Abstract: A medical hub for connecting a tubular member to a fluid source has a first structure for connecting to the fluid source, a second structure for connecting to the tubular member, and a transparent portion formed between the first and second structures. The transparent portion in one embodiment has a generally spherical shape that allows visual monitoring of a fluid flowing through the hub from a wide viewing angle. The transparent portion can be formed of clear plastic or other suitable optical material that magnifies an image of the fluid flowing through the hub. Other embodiments are described in which the transparent portion has a cylindrical shape, a square shape, a multifaceted shape, and a combination of such shapes. The tubular member can be a catheter or other intravenous tubing.

Abstract: A medical hub for connecting a tubular member to a fluid source has a first structure for connecting to the fluid source, a second structure for connecting to the tubular member, and a transparent portion formed between the first and second structures. The transparent portion in one embodiment has a generally spherical shape that allows visual monitoring of a fluid flowing through the hub from a wide viewing angle. The transparent portion can be formed of clear plastic or other suitable optical material that magnifies an image of the fluid flowing through the hub. Other embodiments are described in which the transparent portion has a cylindrical shape, a square shape, a multifaceted shape, and a combination of such shapes. The tubular member can be a catheter or other intravenous tubing.