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How big is the sensor?
At present, the sensor implant is the size and shape
of a small cold-capsule (see picture of sensor above,
right); it is cylindrical with hemi-spherical ends.
The current version is a little more than half an inch
long and less than a quarter of an inch in diameter.
Future product releases are targeted to be the size
of a grain of rice.
Where will the sensor be located?
We expect the sensor to be used in the lower forearm
(with a wristwatch reader such as the one pictured above,
left) or in the abdomen (with a pager-like reader).
How will the sensor be placed
under the skin?
A physician will apply local anesthetic to the implantation
site and then insert the sensor through a trocar (large
bore needle). No sutures should be necessary.
How long would the sensor last
before being replaced?
The Company is targeting an initial indication of 6
months of use before replacement. Long term, the usable
lifetime may be increased to one year.
How will the sensor be removed?
The sensor will be removed either using a trocar or
through a small incision.
If the sensor is not in a blood
vessel, how can it measure blood sugar levels?
The sensor will not measure blood glucose directly,
but instead will be in contact with interstitial fluid
(ISF). Studies have shown that ISF glucose correlates
well with blood glucose, and therefore can be a useful
diagnostic measurement.
Will foreign body response be
a problem?
When a foreign object is inside the body, one way the
immune system responds is to "wall off" the object in
a fibrotic layer. Theoretically, fibrotic encapsulation
could affect the performance of the glucose sensor.
However, based on animal tests done so far, we are optimistic
that we have an effective solution for fibrotic encapsulation.
How often will glucose measurements
be taken?
We are targeting an automatic measurement interval of
as little as every 2 minutes.
When will it be available to
the public?
Availability depends upon successful completion of clinical
trials and approvals from the proper government regulatory
authorities. The testing and approval process will take
several years.
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