Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining accurately, both during and after insertion, the full length position of catheters (including implanted ports), tubes and placement guidewires within biological tissue is disclosed including a transmitter/detector unit having an alternating current (AC) radio-frequency (RF) transmitter with antenna and a radio signal transmitter in the form of a continuous or segmented fine wire receiving antenna situated along the full length of the catheter, guidewire, and implanted port assemblies. The guidewire apparatus also includes a tip antenna. These antennae are connected by a removable clip to a wide-band RF detector circuit, situated within the transmitter/detector unit. The RF transmitter/detector circuit provides a voltage output that is a direct function of the relative spatial proximity of the transmitting antenna. This proximity is displayed visually to the operator using a sequential linear LED array whose sensitivity is controlled by a gain control knob. An audible tone is also produced by a miniature speaker, and whose tone frequency is varied as a direct function of the transmitter proximity. Also shown is a method and apparatus for locating the full length position of implanted port mounted catheters and a method and apparatus for simultaneous infusion into an implanted port assembly and detecting the full length position of the port mounted catheter.

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First Claim