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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sensor system for measuring an analyte concentration in a host, the system comprising:
 a sensor configured to continuously measure an analyte concentration in a host;   a housing configured to receive the sensor, wherein the housing is adapted for placement adjacent to the host's skin;   an electronics unit releasably attached to the housing, wherein the electronics unit is operatively connected to the sensor and comprises a processor module configured to provide a signal associated with the analyte concentration in the host, and wherein the processor module is further configured to assemble a data packet for transmission; and   an antenna configured for radiating or receiving a radio frequency transmission, wherein the antenna is located remote from the electronics unit.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on the housing and configured to adhere the housing to the host's skin, wherein the antenna is located in the adhesive layer or on the adhesive layer. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the adhesive layer is configured for use with only one sensor and the electronics unit is configured for reuse with more than one sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna is located in the housing or on the housing. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the housing is configured for use with only one sensor and the electronics unit is configured for reuse with more than one sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the antenna extends substantially around a periphery of the housing. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source configured and arranged to power at least one of the sensor and the electronics unit. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on the housing and configured to adhere the housing to the host's skin, wherein the power source is located in the adhesive or on the adhesive. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive layer is configured for use with only one sensor and the electronics unit is configured for reuse with more than one sensor. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the power source comprises a thin and flexible battery. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the power source is located in the housing or on the housing. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the housing is configured for use with only one sensor and the electronics unit is configured for reuse with more than one sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a height of the electronics unit is no more than about 0.250 inches in its smallest dimension. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein an overall height of the system is no more than about 0.250 inches in its smallest dimension. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured for insertion into the host's tissue. 
     
     
         16 . A sensor system for measuring an analyte concentration in a host, the system comprising:
 a sensor configured for insertion into a host's tissue, wherein the sensor is configured to continuously measure an analyte concentration in a host;   a housing configured to receive the sensor, wherein the housing is adapted for placement adjacent to the host's skin; and   an electronics unit releasably attached to the housing, wherein the electronics unit is operatively connected to the sensor and comprises a processor module configured to provide a signal associated with the analyte concentration in the host.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the housing comprises a flexible material, and wherein the electronics unit and housing are configured and arranged such that the electronics unit is released from the housing by a flexing of the housing. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the housing is configured for use with only one sensor and the electronics unit is configured for reuse with more than one sensor, and wherein the housing and electronics unit are configured such that the housing physically breaks upon release of the electronics unit. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising a tool configured and arranged to assist a user in releasing the electronics unit from the housing. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising an antenna configured for radiating or receiving a radio frequency transmission, wherein the antenna is located remote from the electronics unit.