US6584335B1 — Analytical device for in vivo analysis in the bod…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 250 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo through skin in the body of a patient comprising a measuring probe having a hollow needle adapted to be pierced into the skin and including a wall being permeable along a partial section of its length which is adapted for penetration into the skin, said permeable partial section defining a measuring section, an optical fiber by which light coupled from a light source into the optical fiber is passed into the hollow needle and thus into the body when the measuring probe is pierced into the skin, wherein the light transported through the optical fiber is modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent-free interaction with interstitial liquid within the body, said modification being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, wherein said optical fiber includes a measuring section that extends in at least a part of the measuring section of the hollow needle, said light is modified by interaction with interstitial liquid surrounding said measuring section of said optical fiber in said measuring section of said hollow needle, said interstitial liquid penetrating through said wall of said hollow needle to said measuring section of said optical fiber and the modification of the light characteristic of the presence of the analyte results from an interaction with the interstitial liquid in the treasuring section.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 250 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo through skin in the body of a patient comprising a measuring probe having a hollow needle adapted to be pierced into the skin and including a wall being permeable along a partial section of its length which is adapted for penetration into the skin, said permeable partial section defining a measuring section, an optical fiber by which light coupled from a light source into the optical fiber is passed into the hollow needle and thus into the body when the measuring probe is pierced into the skin, wherein the light transported through the optical fiber is modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent-free interaction with interstitial liquid within the body, said modification being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, wherein said optical fiber includes a measuring section that extends in at least a part of the measuring section of the hollow needle, said light is modified by interaction with interstitial liquid surrounding said measuring section of said optical fiber in said measuring section of said hollow needle, said interstitial liquid penetrating through said wall of said hollow needle to said measuring section of said optical fiber and the modification of the light characteristic of the presence of the analyte results from an interaction with the interstitial liquid in the treasuring section.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 22 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the cross section of the optical fiber varies along the measuring section.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 47 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that only one optical fiber track runs inside the hollow needle in the measuring section, the distal end of the fiber track being provided with a mirror which reflects the light back along the same optical fiber track.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 62 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that two parallel optical fiber tracks extend in the hollow needle in the measuring section, wherein the light is transported through the one optical fiber track towards the distal end of the hollow needle and is deflected at the distal end of the hollow needle to return through the other optical fiber track.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 27 words

Analysis device according to claim 4 , characterized in that a prismatic reflector is arranged at the distal end of the hollow needle to deflect the light.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 24 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the optical fiber is surrounded, at least in the measuring section, by a coating.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 14 words

Analysis device according to claim 6 , characterized in that the coating is metallic.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 15 words

Analysis device according to claim 6 , characterized in that the coating is a polymer.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 22 words

Analysis device according to claim 6 , characterized in that the coating consists essentially of synthetic diamond including diamond like carbon (DLC).

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 29 words

Analysis device according to claim 6 , characterized in that the coating has an index of refraction which is at least as large as that of the optical fiber.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 45 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the measuring section of the optical fiber is jacketed by a semi-permeable membrane such that the interstitial liquid in the measuring section only gains access to a surface of the optical fiber through the membrane.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 18 words

Analysis device according to claim 11 , characterized in that the membrane is arranged within the hollow needle.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 23 words

Analysis device according to claim 11 , characterized in that the membrane is essentially separated from the outer surface of the optical fiber.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 21 words

Analysis device according to claim 13 , characterized in that the separation is effected by a coating on the optical fiber.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 30 words

Analysis device according to claim 13 , characterized in that the separation is effected by a substrate having a cross sectional dimension projecting past the dimension of the optical fiber.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 16 words

Analysis device according to claim 11 , characterized in that the membrane is based on polycarbonate.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 37 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the interaction of the light transported in the optical fiber with the interstitial liquid is due to the penetration of an evanescent field into the interstitial liquid.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 20 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the light source comprises at least one quantum cascade laser.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 34 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the material of the optical fiber is selected from the group consisting of silver halide, chalcogenic glass, synthetic diamond, diamond-like carbon, silicon, and germanium.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 28 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the optical fiber is fashioned from a layer produced by deposition from a gas phase onto a substrate.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 23 words

Analysis device according to claim 20 , characterized in that the optical fiber is integrated together with the substrate into the hollow needle.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 40 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that a light guide fiber, having a hardness which is less than that of the material from which the optical fiber is made, is joined to the optical fiber by pressing.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 28 words

