Systems, devices, and methods for analyte monitoring
Systems, devices and methods are provided for inserting at least a portion of an in vivo analyte sensor for sensing an analyte level in a bodily fluid of a subject. In particular, disclosed herein are various embodiments of applicators, and components thereof, designed to reduce trauma to tissue of a sensor insertion site and to increase the likelihood of a successful sensor insertion.
1 . An insertion apparatus comprising:
a housing;
a sheath comprising a distal end configured to be placed on a subject's skin;
a device carrier configured to releasably retain a sensor control device;
the sensor control device comprising a sensor;
a guide configured to support at least a portion of the sensor; and
a spring configured to retract the guide;
wherein the housing is configured to move between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the sheath, and to advance the device carrier, the sensor control device, and the guide in a distal direction towards the subject's skin,
wherein the sensor comprises a sharp tip portion configured to pierce the subject's skin without the use of a sharp or a needle, and
wherein the guide is configured to retract towards a retracted position.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the guide extends through a portion of the device carrier.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the device carrier comprises a guide locating ring, and wherein one end of the guide is received by the guide locating ring.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the guide further comprises a plurality of supporting walls, and wherein the plurality of supporting walls support the at least a portion of the sensor.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of supporting walls comprises three supporting walls.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the guide further comprises a sensor support channel disposed in a distal portion of the guide, wherein the sensor channel comprises a distal end that does not extend beyond the distal portion of the guide.
7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein advancement of the device carrier, the sensor control device, and the guide in the distal direction causes a distal portion of the guide to contact the subject's skin.
8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein advancement of the device carrier, the sensor control device, and the guide in the distal direction further causes the sensor control device to contact the subject's skin.
9 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the contact between the guide and the subject's skin causes a skin deformation and creates a counterforce against the guide in a proximal direction.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the spring is a retraction spring, and wherein the retraction spring is in a semi-compressed state when the housing is in the proximal position.
11 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the retraction spring is advanced in the distal direction when the housing is moved from the proximal position to the distal position.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the spring is a retraction spring, wherein the retraction spring is configured to expand in response to a deflection of a spring retention element.
13 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the guide further comprises a proximal portion having a conical surface, and wherein at least one end of the spring is received by the proximal portion of the guide.
14 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the spring is a retraction spring, and wherein the apparatus further comprises an insertion spring.
15 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the insertion spring is in a compressed state when the housing is in the proximal position.
16 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the device carrier comprises one or more deflectable arms.
17 . The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the one or more deflectable arms are configured to retain the spring in a compressed or partially compressed state.
18 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is an in vivo analyte sensor configured to measure an analyte level in a bodily fluid of the subject, and wherein the analyte sensor comprises a sensor tail having a V-shaped tip portion.