Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for placing a catheter in a vasculature of a patient. The system includes a system console with a tip location mode and an ultrasound mode viewable on a display, a magnetic assembly emanating a magnetic field, a tip location sensor designed to sense the magnetic field, and an ultrasound probe for ultrasonically imaging an internal portion of the patient. The magnetic field may provide magnetic field information for locating the magnetic assembly relative to the tip location sensor. The tip location sensor is designed to communicate the magnetic field information to the system console. The system console is designed to display an icon representative of a location of the magnetic assembly relative to the tip location sensor in the tip location mode.

Abstract: A placement system for tracking, placing, and monitoring a catheter assembly or other medical device inserted into a body of a patient is disclosed. The placement system utilizes optical fiber-based strain sensors to assist with catheter placement. In one embodiment, the placement system comprises a console including a processor and a plurality of optical fiber-based strain sensors included with the catheter. A light source is also included and configured to operably connect with the strain sensors and produce outgoing optical signals incident on the strain sensors. A photodetector is included and configured to operably connect with the strain sensors and receive return optical signals from the strain sensors. A processor is configured to process data from the return optical signals. The data relates to an aspect of the catheter. A user interface such as a display is configured to communicate information relating to the aspect of the catheter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting the placement of a catheter within the body of a patient through the use of an ultrasound imaging system are disclosed. In particular, the systems and methods described herein enable a clinician to determine, prior to insertion of the medical device, how much of the device will be disposed within the vessel, thus enabling the clinician to choose a catheter with suitable length. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system for assisting with placement of the medical device comprises a console, a probe for producing an image of a target location, and a processor. The processor provides to a user proximity information relating to the anticipated proximity of the medical device to the target location prior to insertion of the medical device. A display is included for depicting the image, target location depth, and the proximity information of the medical device to the target location.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting the placement of a catheter within the body of a patient through the use of an ultrasound imaging system are disclosed. In particular, the systems and methods described herein enable a clinician to determine, prior to insertion of the medical device, how much of the device will be disposed within the vessel, thus enabling the clinician to choose a catheter with suitable length. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system for assisting with placement of the medical device comprises a console, a probe for producing an image of a target location, and a processor. The processor provides to a user proximity information relating to the anticipated proximity of the medical device to the target location prior to insertion of the medical device. A display is included for depicting the image, target location depth, and the proximity information of the medical device to the target location.

Abstract: A disinfection system for use in cleansing one or more medical devices or components that are placed on, in, or in proximity to a patient during a medical procedure is disclosed. Non-limiting examples of a medical component that may be cleansed by the disinfection system include an ultrasound probe or a chest sensor of a catheter placement system. In one embodiment, therefore, a disinfection system for a medical device is disclosed, comprising a container configured for proximate placement with respect to the medical device and an array of light sources included with the container. Each light source is configured to produce disinfecting light in a high energy visible light wavelength range. Further, the light sources are arranged to impinge the disinfecting light upon a portion of the medical device so as to disinfect the impinged surfaces of the medical device.

Abstract: A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. The low power ultrasound system includes a base unit having an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit.

Abstract: A catheter placement system for positioning a catheter in a vasculature of a patient using at least two different modalities. The catheter placement system includes a console with a display, a stylet removably positionable within a lumen of the catheter, a tip location sensor, and an external electrode. The stylet may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor assembly for detecting ECG signals of a node of a heart of the patient, and a first connector in communication with the ECG sensor assembly. The tip location sensor may be configured to detect the stylet when the catheter is disposed within the vasculature of the patient, and to communicate information of the stylet to the console. The console may be configured to receive at least one aspect of the ECG signal detected by the ECG sensor assembly indicative of proximity of the ECG sensor assembly to the node.

Abstract: A system for tracking the position of one or more medical devices for insertion into the body of a patient is disclosed. The system may also be used to locate one or medical devices at a later time after placement thereof. The present system employs multiple radiating elements that can be simultaneously detected by a sensor unit of the system, wherein at least one of the radiating elements is included with the medical device. Another of the radiating elements may be placed at a predetermined point on the skin of the patient to serve as a landmark to help determine the location of the medical device with respect to the landmark. Detection of the radiating elements by the sensor unit enables the relative positions of the radiating elements to be ascertained and depicted on a display, to assist a clinician in accurately positioning the medical device, such as a catheter.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart.

Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle or other medical component into the body of a patient is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the detectable characteristic sensed by the sensors to determine a position and/or orientation of the needle in three spatial dimensions. The system includes a display for depicting the position and/or orientation of the needle together with the image of the target.

Abstract: A positioning system includes a console, an ultrasound probe, a stylet, a stylet control module, and an external sensor. The console includes a display. The ultrasound probe is designed to communicate imaging information to the console. The stylet includes a radiating element capable of producing an electromagnetic field, the electromagnetic field providing electromagnetic field information. The stylet control module includes a timer circuit designed to send electrical pulses at a pulse signal frequency to the radiating element. The external sensor is designed to detect the electromagnetic field and to determine a position of the radiating element with respect to the external sensor as the stylet is advanced in a vasculature of a patient, the external sensor designed to communicate the electromagnetic field information to the console. The system may include a circuit configured to synchronize at least one of the console and the external sensor with the pulse signal frequency.

Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle or other medical component into the body of a patient is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the detectable characteristic sensed by the sensors to determine a position and/or orientation of the needle in three spatial dimensions. The system includes a display for depicting the position and/or orientation of the needle together with the image of the target.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor unit for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a field produced by a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. The stylet includes an electromagnetic coil that can be operably connected to the sensor unit and/or console through a sterile barrier without compromising the barrier. The stylet can also be wirelessly connected to the sensor unit and/or console.

Abstract: A ruggedized hydrogel product that is formulated to withstand the effects of high-energy sterilization procedures, such as gamma beam and electron beam sterilization, without significant structural degradation is disclosed. This enables the hydrogel product to be suitable for use in medical applications where sterile components are required. In one embodiment a ruggedized hydrogel product is disclosed and comprises a gel component, water for hydrating the gel component, and at least one free radical absorber component that is capable of absorbing free radicals produced when the hydrogel product is sterilized via a high-energy sterilization procedure. The free radical absorber component in one embodiment includes potassium metabisulfite and ascorbic acid. The ruggedized hydrogel product can be included with an ultrasound probe to provide an acoustically transparent interface between the probe and the skin of a patient.

Abstract: A method for displaying a position of a medical device, such as a catheter, during insertion thereof into a patient. In one example embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first set of detected position data relating to a location marker, such as a permanent magnet, then determining a possible first position thereof. A first confidence level relating to a match between the first set of detected position data and a first set of predicted position data is assigned. A determination is made whether the first confidence level meets or exceeds a first threshold. If the first confidence level meets or exceeds the first threshold, a determination is then made whether the first position of the location marker is within a first detection zone. If the first position of the location marker is within the first detection zone, the first position of the location marker is displayed.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor unit for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a field produced by a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. The stylet includes an electromagnetic coil that can be operably connected to the sensor unit and/or console through a sterile barrier without compromising the barrier. The stylet can also be wirelessly connected to the sensor unit and/or console.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor unit for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a field produced by a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. The stylet includes an electromagnetic coil that can be operably connected to the sensor unit and/or console through a sterile barrier without compromising the barrier. The stylet can also be wirelessly connected to the sensor unit and/or console.

Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle or other medical component into the body of a patient is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the detectable characteristic sensed by the sensors to determine a position and/or orientation of the needle in three spatial dimensions. The system includes a display for depicting the position and/or orientation of the needle together with the image of the target.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging device including the ability to determine when a component, such as a removable probe cap, is attached to a portion of an ultrasound probe. Such a cap is employed in one embodiment to act as a spacer component to provide a standoff for the probe head. Detection of probe cap attachment to the ultrasound probe enables the resultant ultrasound image to be adjusted automatically by the ultrasound imaging system. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system comprises an ultrasound probe, a cap or other component that is attachable to the probe, and a component attachment detection system for detecting attachment of the component to the probe. Once the cap is detected, an aspect of an ultrasound image produced by the imaging system is modified, such as cropping the image to remove undesired portions of the cap, such as the spacer component.