Analysis device according to claim 1 , characterized in that a temperature measuring element is disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 238 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo through skin in the body of a patient comprising a measuring probe having a hollow needle adapted to be pierced into the skin and including a wall being permeable along a partial section of its length which is adapted for penetration into the skin and serves as a measuring section and with an optical fiber which runs inside the hollow needle and by which light coupled from a light source into the optical fiber is passed into the hollow needle and thus into the body when the measuring probe is pierced into the skin, wherein interstitial liquid penetrates through the wall of the hollow needle into a measuring section of the optical fiber in the hollow needle, and wherein the light transported through the optical fiber is modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the optical fiber within the body, said modification being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, and wherein the modification of the light characteristic of the presence of the analyte results from an interaction with the interstitial liquid in the measuring section, wherein the wavelength of the light from the light source is between 7 μm and 13 μm.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 238 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo through skin in the body of a patient comprising a measuring probe having a hollow needle adapted to be pierced into the skin and including a wall being permeable along a partial section of its length which is adapted for penetration into the skin and serves as a measuring section and with an optical fiber which runs inside the hollow needle and by which light coupled from a light source into the optical fiber is passed into the hollow needle and thus into the body when the measuring probe is pierced into the skin, wherein interstitial liquid penetrates through the wall of the hollow needle into a measuring section of the optical fiber in the hollow needle, and wherein the light transported through the optical fiber is modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the optical fiber within the body, said modification being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, and wherein the modification of the light characteristic of the presence of the analyte results from an interaction with the interstitial liquid in the measuring section, wherein the wavelength of the light from the light source is between 7 μm and 13 μm.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 244 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo through skin in the body of a patient comprising a measuring probe having a hollow needle adapted to be pierced into the skin and including a wall being permeable along a partial section of its length which is adapted for penetration into the skin and serves as a measuring section and with an optical fiber which runs inside the hollow needle and by which light coupled from a light source into the optical fiber is passed into the hollow needle and thus into the body when the measuring probe is pierced into the skin, wherein interstitial liquid penetrates through the wall of the hollow needle into a measuring section of the optical fiber in the hollow needle, and wherein the light transported through the optical fiber is modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the optical fiber within the body, said modification being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, and wherein the modification of the light characteristic of the presence of the analyte results from an interaction with the interstitial liquid in the measuring section, wherein a heating element and a temperature measuring element are disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 244 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo through skin in the body of a patient comprising a measuring probe having a hollow needle adapted to be pierced into the skin and including a wall being permeable along a partial section of its length which is adapted for penetration into the skin and serves as a measuring section and with an optical fiber which runs inside the hollow needle and by which light coupled from a light source into the optical fiber is passed into the hollow needle and thus into the body when the measuring probe is pierced into the skin, wherein interstitial liquid penetrates through the wall of the hollow needle into a measuring section of the optical fiber in the hollow needle, and wherein the light transported through the optical fiber is modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the optical fiber within the body, said modification being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, and wherein the modification of the light characteristic of the presence of the analyte results from an interaction with the interstitial liquid in the measuring section, wherein a heating element and a temperature measuring element are disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 294 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo through skin in the body of a patient comprising a measuring probe having a hollow needle adapted to be pierced into the skin and including a wall being permeable along a partial section of its length which is adapted for penetration into the skin and serves as a measuring section and with an optical fiber which runs inside the hollow needle and by which light coupled from a light source into the optical fiber is passed into the hollow needle and thus into the body when the measuring probe is pierced into the skin, wherein interstitial liquid penetrates through the wall of the hollow needle into a measuring section of the optical fiber in the hollow needle, and wherein the light transported through the optical fiber is modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the optical fiber within the body, said modification being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, and wherein the modification of the light characteristic of the presence of the analyte results from an interaction with the interstitial liquid in the measuring section, wherein the measuring section of the optical fiber is jacketed by a semi-permeable membrane such that the interstitial liquid in the measuring section only gains access to a surface of the optical fiber through the membrane, the membrane is essentially separated from the surface of the optical fiber, and the separation is effected by a metallic wire travelling in the longitudinal direction within the hollow needle between the optical fiber and the membrane.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 294 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo through skin in the body of a patient comprising a measuring probe having a hollow needle adapted to be pierced into the skin and including a wall being permeable along a partial section of its length which is adapted for penetration into the skin and serves as a measuring section and with an optical fiber which runs inside the hollow needle and by which light coupled from a light source into the optical fiber is passed into the hollow needle and thus into the body when the measuring probe is pierced into the skin, wherein interstitial liquid penetrates through the wall of the hollow needle into a measuring section of the optical fiber in the hollow needle, and wherein the light transported through the optical fiber is modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the optical fiber within the body, said modification being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, and wherein the modification of the light characteristic of the presence of the analyte results from an interaction with the interstitial liquid in the measuring section, wherein the measuring section of the optical fiber is jacketed by a semi-permeable membrane such that the interstitial liquid in the measuring section only gains access to a surface of the optical fiber through the membrane, the membrane is essentially separated from the surface of the optical fiber, and the separation is effected by a metallic wire travelling in the longitudinal direction within the hollow needle between the optical fiber and the membrane.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 177 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body, said partial section defining a measuring section of said hollow needle and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 177 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body, said partial section defining a measuring section of said hollow needle and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 27 , wherein the wavelength of the light is between 7 μm and 13 μm.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 27 wherein the cross section of the optical fiber varies along the measuring section.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 43 words

