Frequently Asked Questions

Catheter Compatibility and Stylet Questions

A: The VPS Rhythm Device is indicated for use with all central lines, where the catheter tip is intended to reside in the lower 1/3 of the SVC.  This includes CVCs, PICCs, ports, tunneled, valved and acute dialysis catheters*The optional TipTracker Technology is indicated for use with PICCs only and can also eliminate chest X-ray using ECG for final tip confirmation.*  

A: The VPS Rhythm Device with TipTracker Technology is indicated for use with PICCs. The VPS Rhythm Device using ECG alone, can be used with other central venous catheters where the catheter tip is intended to reside in the lower 1/3 of the SVC, including CVCs, ports, tunneled, valved and acute dialysis catheters.

A: The TipTracker Stylet is compatible with PICCs that have an inner lumen diameter of ≥ 0.018" (3 Fr. to 6 Fr. in size).

A: No, kinking the TipTracker Stylet would cause damage and render the Stylet unusable.

A: No, the TipTracker Stylet should be approximately 1 cm inside the tip of the PICC. 

PICC Navigation Questions

A: The VPS Rhythm Device navigation screen shows the catheter pathway at 22 cm from the center of the T-Piece. The pathway is illustrated by the blue TipTracker Stylet line. This allows the clinician to visualize where the tip of the PICC is, for easy identification of catheter looping, inadvertent IJ, or contralateral threading, in order to make immediate adjustments during PICC placement.  

A: No. The T-Piece is designed to be used along with the VPS Rhythm Device and is not a standalone piece. The two are used together as a system, with the T-piece as an optional navigation mode; the monitor and ECG are not optional

General Questions

A: We estimate it will take clinicians, who are already skilled with ECG interpretation, approximately 3-5 cases to become very comfortable placing catheters using the VPS Rhythm Device. 

A: Yes, the VPS Rhythm Device has a tethered remote control that allows use from the sterile field.  Each TipTracker Stylet and ECG Accessory Pack includes a sterile cover for the tethered remote control and cable.

A: Yes, the VPS Rhythm Device requires a minimum of three P-wave snapshots:

  1. External ECG baseline
  2. Intravascular P-wave deflection
  3. Intravascular maximum P-wave

In order to obtain and capture the intravascular P-wave deflection, the catheter must be threaded past the initial maximum P-wave, which may be slightly into the Right Atrium, before it is pulled back to capture the maximum P-wave.

A: Yes, all the screenshots captured during a procedure are saved into an electronic patient file on the monitor. The clinician can then select the required screenshots and either print them, or download them to a USB flash drive, for the patient’s medical record, per hospital policy and procedure. The electronic patient files can be deleted as needed.

Note: The VPS Rhythm Device has no encryption at rest capability and must be physically secured at all times to prevent unauthorized access to patient data.

A: There is no automatic or wireless connection to a hospital’s EMR system. The user can download snapshot images from the patient’s case onto a >4GB USB flash drive, to upload them, or print the snapshots, scan and save them to the patient’s medical record.

Note: The VPS Rhythm Device has no encryption at rest capability and must be physically secured at all times to prevent unauthorized access to patient data.

A: A “plug and play” printer can be ordered at the same time that your VPS Rhythm Device order is placed, or at a later date. The printer can also be included in a Placement Agreement.

A: Yes, the VPS Rhythm Device can be used on patients with implanted electronic devices, but an alternative method of tip confirmation, such as chest X-ray or fluoroscopy, is required. There is a reminder warning screen that appears whenever the T-piece is plugged into the monitor. The T-piece needs to be at least 8 cm away from the electronic device, which can be achieved by placing a pillow on the patient’s chest and the T-piece on top of the pillow. See the VPS Rhythm Device Operator’s Manual for full operational instructions.

A: Yes, in fact we can provide two options for you, a Deluxe and Basic cart. Any GCX cart provided by Teleflex has been fully tested, by GCX, to ensure it is safe and will not tip over during normal use. The Deluxe cart is also designed to mount an ultrasound device, whereas the Basic cart is designed to hold the VPS Rhythm Device only. (See the VPS Rhythm Device Brochure for more details.)

A: The VPS Rhythm Device battery is designed to last for a minimum of 3 hours of continual use, after it has been fully charged. It is recommended to charge the VPS Rhythm Device for a full 8 hours before it is used for the first time and between patient cases, if possible.  

*VPS Rhythm Device is indicated for use as an alternative method to fluoroscopy or chest X-ray for central venous catheter tip placement confirmation, in adult patients. Refer to the VPS Rhythm Device Operator’s Manual or TipTracker Stylet Accessory Pack IFU for the complete Indications for Use statement.

Teleflex, the Teleflex logo, Arrow, Arrowg+ard Blue Advance, TipTracker, VPS, VPS G4, and VPS Rhythm are trademarks or registered trademarks of Teleflex Incorporated or its affiliates, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. MCI-100375