ENHANCED INTEGRITY IMPLANTABLE SENSOR DEVICE

摘要

A method and apparatus for enhancing the integrity of an implantable sensor. Voids formed between an outer tubing and a sensor substrate or spacing eleme nt may be back-filled with a curable, implantable material, minimizing the exte nt to which unwanted fluids diffuse within the sensor. An enzyme or protein matrix pellet below the sensor window may be pre-treated with a reducing age nt to enhance its bond stability, and to reduce undesired swelling that may cau se the sensor window to detach or leak. The bonding between the enzyme pellet a nd a hydrogel layer may be reinforced by application of an intervening bonding layer of a protein material, such as human serum albumin (HSA). The size of the window may be minimized by minimizing the size of an underlying electrod e, providing reduced flux and lengthening sensor. A coating may be deposited on the surface of the sensor leads, providing stiffening and lubrication.