LOCATING DEVICE

摘要

A device and method are described for navigating and positioning a central venous catheter into the venous system using two different modes of location. For example, a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”) may be navigated and positioned within the superior vena cava. A light emitting element is used in the first mode to navigate the PICC to the superior vena cava. To improve visibility during navigation, the light emitted from the light emitting element may include a narrow range of wavelengths that generally matches the wavelengths of light that are transmissable through a light absorbing material defining the wall of the catheter. A conductive medium is used in the second mode to monitor an ECG signal in order to position the PICC in the superior vena cava. One advantage of this procedure is that X-ray visualization can be eliminated to reduce the danger associated with X-rays.

主权项

1. A system for locating a central venous catheter, comprising:
a central venous catheter comprising one or more lumens extending therethrough adapted to extend from a proximal portion outside an access site into a patient's vein to a distal end within a venous system of said patient; a locating device extending through one of said lumens of said central venous catheter, a proximal portion of said locating device extending proximally from said proximal portion of said central venous catheter, and a distal portion of said locating device being disposed adjacent said distal end of said central venous catheter, said locating device being removable from said central venous catheter after said central venous catheter is navigated and positioned within said venous system; a biocompatible fluid disposed within said lumens of said central venous catheter; a light emitting element disposed along said distal portion of said locating device, said light emitting element thereby being adapted to direct light radially away from said locating device, said light being visible through tissues of said patient from outside said patient to navigate said central venous catheter through said venous system; and a conductive member made of a metallic material electrically connected to an ECG machine, a distal portion of said conductive member being exposed to said biocompatible fluid within one of said lumens of said central venous catheter or blood within said patient adjacent said distal end of said central venous catheter, said conductive member thereby being adapted to transmit an intravascular ECG signal to said ECG machine to position said central venous catheter within said venous system.