There are a limited number of methods to guide and confirm the placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) at the cavoatrial junction. The aim of this study was to design, test and validate a dual-wavelength, diode laser-based, single optical fiber instrument that would accurately confirm PICC tip location at the cavoatrial junction of an animal heart, in vivo. This was accomplished by inserting the optical fiber into a PICC and ratiometrically comparing simultaneous visible and near-infrared reflection intensities of venous and atrial tissues found near the cavoatrial junction. The system was successful in placing the PICC line tip within 5 mm of the cavoatrial junction.
Keywords: PICC; atrium; cavoatrial junction; laser; stylet; superior vena cava.
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