Insertion device for an insertion set and method of using the same

An insertion device for inserting at least a portion of one of at least two different types of piercing members through the skin of a patient, the insertion device comprising:

• a device housing to support the insertion device relative to the skin of the patient;
• a carrier body slidably received within the device housing for movement between an advanced position and a retracted position, wherein the carrier body includes a receiving structure shaped to support the at least two different types of piercing members in a position oriented for insertion through the skin of the patient upon movement of the carrier body from the retracted position to the advanced position;
• a locking mechanism adapted to engage at least a portion of the at least two different types of piercing members and secure the at least two different types of piercing members to the receiving structure of the carrier body, and to substantially prevent premature release of the carrier body before securing the insertion device in position against the skin of the patient;
• and
• a driver operatively coupled between the device housing and the carrier body to move the carrier body from the retracted position toward the advanced position to insert at least a portion of a selected one of the at least two different types of piercing members through the skin of the patient;
• wherein the receiving structure of the carrier body is removable from the selected one of the at least two different types of piercing members and adapted for reuse with another one of the at least two different types of piercing members.

A piercing member for insertion through the skin of a patient by an insertion device having a carrier body for movement between an advanced position and a retracted position, the carrier body of the insertion device including a receiving structure shaped to support the piercing member and at least one different type of piercing member in a position for insertion through the skin of the patient upon movement of the carrier body from the retracted position to the advanced position, and the insertion device having a driver that urges the carrier body from the retracted position toward the advanced position for insertion of the piercing member through the skin of the patient, the piercing member comprising:

• at least one piercing structure, wherein at least a portion of the at least one piercing structure is insertable through the skin of the patient;
• and
• a piercing member housing coupled to the at least one piercing structure, wherein the piercing member housing is shaped to fit within the carrier body of the insertion device to orient the at least one piercing structure for placement through the skin of the patient of at least a portion of the at least one piercing structure at an angle relative to the skin of the patient to install the piercing member into the patient;
• wherein the piercing member is inserted to avoid contacting bone, and the piercing member housing is removable from the receiving structure of the carrier body.