The device of claim 27 wherein only one optical fiber track runs inside the hollow needle in the measuring section, a distal end of the fiber track being provided with a mirror which reflects the light back along the same optical fiber track.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 57 words

The device of claim 27 wherein two parallel optical fiber tracks extend in the hollow needle in the measuring section, wherein the light is transported through one optical fiber track towards a distal end of the hollow needle and is deflected at the distal end of the hollow needle to return through the other optical fiber track.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 23 words

The device of claim 31 wherein a prismatic reflector is arranged at the distal end of the hollow needle to deflect the light.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 20 words

The device of claim 27 wherein the optical fiber is surrounded, at least in the measuring section, by a coating.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 10 words

The device of claim 33 wherein the coating is metallic.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 11 words

The device of claim 33 wherein the coating is a polymer.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device of claim 33 wherein the coating consists essentially of synthetic diamond including diamond like carbon.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 25 words

The device of claim 33 wherein the coating has an index of refraction which is at least as large as that of the optical fiber.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 41 words

The device of claim 27 wherein the measuring section of the optical fiber is jacketed by a semi-permeable membrane such that the interstitial liquid in the measuring section only gains access to a surface of the optical fiber through the membrane.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 14 words

The device of claim 38 wherein the membrane is arranged within the hollow needle.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 38 wherein the membrane is essentially separated from the surface of the optical fiber.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 40 wherein the separation is effected by a substrate having a cross sectional dimension projecting past the dimension of the optical fiber.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device of claim 40 wherein the separation is effected by a coating on the optical fiber.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 12 words

The device of claim 38 wherein the membrane is based on polycarbonate.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 33 words

The device of claim 27 wherein the interaction of the light transported in the optical fiber with the interstitial liquid is due to a penetration of an evanescent field into the interstitial liquid.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 23 words

The device of claim 27 wherein the light is coupled in from a light source that comprises at least one quantum cascade laser.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device of claim 27 wherein the material of the optical fiber is selected from the group consisting of silver halide, chalcogenic glass, synthetic diamond, diamond-like carbon, silicon, and germanium.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 24 words

The device of claim 27 wherein the optical fiber is fashioned from a layer produced by deposition from a gas phase onto a substrate.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 47 wherein the optical fiber is integrated together with the substrate into the hollow needle.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 36 words

The device of claim 27 wherein a light guide fiber, having a hardness which is less than that of the material from which the optical fiber is made, is joined to the optical fiber by pressing.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 24 words

The device of claim 27 wherein a temperature measuring element is disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 191 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte, a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, and a heating element and a temperature measuring element disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 191 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte, a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, and a heating element and a temperature measuring element disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 243 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte, and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, wherein the measuring section of the optical fiber is jacketed by a semi-permeable membrane such that the interstitial liquid in the measuring section only gains access to a surface of the optical fiber through the membrane, the membrane is essentially separated from the surface of the optical fiber, and the separation is effected by a metallic wire travelling in the longitudinal direction within the hollow needle between the optical fiber and the membrane.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 243 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte, and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, wherein the measuring section of the optical fiber is jacketed by a semi-permeable membrane such that the interstitial liquid in the measuring section only gains access to a surface of the optical fiber through the membrane, the membrane is essentially separated from the surface of the optical fiber, and the separation is effected by a metallic wire travelling in the longitudinal direction within the hollow needle between the optical fiber and the membrane.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 182 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed, the wavelength of the light being between 7 μm and 15 μm, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 182 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed, the wavelength of the light being between 7 μm and 15 μm, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 53 wherein the wavelength of the light is between 7 μm and 13 μm.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 53 wherein the cross section of the optical fiber varies along the measuring section.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 43 words

