Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting the placement of a catheter within a vessel of a patient via an ultrasound imaging system are disclosed. The systems and methods described herein relate to an automatic size comparison tool to enable a clinician to determine, prior to insertion of the catheter, whether a particularly sized catheter will fit within a designated vessel of the patient without violating a user-defined rule setting a maximum percentage of the vessel that may be occupied by the catheter. This in turn ensures that the catheter is properly sized for the vessel in which it is placed, according to user-defined preferences. Though described herein as implemented in connection with an ultrasound imaging system, in other embodiments the system and methods described herein can be included with other devices as well.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are generally directed to blood flash detection systems and methods thereof. Embodiments include an indicator device including a needle and needle hub, defining a lumen and in fluid communication with a medical line. The needle hub includes a marker, such as an RFID tag, with electrodes extending to the lumen. When a fluid flow, for example blood, enters the lumen, an electrical connection between the electrodes is bridged, completing the circuit and activating the marker. The marker can then be responsive to an interrogation signal, and can provide a response signal. The response signal can be detected and interpreted by a detection device that indicates to a user that the vasculature has been accessed without the user directly observing the insertion site or the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting the placement of a catheter within a vessel of a patient via an ultrasound imaging system are disclosed. The systems and methods described herein relate to an automatic size comparison tool to enable a clinician to determine, prior to insertion of the catheter, whether a particularly sized catheter will fit within a designated vessel of the patient without violating a user-defined rule setting a maximum percentage of the vessel that may be occupied by the catheter. This in turn ensures that the catheter is properly sized for the vessel in which it is placed, according to user-defined preferences. Though described herein as implemented in connection with an ultrasound imaging system, in other embodiments the system and methods described herein can be included with other devices as well.