Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to non-invasively determine intra-luminal placement and patency of a vascular access device. In one form, our device itself remains non-invasive, connecting at the vascular access device's hub outside the patient's body. Patency and/or placement are estimated indirectly by measuring a physiological parameter which is indicative of proper patency and/or placement of the vascular access device in a patient. The measurement is compared to a reference value or calibration. If the comparison indicates indication of proper patency and/or placement, a signal is generated. The signal can be used in a number of ways. One example is to give a user-perceivable alarm or indication of proper patency and/or placement. Non-limiting examples include activating a light, an audible buzzer, a vibration, readable displayed text or graphics, or some combination of the same.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to non-invasively determine intra-luminal placement and patency of a vascular access device. In one form, our device itself remains non-invasive, connecting at the vascular access device's hub outside the patient's body. Patency and/or placement are estimated indirectly by measuring a physiological parameter which is indicative of proper patency and/or placement of the vascular access device in a patient. The measurement is compared to a reference value or calibration. If the comparison indicates indication of proper patency and/or placement, a signal is generated. The signal can be used in a number of ways. One example is to give a user-perceivable alarm or indication of proper patency and/or placement. Non-limiting examples include activating a light, an audible buzzer, a vibration, readable displayed text or graphics, or some combination of the same.