System for placement of a catheter including a signal-generating stylet

A method for establishing a connection between a radiating element included with an implantable stylet and an external sensor unit through a sterile barrier, the method comprising:

• positioning a stylet in a lumen of a catheter including a first connector disposed at a proximal end thereof having a radiating element included with the stylet, the radiating element capable of producing an electromagnetic field;
• positioning the sensor unit on a patient capable of detecting the electromagnetic field of the radiating element after the stylet is adapted to be positioned at least partially within the body of the patient, the external sensor unit includes a second connector;
• placing the sterile barrier over the sensor unit;
• and
• operably connecting the first and second connectors such that the radiating element is operably connected to the sensor unit by penetrating a physical barrier that provides at least a portion of the sterile barrier with a piercing component of one of the first and second connectors without compromising the sterile barrier.

A locator for locating a portion of a medical device within a body of a patient, comprising:

• a stylet that is positionable in a lumen of a catheter including a first connector disposed at a proximal end thereof;
• a radiating element included with the stylet, the radiating element capable of producing an electromagnetic field, the radiating element of the stylet includes an electromagnetic coil that is substantially co-terminal with a distal tip of the catheter when the stylet is positioned in the lumen of the catheter;
• and
• an external sensor unit positionable on a chest portion of the patient capable of detecting the electromagnetic field of the radiating element after the stylet is adapted to be positioned at least partially within the body of the patient, the external sensor unit includes a second connector, the first and second connectors are operably connectable such that the external sensor is operably connected to the radiating element through a drape that provides at least a portion of a sterile barrier interposed therebetween without compromising the sterile barrier, the first connector includes a piercing component that pierces the drape, the piercing component including an electrical contact.