| 摘要 |
An apparatus for the placement and monitoring of the position of an intraluminal indwelling catheter using an infrared (IR) signal encoded in the catheter and the detection of the IR signal by an IR optical detector. The IR signal may be encoded into the catheter by IR emitted from the catheter or IR reflected from the catheter. In the first category, the catheter is illuminated by IR radiation emitted from the distal end of the catheter, either by fiber optics or by a micro-diode. In the second category, the catheter is marked with regions of varying optical properties to form a pattern that is easily visualized and distinctive from nearby anatomical structures. One embodiment has a helical pattern in either one or more solid bands or a series of helically arranged dots. Other embodiments employ a pair of crisscrossing helical bands or zebra stripes. In addition to IR radiation, other electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, may be used. An alternative embodiment for an IV catheter includes a partially opaque flash chamber having a backing with optical properties that contrast with that of blood to allow the detector to image the blood filling the chamber and verify a successful insertion.
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