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 and configured to receive the analyte sensor; and    an electronics unit configured to operably connect to the sensor and configured to measure a signal produced by the sensor,    wherein the electronics unit is integral with the mounting unit.    
     
     
         23 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the electronics unit is non-detachable from the mounting unit.  
     
     
         24 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the mounting unit is flexible.  
     
     
         25 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the electronics unit is configured to fit within the mounting unit.  
     
     
         26 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the electronics unit and the mounting unit form a unitary structure.  
     
     
         27 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , further comprising an applicator configured to position at least a portion of the sensor under the skin of the host.  
     
     
         28 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein the applicator is configured to be coupled to the sensor prior to sensor insertion.  
     
     
         29 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein the applicator is configured to be detachably removed from the sensor after sensor insertion.  
     
     
         30 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein the applicator is configured to transcutaneously position at least a portion of the sensor at an angle of insertion of from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees.  
     
     
         31 . The sensor system of  claim 27 , wherein the applicator is configured to transcutaneously position at least a portion of the sensor at an angle of insertion of from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.  
     
     
         32 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the mounting unit comprises a first portion adapted for mounting on the skin of the host and a second portion configured to receive the sensor, wherein the second portion is configured to articulate relative to the first portion.  
     
     
         33 . The sensor system of  claim 22 , wherein the sensor is a glucose sensor.  
     
     
         34 . 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 and configured to receive the analyte sensor;    an electronics unit integral with the mounting unit, wherein the electronics unit is configured to operably connect to the sensor and to measure a signal produced by the sensor; and    an applicator configured to position at least a portion of the sensor under the skin of the host, wherein the applicator is coupled to the sensor prior to sensor insertion.    
     
     
         35 . The sensor system of  claim 34 , wherein the applicator is configured to be removably detached from the sensor assembly after sensor insertion.  
     
     
         36 . The sensor system of  claim 34 , wherein the signal is indicative of an analyte concentration in the host.  
     
     
         37 . The sensor system of  claim 34 , wherein the electronics unit is configured to wirelessly transmit data to a receiver.  
     
     
         38 . The sensor system of  claim 34 , wherein the receiver is configured to receive data from the electronics unit.  
     
     
         39 . The sensor system of  claim 34 , wherein the mounting unit is flexible.  
     
     
         40 . 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 and configured to receive the analyte sensor, wherein the mounting unit comprises integral sensor electronics, wherein the sensor electronics are configured to operably connect to the sensor and to measure a signal produced by the sensor; and    an applicator mounted onto the mounting unit, wherein the applicator is configured to position at least a portion of the sensor under the skin of the host, wherein the sensor electronics are configured for electrical contact with the sensor, and wherein the electronics unit is configured to transmit the signal.    
     
     
         41 . The system of  claim 40 , further comprising a receiver configured to receive the signal transmitted by the sensor electronics.  
     
     
         42 . The sensor system of  claim 40 , wherein the mounting unit is flexible.