Abstract: The present invention relates generally to biointerface membranes utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to novel biointerface membranes, to devices and implantable devices including these membranes, methods for forming the biointerface membranes on or around the implantable devices, and to methods for monitoring glucose levels in a biological fluid sample using an implantable analyte detection device.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of integrated systems which comprise a test element and a lancet which can be firstly used to make a wound in a skin opening in order to collect a sample. The sample is subsequently directly taken up by the test element in the process of which it comes into contact with a reagent contained in the test element and results in an optically detectable change in a test field. The change in the test field is detected by means of an analytical unit which is optically contacted with the test field via at least one light-conducting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for coating at least one surface of a medical device for improving the hemocompatibility of said surface. Further, the invention relates to medical devices comprising surfaces, coated with a coating composition containing a nonionic ester formed from an acyclic C3-C6(OH)3-6 polyol and from at least three C12-C26 fatty acids, and further includes at least one hydrophilic group.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a treatment probe comprising an elongated body member and a needle portion. The elongated body member can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle portion can be connected to the distal end portion. The needle portion can include at least one electrode and at least one fluid port. The at least one electrode and the at least one fluid port can be configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve.

Abstract: A control unit for a medical interventional system includes a housing and a plurality of elongate control devices. The housing includes opposite first and second sides and a plurality of adjacent, spaced-apart passageways extending through the housing from the first side to the second side. Each elongate control device is operably associated with a respective one of the housing passageways, and includes an elongated first flexible member having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough and an elongated second flexible member slidably inserted through the bore of the first flexible member. The first flexible member has a proximal end secured to the housing and an opposite distal end. The elongated second flexible member has a proximal end that extends through a housing passageway and outwardly from the housing second side and a distal end with a connector that extends outwardly from the distal end of the first flexible member.

Abstract: A sensor wire system with an integrated power source and wireless transmission is provided. A sensor wire includes a distal end that is inserted into a blood vessel of a patient's body. A sensor that is mounted at the distal end of the sensor wire and an electronics unit of the distal end of the sensor wire transmit information generated by the sensor to a receiver unit outside of the patient's body wirelessly. The system further includes a power source, which in one example is mounted to the distal end of the sensor wire, that supplies power to the electronics unit. Preferably the wire body functions as an antenna for the wireless broadcasting.

Abstract: A measuring system for measuring the concentration of substances or analytes in a body fluid or in a body tissue comprises a microdialysis probe comprising a microdialysis membrane, the probe being adapted to be placed in blood or in tissue, a flow through sensor for analysing a fluid having passed the microdialysis probe, a pump for pumping the fluid to and through the microdialysis probe and further to and through the sensor, and tubing connecting the pump to the microdialysis probe and the microdialysis probe to the sensor. The pump effects a flow rate in the system in the interval 0.2-15 microliters per minute. The sensor comprises a flow channel having a flow resistance or pressure drop adapted to the characteristics of the microdialysis membrane so as to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce, ultra filtering in the microdialysis membrane.

Abstract: Provided herein is a stabilized oxygen transport matrix that includes a reversible oxygen binding protein, such as hemoglobin, immobilized throughout the stabilized oxygen transport matrix. The stabilized oxygen transport matrix is used to transport oxygen and can be used as an oxygen transport region and a reaction region of an analyte sensor, such as an implantable glucose sensor. The reversible binding protein can also function as an oxygen probe within the analyte sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of navigating a spinal subarachnoid space in a living being, that includes percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. The device has a first passageway that is sized to slidably receive, and work with, at least a guidewire. The device can be a catheter or a sheath. The method can also include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space at least more than 10 centimeters from the entry location. Alternatively, the method can include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space to facilitate intracranial access with a second device introduced through the first passageway. Also disclosed is a device suited for attachment to a patient's skin, such as a sheath, that includes an elongated member, a skin-attachment apparatus having a flexible skin-attachment flap, and a valve apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein is a stabilized oxygen transport matrix that includes a reversible oxygen binding protein, such as hemoglobin, immobilized throughout the stabilized oxygen transport matrix. The stabilized oxygen transport matrix is used to transport oxygen and can be used as an oxygen transport region and a reaction region of an analyte sensor, such as an implantable glucose sensor. The reversible binding protein can also function as an oxygen probe within the analyte sensor.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.