Abstract: A reusable analyte sensor site for use with a replaceable analyte sensor for determining a level of an analyte includes a site housing and a resealable insertion site coupled to one end of the site housing. Preferably, the site housing is formed to have an interior cavity, and includes an outer membrane made of a material selected to promote vascularization and having a first pore size, and an inner membrane made of a material selected to be free of tissue ingress. Also, the site housing permits the analyte to pass through the site housing to the interior cavity to permit measurement by the replaceable analyte sensor. The resealable insertion site is provided for inserting the replaceable analyte sensor into the interior cavity of the site housing.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting an analyte in blood. The apparatus is particularly suited for bringing a sensor into direct contact with blood in vivo. The apparatus comprises a sensor that detects the presence of an analyte and an assembly means. The assembly means has a sensor end, wherein the sensor end of the assembly means is affixed to the sensor, and the assembly means is adapted for coupling with a venous flow device. By coupling with a venous flow device, the assembly means brings the sensor into direct contact with blood flowing through the venous flow device. Examples of venous flow devices that bring the sensor into direct contact with the blood of a subject include, but are not limited to, intravenous catheters and external blood loops, such as are used in extra corporeal membrane oxygenation or hemodialysis.

Abstract: A sensor and method of making the same for implantation in a body that includes a substrate with notches cut in the substrate to form a necked down region in the substrate; and at least one sensor electrode formed from one or more conductive layers. Preferably, the thickness of the substrate ranges from approximately 25? to 350?, but the thickness of the substrate can range from 5? to 750?. The sensor may be incorporated in to a sensor assembly includes a slotted needle having a slot. The notches creating the necked down region allow the substrate to slide into the slotted needle, which that has the slot narrow enough to permit passage of the necked down region. However, a non-necked down region of the substrate is prevented from pulling out of the slotted needle through the slot. The slot of the slotted needle may also permit the necked down region of the substrate to slide down the slot.

Abstract: A sensor and method of making the same for implantation in a body that includes a substrate with notches cut in the substrate to form a necked down region in the substrate; and at least one sensor electrode formed from one or more conductive layers. Preferably, the thickness of the substrate ranges from approximately 25 &mgr; to 350 &mgr;, but the thickness of the substrate can range from 5 &mgr; to 750 &mgr;. The sensor may be incorporated in to a sensor assembly includes a slotted needle having a slot. The notches creating the necked down region allow the substrate to slide into the slotted needle, which that has the slot narrow enough to permit passage of the necked down region. However, a non-necked down region of the substrate is prevented from pulling out of the slotted needle through the slot. The slot of the slotted needle may also permit the necked down region of the substrate to slide down the slot.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dissociating multimeric proteins and their delivery to patients, along with resultant compositions, are provided. A monomeric protein delivery device is also provided, comprising a supply of a multimeric protein 4, complex, comprising multimeric protein and an aggregating agent; a flow path having a subcutaneous exit 8, fluidly coupling the multimeric protein supply to the exit; a porous surface assembly situated along the flow path comprising a porous surface 10; and an aggregating agent binding partner carried by the surface 12; whereby the aggregating agent of the multimeric protein complex passing along the surface is bound to the binding partner on the surface to create a monomeric protein flow through the subcutaneous exit.