Replaceable Long Term Implanted Glucose Sensor

? DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Diabetes is a major health care problem that has reached crisis proportions. The disease accounts for gt14% of total national health care expenditures in the US and untold losses of precious human resources, and new therapies are urgently needed. Although glucose monitoring is central to all therapies for diabetes, present fingerstick methods and short-term percutaneous needle-like sensors are objectionable to many potential users, limiting their application. A new, more acceptable glucose sensor is urgently needed that could direct insulin dosing, warn of hypoglycemia, and serve as the missing component of a practical artificial pancreas. We have developed a new, fully implanted glucose sensor and wireless telemetry for long-term implantation in subcutaneous tissues. In studies with normal and diabetic pigs, we have a total of 31 cumulative device-years of implant experience, with 17 of the devices remaining functional for more than one year, and one implant functi