Patent ID: 9138536
Filing Date: 2015-09-22
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for monitoring a vascular access, comprising: a fluid transport system for moving a fluid; at least one needle connected to the fluid transport system and to a vascular access of an individual, the needle being configured to supply the fluid to the vascular access, to remove the fluid from the vascular access, or to both supply the fluid to the vascular access and to remove the fluid from the vascular access; a perturbation generator configured to generate variations of at least one parameter in the fluid transport system, to generate variations of at least one parameter in the needle, or to generate variations of at least one parameter in both the fluid transport system and in the needle; a sensor configured to be applied directly to the individuals body independent of the needle and the fluid transport system, wherein the sensor comprises at least an emitter of light radiation and a receiver of light radiation configured to emit a signal indicating the variations of at least one parameter generated by the perturbation generator and transmitted through the needle, the emitter of light radiations and the receiver of light radiations configured to be operatively associated to at least a tissue of the individual's body; and an analysis device configured to recognize a detachment of the at least one needle, on a basis of said signal.