Patent ID: 10271795

Abstract:
A catheter assembly including one or more conductive pathways is disclosed. The conductive pathways assist with initial placement of the catheter assembly into a patient's vasculature by enabling ECG signals emanating from the patient's heart to be detected. In addition, the conductive pathways are configured to be used to reconfirm via ECG signal detection proper placement of the catheter assembly at a time subsequent to initial catheter placement into the vasculature. In one embodiment, therefore, a catheter assembly is disclosed, comprising an elongate catheter tube defining at least one lumen, a first conductive pathway extending distally from a proximal point on the catheter assembly to a predetermined distal location on the catheter tube, and a second conductive pathway at least partially disposed on an outer surface of the catheter tube and extending distally from a proximal point of the catheter assembly to a predetermined distal location on the catheter tube.