Sensor Inserter Assembly

Abstract

An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte, such as blood glucose. An inserter having a retractable introducer is provided for subcutaneously implanting the sensor in a predictable and reliable fashion.

1 . A sensor insertion assembly comprising:
 a sensor comprising a body portion and distal portion, wherein the body portion comprises a main surface having a dimple therein and wherein the distal portion is configured for transcutaneous placement in fluid contact with an analyte of a user; and   an introducer configured to engage with the sensor during transcutaneous insertion of the sensor and comprising a body portion and a distal portion, wherein the body portion comprises a main surface having a dimple therein and wherein the distal portion is configured for transcutaneous placement in a user;   wherein the sensor dimple releasably mates with the introducer dimple during transcutaneous insertion of the sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor further comprises a surface extending orthogonally from the sensor main surface. 
     
     
         3 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the geometries of the sensor dimple and the introducer dimple are selected to create a separation force between them that is less than an adhesion force applied against the orthogonal surface of the sensor upon transcutaneous placement within the user. 
     
     
         4 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 3 , wherein an underside of the orthogonal sensor surface comprises an adhesive. 
     
     
         5 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the main surface of the introducer further comprises rails extending from opposing side edges of the main surface for slidably receiving the sensor therein. 
     
     
         6 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the rails have a U- or V-shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         7 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 5 , wherein one of the rails extends beyond the main surface of the introducer to define at least a portion of the introducer distal portion. 
     
     
         8 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the distal portion of the sensor resides within the rail of the introducer distal portion during transcutaneous insertion of the sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the respective distal portions are configured as tails. 
     
     
         10 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the distal portion of the introducer defines a skin-piercing edge. 
     
     
         11 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the distal portion of the sensor comprises at least one barb. 
     
     
         12 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises Mylar. 
     
     
         13 . The sensor insertion assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the introducer comprises stainless steel.