Sensing element having an adhesive backing

A catheter assembly for detecting a physiological parameter in a blood vessel, comprising:

• an elongated tube having a distal and proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween;
• a recess formed in an outer wall of the tube between the distal and proximal ends of the tube;
• at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the tube and in communication with at least a portion of the recess;
• and
• a sensing element for detecting a physiological parameter in the blood vessel, the sensing element comprising:
• a flexible substrate having first and second opposite surfaces;
• at least one sensor disposed on the first surface of the flexible substrate;
• an adhesive layer covering at least a portion of the second surface of the flexible substrate;
• and
• a release liner releasably adhered to the adhesive layer so that upon removal of the release liner the adhesive layer is exposed for securing the sensing element to the tube adjacent to the recess.

A method of preparing a catheter for detecting a physiological parameter in a blood vessel, the method comprising:

• providing a catheter assembly having
• an elongated tube having a distal and proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween,
• a recess formed in an outer wall of the tube between the distal and proximal ends of the tube;
• positioning a sensing element for detecting the physiological parameter in the blood vessel into the recess, the sensing element comprising:
• a flexible substrate having first and second opposite surfaces;
• at least one sensor disposed on the first surface of the flexible substrate;
• an adhesive layer covering at least a portion of the second surface of the flexible substrate;
• and
• a release liner releasably adhered to the adhesive layer;
• removing the release liner to thereby expose the adhesive layer;
• and
• contacting the adhesive layer to a surface of the tube adjacent to the recess to thereby secure the sensing element to the tube.

A method for forming a sensing element for incorporation into a catheter and for monitoring of a physiological parameter in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of:

• forming a plurality of sensors on the first surface of the flexible substrate;
• thereafter, applying a layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive to the second surface of the flexible substrate;
• covering the adhesive layer with a release liner;
• and
• separating the flexible substrate into a plurality of individual sensing elements wherein each sensing element includes a working electrode and a counter electrode.