The device of claim 53 wherein only one optical fiber track runs inside the hollow needle in the measuring section, a distal end of the fiber track being provided with a mirror which reflects the light back along the same optical fiber track.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 58 words

The device of claim 53 wherein two parallel optical fiber tracks extend in the hollow needle in the measuring section, wherein the light is transported through a one optical fiber track towards a distal end of the hollow needle and is deflected at the distal end of the hollow needle to return through the other optical fiber track.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 23 words

The device of claim 57 wherein a prismatic reflector is arranged at the distal end of the hollow needle to deflect the light.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 20 words

The device of claim 53 wherein the optical fiber is surrounded, at least in the measuring section, by a coating.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 10 words

The device of claim 59 wherein the coating is metallic.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 11 words

The device of claim 59 wherein the coating is a polymer.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device of claim 59 wherein the coating consists essentially of synthetic diamond including diamond like carbon.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 25 words

The device of claim 59 wherein the coating has an index of refraction which is at least as large as that of the optical fiber.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 14 words

The device of claim 63 wherein the membrane is arranged within the hollow needle.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 63 wherein the membrane is essentially separated from the surface of the optical fiber.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device of claim 64 wherein the separation is effected by a coating on the optical fiber.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device of claim 65 wherein the separation is effected by a metallic wire travelling in the longitudinal direction within the hollow needle between the optical fiber and the membrane.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 65 wherein the separation is effected by a substrate having a cross sectional dimension projecting past the dimension of the optical fiber.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 12 words

The device of claim 63 wherein the membrane is based on polycarbonate.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 41 words

The device of claim 53 wherein the measuring section of the optical fiber is jacketed by a semi-permeable membrane such that the interstitial liquid in the measuring section only gains access to a surface of the optical fiber through the membrane.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 33 words

The device of claim 53 wherein the interaction of the light transported in the optical fiber with the interstitial liquid is due to a penetration of an evanescent field into the interstitial liquid.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 53 further comprising a light source that comprises at least one quantum cascade laser.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device of claim 53 wherein the material of the optical fiber is selected from the group consisting of silver halide, chalcogenic glass, synthetic diamond, diamond-like carbon, silicon, and germanium.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 24 words

The device of claim 53 wherein the optical fiber is fashioned from a layer produced by deposition from a gas phase onto a substrate.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 53 wherein the optical fiber is integrated together with a substrate into the hollow needle.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 36 words

The device of claim 53 wherein a light guide fiber, having a hardness which is less than that of the material from which the optical fiber is made, is joined to the optical fiber by pressing.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 24 words

The device of claim 53 wherein a temperature measuring element is disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 203 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed, the wavelength of the light being between 7 μm and 15 μm, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body and a heating element and a temperature measuring element disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 203 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed, the wavelength of the light being between 7 μm and 15 μm, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body and a heating element and a temperature measuring element disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 192 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section running inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light from a light source coupled to said fiber is passed, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, wherein the optical fiber is surrounded, at least in the measuring section, by a coating.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 192 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section running inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light from a light source coupled to said fiber is passed, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, wherein the optical fiber is surrounded, at least in the measuring section, by a coating.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 10 words

The device of claim 79 wherein the coating is metallic.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 11 words

The device of claim 79 wherein the coating is a polymer.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 25 words

The device of claim 79 wherein the coating has an index of refraction which is at least as large as that of the optical fiber.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 210 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed from a light source, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, wherein the interaction of the light transported in the optical fiber with the interstitial liquid is due to a penetration of an evanescent field into the interstitial liquid surrounding the circumferential surface of the optical fiber.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 210 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed from a light source, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, wherein the interaction of the light transported in the optical fiber with the interstitial liquid is due to a penetration of an evanescent field into the interstitial liquid surrounding the circumferential surface of the optical fiber.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 18 words

Analysis device of claim 83 wherein the cross section of the optical fiber varies along the measuring section.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 43 words

Analysis device of claim 83 wherein only one optical fiber track runs inside the hollow needle in the measuring section, the distal end of the fiber track being provided with a mirror which reflects the light back along the same optical fiber track.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 58 words

Analysis device of claim 83 wherein two parallel optical fiber tracks extend in the hollow needle in the measuring section, wherein the light is transported through the one optical fiber track towards a distal end of the hollow needle and is deflected at the distal end of the hollow needle to return through the other optical fiber track.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 23 words

Analysis device of claim 86 wherein a prismatic reflector is arranged at the distal end of the hollow needle to deflect the light.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 20 words

Analysis device of claim 83 wherein the optical fiber is surrounded, at least in the measuring section, by a coating.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 10 words

