Abstract: A new biostable glucose permeable polymer has been developed which is useful, for example, in implantable glucose sensors. This biostable glucose permeable polymer has a number of advantageous characteristics and, for example, does not undergo hydrolytic cleavage and degradation, thereby providing a composition that facilitates long term sensor stability in vivo. The versatile characteristics of this polymer allow it to be used in a variety of contexts, for example to form the body of an implantable glucose sensor. The invention includes the polymer composition, sensor systems formed from this polymer composition, and methods for making and using such sensor systems.

Abstract: A physiological characteristic sensor, a method for forming a physiological characteristic sensor, and a method for forming a platinum deposit having a rough surface are presented here. The method for forming a physiological characteristic sensor includes immersing a sensor electrode in a platinum electrolytic bath. Further, the method includes performing an electrodeposition process by sequentially applying a pulsed signal to the sensor electrode and applying a non-pulsed continuous signal to the sensor electrode to form a platinum deposit on the sensor electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related control systems and methods. In one embodiment, an infusion device includes a voided portion adapted to receive a shaft portion that includes a shaft coupled to a plunger of a reservoir. The shaft portion includes a detectable feature having an optically detectable pattern such as gray code, and the infusion device includes a sensing arrangement having an optical sensor proximate the voided portion to sense the detectable feature. In some embodiments, a control module is coupled to the sensing arrangement to determine a remaining amount of fluid in the reservoir based at least in part on the sensed position of the detectable feature. In embodiments, the optical sensor detects the sensed position of the shaft based on the detectable feature only when the reservoir is replaced and/or after each delivery of fluid to reduce power consumption.

Abstract: An electronic controller for an insulin infusion device includes at least one processor device and at least one memory element that cooperate to provide a processor-implemented closed-loop initiation module. The initiation module is operated to obtain a most recent calibration factor for a continuous glucose sensor, the most recent calibration factor representing a first conversion value applicable to convert a first sensor value to a first blood glucose value. The initiation module also obtains a prior calibration factor for the sensor, and calibration timestamp data for the most recent calibration factor and the prior calibration factor. The initiation module regulates entry into a closed-loop operating mode of the insulin infusion device, based on the most recent calibration factor, the prior calibration factor, and the calibration timestamp data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sensor calibration and sensor glucose (SG) fusion are used advantageously to improve the accuracy and reliability of orthogonally redundant glucose sensor devices, which may include optical and electrochemical glucose sensors. Calibration for both sensors may be achieved via fixed-offset and/or dynamic regression methodologies, depending, e.g., on sensor stability and Isig-Ratio pair correlation. For SG fusion, respective integrity checks may be performed for SG values from the optical and electrochemical sensors, and the SG values calibrated if the integrity checks are passed. Integrity checks may include checking for sensitivity loss, noise, and drift. If the integrity checks are failed, in-line sensor mapping between the electrochemical and optical sensors may be performed prior to calibration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sensor calibration and sensor glucose (SG) fusion are used advantageously to improve the accuracy and reliability of orthogonally redundant glucose sensor devices, which may include optical and electrochemical glucose sensors. Calibration for both sensors may be achieved via fixed-offset and/or dynamic regression methodologies, depending, e.g., on sensor stability and Isig-Ratio pair correlation. For SG fusion, respective integrity checks may be performed for SG values from the optical and electrochemical sensors, and the SG values calibrated if the integrity checks are passed. Integrity checks may include checking for sensitivity loss, noise, and drift. If the integrity checks are failed, in-line sensor mapping between the electrochemical and optical sensors may be performed prior to calibration.

Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.

Abstract: A continuous glucose monitoring system may include a hand-held monitor, a transmitter, an insulin pump, and an orthogonally redundant glucose sensor, which may comprise an optical glucose sensor and a non-optical glucose sensor. The former may be a fiber optical sensor, including a competitive glucose binding affinity assay with a glucose analog and a fluorophore-labeled glucose receptor, which is interrogated by an optical interrogating system, e.g., a stacked planar integrated optical system. The non-optical sensor may be an electrochemical sensor having a plurality of electrodes distributed along the length thereof. Proximal portions of the optical and electrochemical sensors may be housed inside the transmitter and operationally coupled with instrumentation for, e.g., receiving signals from the sensors, converting to respective glucose values, and communicating the glucose values.

Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary method of operating an infusion device to deliver fluid to a user in accordance with an operating mode involves obtaining operational information pertaining to one or more prior instances of the operating mode, obtaining status information pertaining to the infusion device, and determining a diagnosis time based at least in part on the operational information. The diagnosis time is prior to a subsequent instance of the operating mode. At the diagnosis time, the method automatically determines the viability of the subsequent instance of the operating mode based at least in part on the status information and automatically generates a notification indicative of a recommended action for the user based at least in part on the viability.

Abstract: An infusion system includes an infusion device and a sensing device. The infusion system may further include a characteristic determining device. The infusion device also includes a communication system for transmitting to and receiving communications from the sensing device or a computer. The sensing device may sense an analyte of a bodily fluid of the user. The analyte may be calibrated using data from the infusion device and from a characteristic determining device. The system may be set up to automatically call for assistance when analytes reach a certain level.

Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.

Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.

Abstract: Processor-implemented methods of controlling an insulin infusion device for a user are provided here. A first method obtains and analyzes calibration factors (and corresponding timestamp data) for a continuous glucose sensor, and regulates entry into a closed-loop operating mode of the infusion device based on the calibration factors and timestamp data. A second method obtains a most recent sensor glucose value and a target glucose setpoint value for the user at the outset of the closed-loop mode. The second method adjusts the closed-loop insulin infusion rate over time, in response to the sensor glucose value and the setpoint value. A third method calculates an upper insulin limit that applies to the insulin infusion rate during the closed-loop mode. The insulin limit is calculated based on a fasting blood glucose value of the user, a total daily insulin value of the user, and fasting insulin delivery data for the user.

Abstract: A glucose sensor product maintains the sterility of the glucose sensor while allowing gaseous manufacturing by-products to be vented from the inside of the glucose sensor package. An exemplary glucose sensor product includes a plastic package tray and a glucose sensor assembly in the plastic package tray. The glucose sensor assembly includes an electrochemical sensor with glucose oxidase enzyme, a sensor base formed at least in part from plastic, a sensor mounting pedestal formed at least in part from plastic, and a sensor introducer formed at least in part from plastic. The glucose sensor product also includes a microbial barrier material coupled to the plastic package tray to seal the glucose sensor assembly in the plastic package tray. The microbial barrier material maintains sterility of the glucose sensor assembly while venting substances outgassed from the plastic package tray, the sensor base, the sensor mounting pedestal, and the sensor introducer.

Abstract: A medical device includes a first housing portion (FHP) and a second housing portion (SHP) configured to be to be movable relative to each other from a first position to operatively engage at a second position to couple at least one of a drive device and a needle-inserting device supported by one of the FHP and the SHP to a reservoir supported by the other of the FHP and the SHP. Electronic circuitry configured to detect at least one of a first magnetic interaction between a magnet and at least one of a first magnetically attractive material and a first magnet-responsive device and a second magnetic interaction between the magnet and at least one of a second magnetically attractive material and a second magnet-responsive device, and to provide a signal or a change in state in response to detecting at least one of the interactions.

Abstract: A fluid infusion device and an insertion mechanism are disclosed. The insertion mechanism actuates an assembly having a fluid conduit and a needle. An embodiment of the insertion mechanism includes a first sliding block, a second sliding block, a torsion spring, and a living hinge. The first block is coupled to the conduit to move the conduit in an insertion direction. The second block is coupled to the needle to move the needle in the insertion direction and in a retraction direction, wherein movement of the second block in the insertion direction pushes the first block in the insertion direction. The living hinge is coupled between the torsion spring and the second block. Rotation of the torsion spring during an insertion action actuates the living hinge to move the second block in the insertion direction and, thereafter, in the retraction direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An infusion set component of a fluid infusion device and/or a fluid infusion port component for delivery of fluid to a patient is compatible with a cooperating fluid channel module. The fluid channel module includes a body section having coupling features to mate with a base of the component. The fluid channel module also includes an interior fluid flow channel formed within the body section to receive fluid from the fluid infusion device and/or from a syringe or pen delivery device. The fluid channel module also includes a conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the interior fluid flow channel, and having a second end to deliver the fluid to the patient.