Apparatus for detecting the position of a percutaneously-inserted intravenous catheter

Catheter position detection apparatus for detecting the position of a catheter in a neonate with respect to the neonate's heart, comprising:

• electrically conductive means associated with the catheter,
• a connector for establishing an electrical connection between the electrically conductive means associated with the catheter and an output of the connector;
• and
• a controller having at least one output connectable to a separate ECG patient connector,
• wherein the controller includes at least one first input including an electrical connection from the controller to the output of the connector,
• wherein the controller includes means for generating a low impedance output signal,
• wherein the controller provides at least one output which replicates the input a standard ECG patient connector is configured to receive, and
• wherein the controller includes at least one second input connected to a body electrode attachable to a part of the patient's body, wherein the second input connected to the body electrode is provided with an electrical connector located between the controller and the body electrode, and wherein the electrical connector located between the controller and the body electrode is located, in use, outside a sterile zone.