BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a medical sensor system, in particular to a continuous glucose monitoring system, comprising a sensor implantable under the skin of a user and an on-body module attachable to the skin in the region of the implantable sensor.

Such systems are available for monitoring of certain analytes or agents, specifically glucose or lactate in body fluids like blood or interstitial fluid by readings of a fully or partially implanted sensor, specifically an electrochemical sensor. The subcutaneously implanted sensor remains in the interstitial tissue over an extended period of time even up to several weeks. Then, the in vivo detected measurement signals may be indicative of an analyte, e.g., glucose in the blood of the subject. The monitoring may be a nearly real-time continuous or quasi continuous or periodic approach for frequently providing/updating analyte values without sample handling or similar user interaction.

In present practice, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-systems include a so-called bodymount as a patch which has a rigid housing portion or mounting platform on which the electronics unit is mounted and galvanically coupled to the sensor. As the human body is relatively soft and flexible, the rigid housing or platform in connection with the sensor cannot follow the deflections and elongations, thereby resulting in shearing forces which lead to early detachment of the bodymount from the skin. Furthermore, the platform on the body has only reduced breathability, such that humidity accumulates therebelow, which also undesirably reduces the possible wearing time. As a further problem, the open channel through the skin may cause inflammation and body infections.

WO 2010/056624 A2 describes an analyte sensing device having one or more indicating electrodes adapted for long-term use within an individual. An indicating electrode coupled with a reference electrode may be inserted within or below the dermis of an individual and may be electrically coupled to an external sensor unit.

U.S. Publication No. 2008/161656 A1 describes a device, system, and method for delivering a device such as a sensor or fluid transport structure or a fluid transport structure sensor combination into, for example, mammalian skin and receiving, analyzing, and displaying signals from the device such as a sensor. A system includes a reusable sensor assembly including a transmitter, microcontroller, and housing plus disposable sensor assembly including a housing having an opening for receiving both the distal end of a biosensor, a sensor insertion guidance structure, and a transmission apparatus for transmitting signals received from the sensor to a reusable sensor assembly for transmission to an external electronic monitoring unit.

U.S. Publication No. 2011/009727 A1 describes systems and methods for continuous measurement of an analyte in a host. The system generally includes a continuous analyte sensor configured to continuously measure a concentration of analyte in a host and a sensor electronics module physically connected to the continuous analyte sensor during sensor use, wherein the sensor electronics module is further configured to directly wirelessly communicate displayable sensor information to a plurality of different types of display devices.

U.S. Publication No. 2017/055906 A1 describes optical sensors, systems and methods for continuous glucose monitoring. In some embodiments, methods of preparing a layered optical sensor are disclosed. The optical sensor can be formed by laminating a plurality of sheets together to form a final sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor tip comprises an oxygen conduit, an enzymatic layer, and a sensing layer. In some embodiments, the sensor includes a plurality of waveguides configured to direct light to and from a target material, such as an oxygen sensing polymer. Systems are also disclosed for an adhesive system for attaching an optical sensor-transmitter system. Methods and systems are also disclosed for a sensor inserter system. The inserter can include a lancet tip that includes a convex feature attached to a first surface of the lancet tip.

U. S. Publication No. 2016/051735 A1 describes methods, materials, devices, and systems for electropolymeric paving and sealing (ePEPS). The methods include delivering paving materials to an interior surface of a blood vessel, tissue lumen or other hollow space, delivering electronic components to the surface, and forming a conformal device that contains the paving material and the integrated electronic components. Integrated electronic components can be homogenously or heterogeneously distributed in the material, such as on the top, middle, and/or bottom of the polymeric material. The devices are biocompatible, and preferably biodegradable or bioerodible. The devices have integrated electrical properties useful for sensing or detecting one or more analytes, signals or conditions, transmitting or generating a signal, or releasing a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent. Optionally, the devices are smart devices that include feedback and logic means to respond to a change in local conditions.

