Medical Device Inserters and Processes of Inserting and Using Medical Devices

Abstract

An apparatus for insertion of a medical device in the skin of a subject is provided, as well as methods of inserting medical devices.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A device for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to skin of a host, the device comprising:
 a base configured to secure a housing, wherein the housing is configured to receive an electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit is configured to generate analyte information based on a signal from a sensor;   a sensor insertion mechanism configured to insert the sensor into the host; and   a trigger configured, in response to being activated, to cause the sensor insertion mechanism to insert the sensor into the host, to secure the electronics unit to the housing such that the sensor electrically contacts the electronics unit, and to cause the housing to detach from the base.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the electronics unit is configured, in response to the trigger being activated and/or the electrical connection of the sensor to the electronics unit, to generate analyte information. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the housing is configured such that the electronics unit cannot be removed from the housing while the housing is adhered to the skin of the host. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein, in use, a time between sensor insertion into the host and the electronics unit securing to the housing is less than about 1 second. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the device is configured to disengage from the housing and from the electronics unit in response to the electronics unit being released from a lock. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a trigger lock configured to prevent activation of the trigger. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the sensor insertion mechanism is configured to insert the sensor into the host at a maximum velocity influenced by a centrifugal brake. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the sensor insertion mechanism comprises a tab protruding in an axial direction from a wheel and configured to rotate about a fixed point, wherein rotational movement of the tab translates into a linear movement of a needle carrier to insert the sensor into the host. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a protective cover configured to cover the electronics unit and the housing after sensor insertion and to secure the electronics unit to the housing. 
     
     
         20 . A device for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to skin of a host, the device comprising:
 a base configured to secure a housing, wherein the housing is configured to receive a transmitter, and the transmitter is configured to generate analyte information based on a signal from a sensor; and   a mechanism configured to, in response to a single action by a user, cause the sensor to be inserted into the host, to secure the electronics unit to the housing such that the sensor electrically contacts the electronics unit, and to cause the housing to detach from the base.   
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein the mechanism includes a trigger, and the single action comprises activating the trigger to release stored energy and set components within the device in motion. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the stored energy is stored in a torsion spring that, when released, is configured to cause a wheel to rotate. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein rotation of the wheel is configured to induce linear motion in a needle carrier. 
     
     
         24 . A device for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to skin of a host, the device comprising:
 a base configured to secure a housing, wherein the housing is configured to receive an electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit is configured to generate analyte information based on a signal from a sensor;   a sensor insertion mechanism configured to insert the sensor into the host, and including a needle carrying the sensor, a rotatable wheel, and a linearly translatable needle carrier; and   a trigger configured, in response to being activated, to cause the rotatable wheel to rotate, which in turn causes the linearly translatable needle carrier to translate toward the host to implant the sensor, and subsequently to translate away from the host to withdraw the needle from the host.   
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24 , further comprising a torsion spring that stores energy, wherein the device is configured such that when the trigger is activated, the energy stored in the torsion spring is released, causing the wheel to rotate. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein the wheel includes a flange, and the trigger bears against the flange to retain the energy stored within the torsion spring. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 24 , further comprising a pushrod and a needle, and when the trigger is activated the pushrod ejects the sensor from a lumen of the needle and subsequently retracts into the needle lumen.