Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Measuring or detecting nonradioactive constituent of body...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-21
2004-05-25
Nasser, Robert L. (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Measuring or detecting nonradioactive constituent of body...
C600S347000, C600S365000, C600S573000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06741877
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for determining analyte levels, and, more particularly, to implantable devices and methods for monitoring glucose levels in a biological fluid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The continuous measurement of substances in biological fluids is of interest in the control and study of metabolic disorders. Electrode systems have been developed for this purpose whereby an enzyme-catalyzed reaction is monitored (e.g., by the changing concentrations of reactants or products) by an electrochemical sensor. In such electrode systems, the electrochemical sensor comprises an electrode with potentiometric or amperometric function in close contact with a thin layer containing an enzyme in dissolved or insoluble form. Generally, a semipermeable membrane separates the thin layer of the electrode containing the enzyme from the sample of biological fluid that includes the substance to be measured.
Electrode systems that include enzymes have been used to convert amperometrically inactive substances into reaction products which are amperometrically active. For example, in the analysis of blood for glucose content, glucose (which is relatively inactive amperometrically) may be catalytically converted by the enzyme glucose oxidase in the presence of oxygen and water to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Tracking the concentration of glucose is possible since for every glucose molecule converted a proportional change in either oxygen or hydrogen peroxide sensor current will occur [U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,757,022 and 4,994,167 to Shults et al., both of which are hereby incorporated by reference]. Hydrogen peroxide is anodically active and produces a current which is proportional to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which is directly related to the concentration of glucose in the sample. [Updike et al., Diabetes Care, 11:801-807 (1988)].
Despite recent advances in the field of implantable glucose monitoring devices, presently used devices are unable to provide data safely and reliably for long periods of time (e.g., months or years) [See, e.g., Moatti-Sirat et al., Diabetologia 35:224-30 (1992)]. For example, Armour et al., Diabetes 39:1519-26 (1990), describes a miniaturized sensor that is placed intravascularly, thereby allowing the tip of the sensor to be in continuous contact with the blood. Unfortunately, probes that are placed directly into the vasculature put the recipient at risk for thrombophlebosis, thromboembolism, and thrombophlebitis.
Currently available glucose monitoring devices that may be implanted in tissue (e.g., subcutaneously) are also associated with several shortcomings. For example, there is no dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the tip of the probe of the implanted device. Similarly, in order to be effective, the probe must consume some oxygen and glucose, but not enough to perturb the available glucose which it is intended to measure; subcutaneously implanted probes often reside in a relatively stagnant environment in which oxygen or glucose depletion zones around the probe tip may result in erroneously low measured glucose levels. Finally, the probe may be subject to “motion artifact” because the device is not adequately secured to the tissue, thus contributing to unreliable results. Partly because of these limitations, it has previously been difficult to obtain accurate information regarding the changes in the amounts of analytes (e.g., whether blood glucose levels are increasing or decreasing); this information is often extremely important, for example, in ascertaining whether immediate corrective action is needed in the treatment of diabetic patients.
There is a need for a device that accurately and continuously determines the presence and the amounts of a particular analyte, such as glucose, in biological fluids. The device should be easy to use, be capable of accurate measurement of the analyte over long periods of time, and should not readily be susceptible to motion artifact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for determining analyte levels, and, more particularly, to implantable devices and methods for monitoring glucose levels in a biological fluid.
The devices and methods of the present invention allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices such as glucose monitoring devices that result in a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device at a concentration representative of that in the vasculature. Moreover, the devices of the present invention become secured within the tissue of the subject, thereby greatly reducing or eliminating the phenomenon of “motion artifact”. In addition, the devices of the present invention utilize materials that eliminate or significantly delay environmental stress cracking at the sensor interface, resulting in the ability to obtain accurate, long-term data.
These effects result, in part, from the use of materials that enhance the formation of a foreign body capsule (FBC). Previously, FBC formation has been viewed as being adverse to sensor function, and researchers have attempted to minimize FBC formation (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,536 to Hubbell et al.). However, the methods and devices of the present invention utilize specific materials and microarchitecture that elicit a type of FBC that does not hamper the generation of reliable data for long periods. The devices of the present invention are capable of accurate operation in the approximately 37° C., low pO
2
, environment characteristic of living tissue for extended lengths of time (e.g., months to years).
The electrode-membrane region of the devices of the present invention comprises a unique microarchitectural arrangement. In preferred embodiments, the electrode surfaces are in contact with (or operably connected with) a thin electrolyte phase, which in turn is covered by an enzyme membrane that contains an enzyme, e.g., glucose oxidase, and a polymer system. A bioprotective membrane covers this enzyme membrane system and serves, in part, to protect the sensor from external forces and factors that may result in environmental stress cracking. Finally, an angiogenic layer is placed over the bioprotective membrane and serves to promote vascularization in the sensor interface region. It is to be understood that other configurations (e.g., variations of that described above) are contemplated by the present invention and are within the scope thereof.
The present invention contemplates a biological fluid measuring device, comprising a) a housing comprising electronic circuit means and at least two electrodes operably connected to the electronic circuit means; and b) a sensor means operably connected to the electrodes of the housing, the sensor means comprising i) a bioprotective membrane, and ii) an angiogenic layer, the angiogenic layer positioned more distal to the housing than the bioprotective membrane. In particular embodiments, the bioprotective membrane is substantially impermeable to macrophages. In some embodiments, the bioprotective membrane comprises pores having diameters ranging from about 0.1 micron to about 1.0 micron. In certain embodiments, the bioprotective membrane comprises polytetrafluoroethylene, and in particular embodiments, the angiogenic layer also comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.
Particular embodiments of the biological fluid measuring device further comprise c) means for securing the device to biological tissue, the securing means associated with the housing. In some embodiments, the securing means comprises a polyester velour jacket. In preferred embodiments, the securing means covers the top surface (e.g., the top member or the top member sheath, as described further below) and a portion of the sensor interface; it should be noted that the securing means generally should not cover the entire sensor interface, as this would interfere with the ability of blood vessels to deliver sample to the biological fluid measuring device. In preferred embodimen
Rhodes Rathbun K.
Shults Mark C.
Updike Stuart J.
Carter Ryan
DexCom, Inc.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
Nasser Robert L.
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