Cook Medical Technologies LLC

Andreas F Shick

Michael Robert Kurrus

Anthony D Hammack

Preston R Pameijer

Joseph D Schilling

Michael R Kurrus

A device and method are described for navigating and positioning a central venous catheter into the venous system using two different modes of location. For example, a peripherally inserted central catheter ('PICC') may be navigated and positioned within the superior vena cava. A light emitting element is used in the first mode to navigate the PICC to the superior vena cava. To improve visibility during navigation, the light emitted from the light emitting element may include a narrow range of wavelengths that generally matches the wavelengths of light that are transmissable through a light absorbing material defining the wall of the catheter. A conductive medium is used in the second mode to monitor an ECG signal in order to position the PICC in the superior vena cava. One advantage of this procedure is that X-ray visualization can be eliminated to reduce the danger associated with X-rays.

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Grand Blanc, MI, United States of America

Andreas F Shick