EP 3 138 489 A1 describes a kit for determining a concentration of at least one analyte in a body fluid of a user. The kit comprising: a) a sensor module comprising i. at least one sensor element adapted to determine the concentration of the analyte, wherein the sensor element is at least partly implantable into a body tissue of the user; ii. at least one control device connected to the sensor element, wherein the control device comprises at least one data collection device adapted to collect measurement data acquired by using the sensor element, wherein the control device further comprises at least one wireless near-field communication device adapted to transmit measurement data, wherein the sensor module comprises a sensor module mechanical interface; b) at least one data reader module adapted to receive measurement data transmitted by the sensor module via wireless near-field communication, wherein the data reader module comprises at least one data storage device and is adapted to store the measurement data; c) at least one data transmission module adapted to receive measurement data transmitted by the sensor module via wireless near-field communication, wherein the data transmission module comprises at least one wireless far-field communication device, wherein the wireless far-field communication device is adapted to transmit at least part of the measurement data to an external device via wireless far-field communication. The data reader module and the data transmission module each comprise a mechanical interface adapted to reversibly engage the sensor module mechanical interface, thereby alternatively generating a fixed spatial relationship between the sensor module and the data reader module or the sensor module and the data transmission module.

SUMMARY

On this basis, this disclosure further improves the known systems and provides a design which allows for long-term wear capability and wear comfort.

This disclosure is based on the idea of physically separating the sensor from a flat on-body module. Accordingly, it is proposed that the on-body module has a self-adhering flexible electronics patch only including a first transmitter which is operable to exchange data with the separated implantable sensor via a short-range wireless connection. As used herein, the term “including a first transmitter” refers to an embodiment in which the electronics patch comprises only the first transmitter and to embodiments in which the electronics patch comprises additional components, in particular additional electronics components, as will be outlined below. As used herein the term “patch” refers to at least one arbitrary shaped fastening element which is configured to be attached directly to the skin of the user, i.e., without using additional or further fastening elements. As used herein, the term “self-adhering” refers to the patch comprising at least one attachment side, for example a bottom side, adapted to attach and/or mount the patch to the skin, wherein the attachment side comprises at least one adhesive and/or is coated with at least one adhesive coating. As used herein, the term “electronics patch” refers to a patch which comprises at least one electronic element. As used herein, the term “flexible electronics patch” refers to the fact that the electronics patch has flexible properties such that the electronics patch is bendable and/or stretchable to follow the contour of the skin. The patch may have a stretchability of at least 20% in at least two directions, preferably in all directions. As used herein “stretchability of at least 20%” refers to that a patch having a length of, for example, 10 cm (centimeters) can be stretched to a length of at least 12 cm (centimeters). The flexible patch avoids the disadvantages of a rigid platform and, at the same time, allows for data exchange through the skin, while the sensor is kept aseptic and needs not be replaced together with the patch. Thus, the overall operating cycle can be prolonged and the user convenience can be significantly improved.

The medical sensor system comprises the on-body module attachable to the skin in the region of the implantable sensor. As used herein, the term “attachable to the skin in the region of the implantable sensor” refers to that the electronics patch and the implantable sensor are physically separated, in particular spatially separated. Specifically, the electronics patch and the implantable sensor are not physically connected. For example, the distance between the implantable sensor and the electronics patch may be in the range from 3 to 10 mm.

In an advantageous embodiment, the flexible electronics patch comprises flexible printed circuits (FPC) provided on an insulating foil substrate, e.g., on a thin polymer film, such that the patch is bendable and/or stretchable to follow the contour of the skin.

The foil having the printed circuits thereon may be a polyimide foil carrying a structure which is galvanically printed. Preferably the foil is a stretchable, breathable foil and the structure is printed with conductive ink (including, e.g., silver and/or carbon particles).

Advantageously, the foil substrate is stretchable in at least one direction by more than 20% of its initial length. In an embodiment the foil substrate may be stretchable in at least two directions by more than 20%. In an embodiment the foil substrate is stretchable in all directions by more than 20%. As used herein the term “more than 20%” in an embodiment means that a foil substrate having a length of, for example 10 cm (centimeters), can be stretched along its length to at least 12 cm (centimeters).

Preferably, the insulating foil substrate has a thickness in the range of 10 to 250 microns, preferably 50 to 100 microns, more preferably 60 to 90 microns and most preferably 70 to 80 microns. Depending on the stability of the foil, a thickness in the range of 10 to 50 microns might also be feasible.

