Resource Information Key For An Insertable Medical Device

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. A resource information key is included at a predetermined key location on or proximate to the medical device, the resource information key indicating the source of the resource information. The resource information key may be positioned on an insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”) having an internal portion configured for intravascular insertion into the patient, and an external portion. The external portion of the PICC may include the resource information key positioned at a predetermined key location. The resource information key may provide a website where a user can acquire the resource information relating to the medical device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A peripherally inserted central catheter, comprising:
 an internal portion designed for intravascular insertion into a patient; and   an external portion designed to remain outside of the patient, the external portion including a visible internet-based resource information key at a predetermined key location, the visible internet-based resource information key designed to be viewed following insertion of the internal portion into the patient to facilitate acquisition of information about the peripherally inserted central catheter.   
     
     
         2 . The peripherally inserted central catheter according to  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined key location on the external portion is selected from the group consisting of an extension tube, a connector, a clamp, a hub, a proximal portion of the catheter, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The peripherally inserted central catheter according to  claim 1 , wherein the visible internet-based resource information key is imparted on the external portion via at least one of etching, embossing, labeling, printing with ink, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The peripherally inserted central catheter according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the internal portion comprises a catheter shaft,   the external portion comprises a bifurcation hub and an extension leg assembly, and   the extension leg assembly comprises a first extension tube, a second extension tube, a first connector attached to the first extension tube, a second connector attached to the second extension tube, a first clamp positioned over the first extension tube, the first clamp having a first cap, and a second clamp positioned over the second extension tube, the second clamp having a second cap.   
     
     
         5 . The peripherally inserted central catheter according to  claim 4 , wherein the predetermined key location is on one of the first extension tube and the second extension tube. 
     
     
         6 . The peripherally inserted central catheter according to  claim 4 , wherein the predetermined key location is on one of the first cap and the second cap. 
     
     
         7 . The peripherally inserted central catheter according to  claim 4 , wherein the predetermined key location is on one of the first connector and the second connector. 
     
     
         8 . The peripherally inserted central catheter according to  claim 4 , wherein the predetermined key location is on the bifurcation hub. 
     
     
         9 . A peripherally inserted central catheter assembly, comprising:
 an internal portion designed for intravascular insertion into a patient;   an external portion designed to remain outside of the patient; and   a catheter stabilization device designed to secure the peripherally inserted central catheter, the catheter stabilization device including a visible internet-based resource information key at a predetermined key location on the catheter stabilization device, the visible internet-based resource information key designed to be viewed following insertion of the internal portion into the patient to facilitate acquisition of information about the peripherally inserted central catheter.   
     
     
         10 . The peripherally inserted central catheter assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein the catheter stabilization device comprises an adhesive dressing designed to cover a section of the external portion, the predetermined key location comprising a location on the adhesive dressing.