An apparatus that is able to detect the position of a catheter. The apparatus utilizes a catheter filled with electrically-conductive physiological saline and a connector for establishing an electrical connection between the saline of the catheter and an input of a controller. The controller includes at least one output connectable to a standard ECG lead connector, wherein the controller includes circuitry for generating a low impedance output signal. The controller provides an output which replicates the input a standard ECG patient lead connector is configured to receive. The apparatus provides a more convenient and cost effective solution for providing specialized ECG functions without having to replace a hospital's existing ECG beside monitoring equipment.