Tissue penetration device
View Patent ↗A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.
1. A body fluid collection system, comprising:
a housing with a body fluid sample chamber and a sample transport channel;
a plurality of penetrating members each with a sharpened tip;
a cartridge positionable in the housing;
a penetrating member body positionable in the cartridge;
an advancement device coupled to the penetrating member body and configured to move the penetrating member body in the cartridge to position an un-used penetrating member in a launch position;
a penetrating member driver configured to be coupled to the penetrating member, drive the penetrating member along a movement path to penetrate a skin surface in a first direction during a penetration phase, and withdraw the penetrating member in an opposing second direction during a retraction phase; and
an audible signal generator configured to provide an audible signal of results.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the penetrating member driver is controllable.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a processor that determines when a penetrating member has contacted a skin surface.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein a position of the skin is detected prior to launch of the penetrating member.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the penetrating member driver includes an actuator spring.
6. The system of claim 5 , further comprising:
a penetrating member driver sleeve and a penetrating member plunger sleeve.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the penetrating member driver sleeve, penetrating member plunger sleeve, and actuator spring move outward together until a plunger head contacts a bottom of a counterbore at an end of a preload screw.