RESOURCE INFORMATION KEY FOR AN INSERTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE

• US 20080108949A1
• Filed: 11/08/2007
• Published: 05/08/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Original Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Inventors: Ence, Erik L., Beasley, Jim C.
• Granted Patent: US 9,642,986 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/180
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0008 having visible markings on its surface, i.e. visible to the naked eye, for any purpose, e.g. insertion depth markers, rotational markers or identification of type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/01 Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters A61M25/10 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/02 Holding devices, e.g. on the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0606 "Over-the-needle" catheter assemblies, e.g. I.V. catheters
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass

Abstract

A system by which resource information relating to an insertable medical device, such as an intravascular catheter, can be identified by its source so as to be accessed by a practitioner, caregiver, or patient, is disclosed. In particular, a resource information key is included at a predetermined key location on or proximate to the medical device, wherein the key indicates the source of the resource information. In one example embodiment, therefore, an insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”), is disclosed and comprises: an internal portion configured for intravascular insertion into the patient, and a portion external to the patient. The exterior portion of the PICC includes a resource information key that is positioned at a predetermined key location. The resource information key indicates a website where a user can acquire the resource information relating to the medical device.

Claims

1. A medical device at least partially insertable into a body of a patient for accessing a vasculature of the patient, the medical device comprising:

a resource information key positioned proximate the medical device, the resource information key indicating a location for acquiring information regarding the medical device.

2. The medical device as defined in claim 1, wherein the resource information key is positioned on a predetermined portion of the medical device.

3. The medical device as defined in claim 2, wherein the predetermined portion of the medical device remains external to the patient body.

4. The medical device as defined in claim 1, wherein the resource information key is placed on a predetermined portion of a component that is employed in connection with the medical device.

5. The medical device as defined in claim 4, wherein the component includes a stabilization device for stabilizing the location of the medical device after at least partial insertion into the patient body.

6. The medical device as defined in claim 4, wherein the component includes an adhesive dressing for covering at least a portion of the medical device after at least partial insertion into the patient body.

7. The medical device as defined in claim 1, wherein the resource information key is positioned on a proximal portion of the medical device.

8. The medical device as defined in claim 7, wherein the resource information key is positioned on an extension tube of a medical device including a catheter.

9. The medical device as defined in claim 1, wherein the medical device is a peripherally inserted central catheter.

10. The medical device as defined in claim 1, wherein the resource information key includes radiopaque material.

11. The medical device as defined in claim 10, wherein the resource information key is disposed in a mirror-image orientation on the medical device such that the resource information key is readable in a non-inverse orientation when a radiographic image of the medical device is viewed.

12. The medical device as defined in claim 11, wherein an orientation of the medical device can be ascertained when the resource information key in the radiographic image of the medical device is viewed.

13. A key for providing resource information relating to a medical device, the key comprising:

perceptible data positioned at a predetermined key location on the medical device, the data indicating a source from which the observer can acquire the resource information relating to the medical device.

14. The key as defined in claim 13, wherein the perceptible data include typographical characters or symbols that are visually perceptible.

15. The key as defined in claim 13, wherein the perceptible data is perceptible via palpation or through radiographic techniques.

16. The key as defined in claim 13, wherein the resource information relates to structure, operation, precautions, or directions for use of the medical device.

17. The key as defined in claim 13, wherein the key is applied to the predetermined key location via at least one of the following:

etching, embossing, labeling, and printing.

18. The key as defined in claim 13, wherein the key includes at least one of the following:

a web address, a URL, a URI, and an IP address.

19. The key as defined in claim 13, wherein the key provides information relating to an orientation of the medical device.

20. The key as defined in claim 13, wherein the key identifies a particular attribute relating to the medical device.

21. An insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, the medical device comprising:

an internal portion configured for intravascular insertion into the patient; and

an external portion configured to remain outside of the patient, the exterior portion including;

a resource information key positioned at a predetermined key location on the exterior portion, the resource information key indicating a source from which an observer can acquire the resource information relating to the medical device.

22. The medical device as defined in claim 21, wherein the internal portion includes a catheter.

23. The medical device as defined in claim 22, wherein the medical device is a peripherally inserted central catheter access line.

24. The medical device as defined in claim 23, wherein the key location is disposed on at least one of the following components of the peripherally inserted central catheter access line:

an extension tube, a connector, a clamp, a hub, and a proximal portion of the catheter.

25. The medical device as defined in claim 24, wherein the source is accessible electronically by the observer.

26. The medical device as defined in claim 25, wherein the source is an Internet website, and wherein the resource information key includes a URL that directs the observer to the Internet website.

27. The medical device as defined in claim 26, wherein the key location is readily observable visually by the observer.

28. The medical device as defined in claim 27, wherein the observer is one of a clinician, patient, and caregiver of the patient.

29. The medical device as defined in claim 28, wherein the key location is disposed on a hang tag that is attached to the medical device.

30. A method, comprising:

providing a resource information key on a medical device;

at least partially inserting the medical device into a patient; and

using the resource information key to acquire information regarding the medical device.

31. The method as defined in claim 30, further comprising:

using the resource information key itself to ascertain an attribute of the medical device.

32. The method as defined in claim 30, further comprising:

using the resource information key to ascertain an orientation of the medical device.