Patent ID: 7468033
Filing Date: 2008-12-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of introducing a sensor into the circulating blood of a subject comprising contacting a venous flow device with the circulating blood of the subject and introducing an apparatus for detecting an analyte in blood into the venous flow device, the apparatus comprising: a sensor that detects the presence of an analyte; and an assembly means having a sensor end and an exterior face, wherein the sensor is affixed to the sensor end of the assembly means, and the assembly means is adapted for coupling with the venous flow device, wherein the sensor contacts the circulating blood of the subject as the blood flows through the venous flow device; and the venous flow device comprises a blood loop having a port adapted to receive the apparatus, wherein the blood loop further comprises a second port adapted to receive an alignment means, and wherein the method further comprises introducing the alignment means into the blood loop from a side opposing the port adapted to receive the apparatus prior to introducing the apparatus.