Continuous analyte measurement systems and systems and methods for implanting them

Abstract

Low profile continuous analyte measurement systems and systems and methods for implantation within the skin of a patient are provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An analyte monitoring system, comprising:
 a base unit configured to be mounted on a skin surface;   an analyte sensor comprising a proximal portion configured to be positioned within the base unit and a distal portion configured to be inserted through the skin surface, wherein the analyte sensor is configured to detect analyte levels in a bodily fluid of a user;   one or more memories comprising a drift correction factor of the analyte sensor and a factory-determined sensitivity;   a communication link operatively coupled to the analyte sensor and configured to communicate data corresponding to the analyte levels; and   a receiver unit comprising a display and configured to receive the data corresponding to the analyte levels from the communication link;   wherein the analyte monitoring system is configured to determine the analyte levels using at least the drift correction factor and the factory-determined sensitivity.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a conductive member positionable within the base unit and in electrical contact with the analyte sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the base unit comprises a cradle therein for receiving and holding the conductive member. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the conductive member comprises a conductive core and an insulating shell covering the conductive core. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base unit is configured to mechanically and electrically couple the analyte sensor with the communication link. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base unit comprises an adhesive bottom for adhering to the skin surface. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base unit comprises an opening therein through which the distal portion of the analyte sensor extends. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the analyte sensor does not require a user-initiated calibration during in vivo use of the analyte sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drift correction factor is associated with a sensor manufacturing lot. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the factory-determined sensitivity is associated with a sensor manufacturing lot. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drift correction factor is associated with a sensor manufacturing lot and the factory-determined sensitivity is associated with the sensor manufacturing lot. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication link communicates sensor information from the analyte sensor using a Bluetooth communication protocol. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the analyte monitoring system is further configured to determine the analyte levels by transforming uncalibrated analyte data. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the uncalibrated analyte data is transformed with no user intervention. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a data processing unit, wherein the receiver unit is configured to uniquely identify the data processing unit. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the data processing unit is identified using an identification information of the data processing unit.