Vascular Positioning System Offers Alternative PICC Placement

A novel vascular positioning system (VPS) device helps reduce complications and exposure to radiation during the placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).

The ARROW VPS G4 system is designed to provide clinicians real time information, which helps avoid potentially serious clinical complications such as thrombosis, arterial puncture, and vessel wall damage during the placement of a PICC line. The device uses micro-Doppler ultrasound technology, in combination with intravascular electrocardiogram (ivECG) and advanced algorithms to locate the exact location of the lower 1/3 of the superior vena cava and cavoatrial junction—the ideal location for the tip of a PICC.


The system consists of a VPS Console with tablet display, and a VPS stylet. The console consists of two key integrated software-driven components: a data acquisition module and an embedded computer with processing capabilities. The data acquisition module within the console transmits and receives ultrasound data while receiving electrical signals from the heart through sensors mounted at the tip of the VPS Stylet. Using signals gathered by the data acquisition module, the graphical user interface provides the user with guidance for tip positioning of central venous access devices.

The VPS Stylet is a polyimide tube containing a Doppler sensor on a coaxial cable and an ivECG signal sensing stainless steel wire located at the distal end of the stylet, which are used to detect and transmit physiological information to the VPS Console for analysis via the extension cable connected to the proximal end of the stylet. Other features include statement of final catheter position, improved sterile field capability, and Wi-Fi access for integration with hospital data management systems. The ARROW VPS G4 system is a product of Teleflex (Limerick, PA, USA).

“There are more than three million PICCs and two million central venous catheters placed in the United States each year,” said Paul Molloy, president of the vascular division at Teleflex. “If used on a regular basis, the system can help streamline hospital workflow, providing benefits to the patient, the caregiver, and the health care system. This new product introduction complements our full portfolio aimed at making zero complications in vascular access a reality.”

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