Analysis device of claim 88 wherein the coating is metallic.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 11 words

Analysis device of claim 88 wherein the coating is a polymer.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 17 words

Analysis device of claim 88 wherein the coating consists essentially of synthetic diamond including diamond like carbon.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 25 words

Analysis device of claim 88 wherein the coating has an index of refraction which is at least as large as that of the optical fiber.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 41 words

Analysis device of claim 83 wherein the measuring section of the optical fiber is jacketed by a semi-permeable membrane such that the interstitial liquid in the measuring section only gains access to a surface of the optical fiber through the membrane.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 14 words

Analysis device of claim 93 wherein the membrane is arranged within the hollow needle.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 18 words

Analysis device of claim 93 wherein the membrane is essentially separated from the surface of the optical fiber.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 17 words

Analysis device of claim 95 wherein the separation is effected by a coating on the optical fiber.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 30 words

Analysis device of claim 95 wherein the separation is effected by a metallic wire travelling in the longitudinal direction within the hollow needle between the optical fiber and the membrane.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 26 words

Analysis device of claim 95 wherein the separation is effected by a substrate having a cross sectional dimension projecting past the dimension of the optical fiber.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 12 words

Analysis device of claim 93 wherein the membrane is based on polycarbonate.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 22 words

Analysis device of claim 83 wherein the wavelength of the light from the light source is between 7 μm and 15 μm.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 22 words

Analysis device of claim 83 the light is coupled in from a light source that comprises at least one quantum cascade laser.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 30 words

Analysis device of claim 83 wherein the material of the optical fiber is selected from the group consisting of silver halide, chalcogenic glass, synthetic diamond, diamond-like carbon, silicon, and germanium.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 24 words

Analysis device of claim 83 wherein the optical fiber is fashioned from a layer produced by deposition from a gas phase onto a substrate.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 19 words

Analysis device of claim 103 wherein the optical fiber is integrated together with the substrate into the hollow needle.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 36 words

Analysis device of claim 83 wherein a light guide fiber, having a hardness which is less than that of the material from which the optical fiber is made, is joined to the optical fiber by pressing.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 24 words

Analysis device of claim 83 wherein a temperature measuring element is disposed on the optical fiber near the proximal end of the hollow needle.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 232 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed from a light source, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, and a heating element and a temperature measuring element are disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle, wherein the interaction of the light transported in the optical fiber with the interstitial liquid is due to a penetration of an evanescent field into the interstitial liquid surrounding the circumferential surface of the optical fiber.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 232 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed from a light source, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, and a heating element and a temperature measuring element are disposed on the optical fiber near a proximal end of the hollow needle, wherein the interaction of the light transported in the optical fiber with the interstitial liquid is due to a penetration of an evanescent field into the interstitial liquid surrounding the circumferential surface of the optical fiber.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 189 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed from a light source, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, wherein the optical fiber is surrounded, at least in the measuring section, by a coating.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 189 words

Analysis device for determining an analyte in vivo in the body of a patient, the device comprising: a measuring probe having a hollow needle with a measuring section having a length, a partial section of the length being adapted for penetration into the body and in which a wall of the hollow needle is permeable to interstitial liquid surrounding the hollow needle within the body and an optical fiber including a measuring section that extends inside the hollow needle in the measuring section thereof and by which light is passed from a light source, the light transported through the optical fiber being modified in the measuring probe by direct reagent free interaction with the interstitial liquid surrounding the measuring section of the optical fiber within the measuring section of the hollow needle, said modification of the light being characteristic of the presence of the analyte and a measuring and evaluation unit to measure the modification and to derive, on the basis of the modification, information concerning the presence of the analyte in the body, wherein the optical fiber is surrounded, at least in the measuring section, by a coating.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 10 words

Analysis device of claim 108 wherein the coating is metallic.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 11 words

Analysis device of claim 108 wherein the coating is a polymer.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 17 words

Analysis device of claim 108 wherein the coating consists essentially of synthetic diamond including diamond like carbon.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 25 words

Analysis device of claim 108 wherein the coating has an index of refraction which is at least as large as that of the optical fiber.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 27 words

Analysis device of claim 108 wherein the coating is a semipermeable membrane having a cut-off for large molecules having a molecular size in excess of 5,000 Da.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 14 words

Analysis device of claim 113 wherein the cut-off for large molecules is 1,000 Da.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2006-06-23	2006-12-23	2007-06-24	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2010-06-23	2010-12-23	2011-06-24	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2014-06-23	2014-12-23	2015-06-24	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Analytical device for in vivo analysis in the body of a patient

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