring mechanism includes a geometric configuration of the sensor body. In an aspect of the second embodiment, the geometric configuration includes at least one of a helical, tapered, and winged configuration.

In an aspect of the second embodiment, the long-term anchoring mechanism includes an anchoring material disposed on the sensor body. In an aspect of the second embodiment, the anchoring material includes a fibrous material. In an aspect of the second embodiment, the anchoring material includes a porous material. In an aspect of the second embodiment, the anchoring material includes a material with a surface topography. In an aspect of the second embodiment, the long-term anchoring mechanism includes a surface topography formed on an outer surface of the sensor body.

In a third embodiment, a method for immobilizing an analyte sensor in soft tissue is provided, the method including: implanting the analyte sensor in a host; anchoring the sensor in the host prior to formation of a foreign body capsule for at least short-term immobilization of the sensor within the soft tissue of the host; and anchoring the sensor within the foreign body capsule for long-term immobilization of the sensor within the soft tissue of the host.

In an aspect of the third embodiment, the short-term immobilization step includes suturing the sensor to the host's tissue. In an aspect of the third embodiment, the suturing step includes suturing the sensor such that the sensor is in compression. In an aspect of the third embodiment, the short term immobilization step includes utilizing at least one of prongs, spines, barbs, wings, and hooks on the sensor to anchor the sensor into the host's tissue upon implantation.

In an aspect of the third embodiment, the long-term immobilization step includes disposing an anchoring material on the sensor body that allows host tissue ingrowth into the material. In an aspect of the third embodiment, the anchoring material includes a fibrous material. In an aspect of the third embodiment, the anchoring material includes a porous material. In an aspect of the third embodiment, the anchoring material includes a material with a surface topography. In an aspect of the third embodiment, the long-term immobilization step includes utilizing a surface topography formed on an outer surface of the sensor body that allows tissue ingrowth into the surface of the sensor body.

In a fourth embodiment, a method for continuous measurement of an analyte in a host is provided, the method including: implanting an analyte sensor in a host; and measuring the concentration of the analyte in the host before and after formation of a foreign body capsule around the sensor.

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