Analyte Monitoring Device and Methods of Use

Abstract

An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. 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. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for implanting an analyte sensor in a host, the method comprising:
 forming a pocket in a subcutaneous space of a host, wherein the pocket is dimensioned no greater than dimensions of an analyte sensor; and   inserting the analyte sensor into the pocket so as to minimize movement of the sensor within the pocket.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the pocket is precisely dimensioned. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the step of forming a pocket comprises using a tool configured for dimensioning of the pocket. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the step of forming a precisely dimensioned pocket comprises using a tool configured for precise dimensioning of the pocket. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the tool comprises a head dimensioned substantially similar to the analyte sensor and a handle for guiding the head into the pocket. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the tool comprises a head and a handle for guiding the head into the pocket. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the head is dimensioned smaller than the analyte sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the pocket is formed in an abdominal region of the host. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the pocket is formed adjacent to a fascia of the host. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the analyte sensor comprises a sensing region configured for measuring an analyte concentration, and wherein the analyte sensor is placed within the pocket such that the sensing region is located adjacent to a fascia of the host.