Acoustical Guidance of Indwelling Tubes and Catheters

Eduardo J. Juan, PhD, PE

Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez

For many centuries, tubes and catheters have been used in medicine to deliver medications, for drainage, to maintain patency of biological conduits, for imaging body structures, and for the deployment of therapeutic devices.  In many instances, knowing the position and patency of these tubes and catheters is of significant clinical relevance.  Preferred positioning methods include the use of x-rays and ultrasound, which provide excellent resolution, but have limitations if continuous monitoring of tubes and catheters is desired.  Time-domain acoustic reflectometry is presented as an alternative method to guide, position, and continuously monitor tubes and catheters used in either air or liquid filled biological conduits.