Patent ID: 8700115
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: A61B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A sensor for detecting an analyte concentration, comprising: an optical fiber with proximal and distal ends; an atraumatic tip portion with proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end of the atraumatic tip portion is separated from the distal end of the optical fiber, such that a gap exists between the atraumatic tip portion and the optical fiber; a rod with proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end of the rod is attached to the distal end of the optical fiber, and wherein the distal end of the rod is attached to the proximal end of the atraumatic tip portion, such that the rod traverses the gap and couples the optical fiber to the atraumatic tip portion; a chemical indicator system disposed within the gap and capable of generating an emission light signal in response to an excitation light signal, wherein the intensity of the emission light signal is related to the analyte concentration; and a selectively permeable membrane disposed over the gap.