Transcutaneous analyte sensor

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

1 . A transcutaneous system for measuring an analyte concentration in a host, the system comprising: 
 a sensor adapted for transcutaneous placement through a skin of a host, the sensor comprising a first end and a second end; and    an applicator comprising a needle configured for inserting the sensor into the skin of the host; wherein    a diameter of the first end of the sensor is substantially the same as that of a diameter of the second end of the sensor, such that the needle is capable of inserting the first end of sensor into the host, sliding back over the second end of the sensor, and releasing the sensor from the needle.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first end and second end of the sensor are sized to fully reside within the needle.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the second end of the sensor is configured to provide connectivity between the sensor and sensor electronics.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the portion of the second end has a stepped configuration between a first electrode connection and a second electrode connection.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the portion of the second end comprises a first electrode connection and a second electrode connection, and wherein the first electrode connection and the second electrode connection are disposed serially along a same axis.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is configured such that the sensor is capable of sliding through the needle without a need for a hole or a slot in the needle.  
     
     
         7 . A method for inserting a transcutaneous analyte sensor into a host using an applicator, the method comprising the steps of: 
 pushing on a first component of an applicator for inserting a transcutaneous analyte sensor into a host, so as to insert the needle and the sensor into the skin of the host; and    pulling on a second component of the applicator so as to retract the needle from the skin of the host, while leaving the sensor in the host; wherein    the first component and the second component of the applicator are configured to interact so as to enable insertion of the sensor and retraction of the needle using a single continuous motion provided by a user.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the pushing step comprises pushing on a plunger.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the pulling step comprises pulling on a collar.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator is configured to insert the sensor and retract the needle solely by a force provided by a user's hand.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the applicator is configured to sequentially insert the sensor and retract the needle responsive to a squeezing motion between a user's thumb and fingers.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the applicator is configured to sequentially insert the sensor and retract the needle responsive to a continuous downward force provided by the user.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the components of the applicator rotatingly engage so as to insert the sensor and retract the needle by a torque.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the user is the host.