Indicia Informative of Characteristics of Insertable Medical Devices

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, and a portion external to the patient that includes a resource information key indicating a website where a user can acquire resource information relating to the medical device. In other embodiments indicia are provided as quick response (“QR”) codes, and as various markings to indicate compatibility of the medical device with ethanol.

1 . A medical device for at least partial insertion into a patient, the medical device comprising:
 an insertion portion designed for insertion into the vasculature of a patient;   an external portion designed to remain external to the patient; and   a quick response (“QR”) code optically scannable to enable information relating to at least one characteristic, property, and/or quality of the medical device to be accessed.   
     
     
         2 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the information is accessed via the Internet by a scanning device configured to scan the QR code and communicate with the Internet. 
     
     
         3 . The medical device according to  claim 2 , wherein the information is depicted on a display of the scanning device. 
     
     
         4 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the medical device is a multi-lumen catheter, and wherein the QR code is printed on the external portion of the catheter. 
     
     
         5 . The medical device according to  claim 4 , wherein the QR code is printed on a hub of the catheter. 
     
     
         6 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the medical device is a peripherally inserted central catheter. 
     
     
         7 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the information includes instructions for use of the medical device. 
     
     
         8 . An access port designed for subcutaneous implantation, comprising:
 a body defining an internal cavity;   a needle-penetrable septum captured by the housing enabling needle access to the internal cavity; and   a quick response (“QR”) code optically scannable to enable information relating to at least one characteristic, property, and/or quality of the medical device to be accessed.   
     
     
         9 . The medical device according to  claim 8 , wherein the QR code is positioned on an outer surface of the body. 
     
     
         10 . The medical device according to  claim 9 , wherein the QR code is radiopaque. 
     
     
         11 . The medical device according to  claim 8 , wherein the QR code is positioned on the needle-penetrable septum. 
     
     
         12 . The medical device according to  claim 11 , wherein the QR code is radiopaque.