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 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;   a housing configured to support the sensor during a period of transcutaneous insertion; and   an applicator comprising a needle configured for inserting the sensor into the skin of the host; wherein the needle is capable of inserting the first end of sensor into the host, sliding back over the second end of the sensor, and wherein the needle is configured to be released from the housing during the period of continuous transcutaneous insertion, wherein the first end and second end of the sensor are sized to fully reside within the needle.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising sensor electronics configured to releasably attach to the housing during the period of transcutaneous insertion. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the time period of transcutaneous insertion is at least about 3 days. 
     
     
         4 . A transcutaneous system for measuring an analyte concentration in a host, the system comprising:
 a non-planar 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 the system is configured 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 thereby releasing the sensor from the needle, wherein a portion of the second end of the sensor is configured to provide connectivity between the sensor and sensor electronics.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the non-planar sensor comprises a working electrode formed from a wire. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the wire has a diameter of less than about 0.010 inches. 
     
     
         7 . 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 electrode formed from a wire, an insulator that fully surrounds at least a portion of the wire and a second electrode that fully surrounds at least a portion of the insulator; and   an applicator comprising a needle configured for inserting the sensor into the skin of the host; wherein the system is configured such that the needle is capable of inserting at least the first electrode of the sensor into the host, sliding back over the first electrode and the second electrode of the sensor, and thereby releasing the sensor from the needle, wherein a portion of the second end has a first electrode connection comprising an exposed electroactive surface of the wire and a second electrode connection on an exposed electroactive surface of the second electrode.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the wire has a diameter of less than about 0.010 inches. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the wire has a diameter of less than about 0.005 inches. 
     
     
         10 - 12 . (canceled)