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 - 21 . (canceled)  
     
     
         22 . A sensor system comprising: 
 an analyte sensor adapted for transcutaneous placement through a skin of a host;    a mounting unit adapted for placement adjacent to the skin of the host, wherein the mounting unit comprises a flexible material, and wherein the sensor is configured to extend through the mounting unit and into the host; and    an adhesive material configured to adhere the mounting unit to the skin of the host.    
     
     
         23 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the mounting unit comprises a base adapted for fastening to the skin of the host, wherein the base at least partially comprises the flexible material.  
     
     
         24 . The sensor system of  claim 23 , wherein the flexible material is elastomeric.  
     
     
         25 . The sensor system of  claim 24 , wherein the flexible material comprises silicone.  
     
     
         26 . The sensor system of  claim 23 , wherein the flexible material is configured to seal at least one of the needle and the sensor at the opening.  
     
     
         27 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the mounting unit comprises an opening through which the sensor and the needle are configured to extend, and wherein the flexible material comprises a sealing material configured to seal at least one of the needle and the sensor at the opening.  
     
     
         28 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein the sealing material is integral with the mounting unit.  
     
     
         29 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein the sealing material is integral with the adhesive material.  
     
     
         30 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein the sealing material is attached to the mounting unit.  
     
     
         31 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein the sealing material extends through the opening.  
     
     
         32 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein a septum seal is formed by the sealing material.  
     
     
         33 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein the sealing material comprises a bioactive agent incorporated therein.  
     
     
         34 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein the sealing material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a malleable material, an elastomer, a gel, a grease, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         35 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the mounting unit comprises an opening through which the sensor and the needle are configured to extend, and wherein the opening is configured to provide ventilation between the sensor and an exit site.  
     
     
         36 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the adhesive material comprises an opening for needle entry.  
     
     
         37 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the adhesive material comprises a bioactive agent.  
     
     
         38 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , further comprising a covering configured to be placed over at least a portion of the mounting unit.  
     
     
         39 . The sensor system of  claim 38 , wherein the covering comprises an adhesive material.  
     
     
         40 . The sensor system of  claim 38 , wherein the covering is configured to provide at least one of a watertight seal and an airtight seal around at least a portion of the mounting unit.  
     
     
         41 . The sensor system of  claim 38 , wherein the covering comprises a material selected from the group consisting of spun-lace, open-celled foam, closed-cell foam, non-woven fibers, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         42 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the mounting unit comprises a base portion and a sealing portion, wherein the sealing portion comprises the flexible material.  
     
     
         43 . The sensor system of  claim 42 , wherein the flexible material comprises a watertight sealing member.  
     
     
         44 . The sensor system of  claim 43 , wherein the sealing member comprises an elastomeric material.  
     
     
         45 . The sensor system of  claim 43 , wherein the sealing member comprises silicone.  
     
     
         46 . The sensor system of  claim 43 , wherein the sealing member is configured to seal at least one of the needle and the sensor at the opening.  
     
     
         47 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the flexible material comprises a flexible plastic.  
     
     
         48 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the sensor is flexible.  
     
     
         49 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the mounting unit comprises a portion configured to guide needle entry.  
     
     
         50 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the sensor is an electrochemical sensor.  
     
     
         51 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the sensor is a glucose sensor.  
     
     
         52 . A sensor system comprising: 
 a glucose sensor adapted for transcutaneous placement through a skin of a host; and    a flexible mounting unit adapted for placement adjacent to the skin of the host, wherein the sensor is configured to extend through an area of the mounting unit and into the host, and wherein the area is configured to seal around the sensor.    
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 52 , further comprising an adhesive material configured to adhere the mounting unit to the skin of the host.  
     
     
         54 . The sensor system of  claim 52 , wherein the flexible mounting unit comprises a base adapted for fastening to the skin of the host, wherein the base is at least partially formed from the flexible material.  
     
     
         55 . The sensor system of  claim 52 , further comprising a covering configured to be placed over at least a portion of the mounting unit.  
     
     
         56 . The sensor system of  claim 52 , wherein the flexible mounting unit comprises a flexible plastic.  
     
     
         57 . The sensor system of  claim 52 , wherein the sensor is flexible.