A vascular access system includes a vascular access device and a portable recirculation device (10). The vascular access device defines at least one lumen and is configured and dimensioned to be positioned within a blood vessel of a patient. The recirculation device includes a housing (12) defining a channel (14) having an inlet port (16a) and an outlet port (16b) for passage of blood through the channel. The channel includes a pump (18) for circulating blood through the vascular access device.