Patent ID: 7018336

Claim:
An implantable sensor system for taking readings from a patient in vivo, the sensor system comprising: an implantable sensor having a distal end with a sensor tip for direct contact with patient fluids and a proximal end to anchor the implantable sensor within the patient; a flush sleeve directed towards the sensor tip; a rinsing fluid; and a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the flush sleeve, wherein the rinsing fluid received in the fluid conduit is used to spray the sensor tip, wherein the flush sleeve concentrically surrounds the implantable sensor around a substantially common axis, such that the sensor is within the flush sleeve, wherein the fluid conduit contains a septum and a protector sleeve, wherein the septum is pierced by a needle injected into the patient to deliver the rinsing fluid into the fluid conduit, and wherein the protector sleeve acts as a backstop to prevent the needle from penetrating the sensor.