The electronics patch may comprise at least one deformable electronics element and/or at least one rigid or semi-rigid electronics element. For example, the electronics patch may comprise at least one flexible printed circuitry including at least one electronic element selected from the group consisting of: at least one conductive path, at least one resistor, at least one capacitor, and at least one battery, wherein the electronic elements may be deformable components. For example, the electronics patch may comprise rigid or semi-rigid components such as one or more of at least one integrated circuit chip, at least one processor, at least one storage medium, at least one antenna, and at least one battery. As used herein, the term “comprises at least one deformable electronics element and/or at least one rigid or semi-rigid electronics element” refers to that the deformable electronics element and/or the rigid or semi-rigid electronics element is part of the patch and/or is integrated within or into the patch, in particular is integrated within at least one substrate of the patch and/or on at least one substrate of the patch and/or is integrated within at least one layer of the patch, and/or that the deformable electronics element and/or the rigid or semi-rigid electronics element is embedded within the patch and/or that the deformable electronics element and/or the rigid or semi-rigid electronics element is incorporated in the patch. For example, the patch may comprise the insulating foil substrate having the deformable electronics element and/or the rigid or semi-rigid electronics element printed thereon, in particular directly. Specifically, the deformable electronics element and/or the rigid or semi-rigid electronics element may be integrated and/or incorporated and/or embedded in the patch such that the patch itself is arranged and/or configured as an electronic unit. Thus, the deformable electronics element and/or the rigid or semi-rigid electronics element may be comprised by the patch itself, without the need of an additional and/or separate element adapted to store or house the deformable electronics element and/or the rigid or semi-rigid electronics element such as a housing or base unit or something similar.

For providing a flat flexible assembly, it is preferred that the flexible printed circuits include at least one of conductive paths, resistors, capacitors and batteries formed as deformable components. It may also be conceivable that even processors and other ICs, antennas for communication and storage media are integrated as flexible components, which would lead to a fully flexible FPC.

Another possibility provides that the flexible electronics patch comprises at least one of integrated circuit chips, processors, storage media, antennas and batteries as rigid or semi-rigid components which are distributed such that the electronics patch overall remains deformable to adapt its shape to a varying contour of the skin during use.

Advantageously, the short-range wireless connection is established via a pair of antennas which are coupled by electromagnetic induction and preferably work in the radio frequency range. Such an antenna arrangement can be easily realized in a flat configuration on a flexible substrate.

A particular embodiment further comprises that the data exchange is based on near-field communication (NFC) protocol. This allows for reliable wireless connection in the required range varying from a few millimeters up to 2 centimeters. The range for near-field communication may be from 3 to 10 mm. The data transmission could even be provided unencrypted without safety concerns since the transmission is only effected over small distances.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first transmitter is operable to receive measured values from the sensor and eventually to transmit calibration data to the sensor. In the latter case, the measurement accuracy can be maintained even when sensor characteristics are changing. It is also conceivable that calibration in use may not be required if the system is factory calibrated.

In another advantageous configuration, the on-body module further comprises a patch-mounted energy supply configured to supply the sensor with energy by contactless transmission. Preferably, inductive energy transmission is provided to load a capacitor on the implanted sensor. Thus, a battery needs not to be integrated in the sensor. Such an arrangement is also more safe for the patient. Furthermore, electrical power supply can be maintained over a long period.

Advantageously, the flexible electronics patch comprises a printed battery which consists of functional materials, e.g., a zinc manganese dioxide system, printed on a flexible substrate. Other commercially available systems may also be feasible.

A fully flexible battery may be arranged above or below the FPC in a layered configuration. Depending on the arrangement of the flexible battery (which may include a metallic foil), the antenna arrangement needs to be placed such that it is not shielded by the battery. In specific configurations, multiple antennas may be used above and below the printed battery, or on the side thereof.

In still another advantageous configuration, the on-body module further comprises a second transmitter integrated with the patch and operable for wireless data exchange with an external data acquisition device positioned in a far-field region. In this arrangement, data exchange via bluetooth low energy communication protocol is preferred. Preferably, such a device is configured as a handheld and operated at a distance of at most a few meters from the patch.

In order to realize a closed loop system, a body-mounted pump may be provided as a separate physical entity to deliver doses of a medical agent such as insulin to the body of the user in response to a measuring result achieved with the sensor.

In this connection it is further advantageous when the on-body module comprises at least one of a controller, a switch and a display, specifically a pressure-sensitive display, directly attached to the flexible patch for allowing the user to operate the system without remote control.

In another advantageous embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of sensors distributed in a body area and connected in a network to the on-body module. This allows for mutual control and monitoring of different influencing parameters. In such a network, data from all sensors are communicated to the on-body module, which is then a master in the system. Alternatively, any other of the separate sensor components may be the master. All sensors may be realized in the form of flexible patches comprising flexible electronics. The data from these sensors may be communicated to a remote control, preferably by a bluetooth low energy (BLE) connection, via the master. There, the data may be further processed to gain more insight into the patient's glycemic status.

Preferably, the plurality of sensors is adapted to measure at least one parameter selected from the group: glucose, temperature, body movement, tremor, heart rate, perspiration.

In a further aspect a method for continuous monitoring of at least one analyte in at least one body fluid is proposed. The method comprises the following steps which, as an example, may be performed in the given order. It shall be noted, however, that a different order is also possible. Further, it is also possible to perform one or more of the method steps once or repeatedly. Further, it is possible to perform two or more of the method steps simultaneously or in a timely overlapping fashion. The method may comprise further method steps which are not listed. The method comprises using at least one medical sensor system according to any one of the embodiments as described above or described in detail below. The method comprises the following steps:i) attaching an on-body module to the skin of the user in the region of a sensor implanted under the skin of a user using a self-adhering flexible electronics patch, wherein the self-adhering flexible electronics patch includes a first transmitter;ii) exchanging data between the first transmitter of the self-adhering flexible electronics patch with the implantable sensor via a short-range wireless connection.

With respect to embodiments and definition of the method reference is made to the description of the medical system above and as described in further detail below.

Summarizing and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments may be envisaged:

Embodiment 1

Medical sensor system, in particular continuous glucose monitoring system, comprising a sensor implantable under the skin of a user and an on-body module attachable to the skin in the region of the implantable sensor, wherein the on-body module has a self-adhering flexible electronics patch including a first transmitter which is operable to exchange data with the implantable sensor via a short-range wireless connection.

Embodiment 2

The system of embodiment 1, wherein the flexible electronics patch comprises flexible printed circuits provided on an insulating foil substrate.

Embodiment 3

The system of embodiment 2, wherein the insulating foil substrate has a thickness in the range of 10-250 microns, preferably 50-100 microns, more preferably 60-90 microns and most preferably 70-80 microns.

Embodiment 4

The system of embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the flexible printed circuits include at least one of conductive paths, resistors, capacitors and batteries as deformable components.

Embodiment 5

The system according to any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the flexible electronics patch comprises at least one of integrated circuit chips, processors, storage media, antennas and batteries as rigid or semi-rigid components which are distributed such that the electronics patch remains deformable.

Embodiment 6

The system according to any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the short-range wireless connection is established via a pair of antennas which are coupled by electromagnetic induction.

Embodiment 7

The system according to any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the data exchange is based on near-field communication (NFC) protocol.

Embodiment 8

The system according to any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein first transmitter is operable to receive measured values from the sensor and eventually to transmit calibration data to the sensor.

Embodiment 9

The system according to any of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the on-body module further comprises a patch-mounted energy supply configured to supply the sensor with energy by contactless transmission.

Embodiment 10

The system according to any of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the flexible electronics patch comprises a printed battery which consists of functional material printed on a flexible substrate.

Embodiment 11

The system according to any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the on-body module further comprises a second transmitter integrated with the patch and operable for wireless data exchange with an external data acquisition device positioned in a far-field region.

Embodiment 12

The system according to any of embodiments 1 to 11, further comprising a body-mounted pump to deliver doses of a medical agent such as insulin to the body of the user in response to a measuring result achieved with the sensor.

Embodiment 13

The system according to any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the on-body module comprises at least one of controller, switches and display directly attached to the flexible patch for allowing the user to operate the system without remote control.

Embodiment 14

The system according to any of embodiments 1 to 13, further comprising a plurality of sensors distributed in a body area and connected in a network to the on-body module.

Embodiment 15

The system of embodiment 14, wherein the plurality of sensors are adapted to measure at least one parameter selected from the group: glucose, temperature, body movement, tremor, heart rate, perspiration.

Embodiment 16

A method for continuous monitoring of at least one analyte in at least one body fluid, wherein the method comprises using at least one medical sensor system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method comprises the following steps:i) attaching an on-body module to the skin of the user in the region of a sensor implanted under the skin of a user using a self-adhering flexible electronics patch, wherein the self-adhering flexible electronics patch includes a first transmitter;ii) exchanging data between the first transmitter of self-adhering flexible electronics patch with the implantable sensor via a short-range wireless connection.

