A device and method for detecting fault conditions in a fluid connection system between a first fluid containing system including a first pulse generator (e.g., an extracorporeal blood circuit) and a second fluid containing system including a second pulse generator (e.g., a human or animal vascular system). A pressure sensor detects first pulses from the first pulse generator and second pulses from the second pulse generator. A time-dependent monitoring signal based on data obtained from said pressure sensor is generated and processed to calculate a parameter value indicative of the shape of at least part of a first pulse in the monitoring signal. The parameter value is evaluated to detect the fault condition. The fault condition may involve disconnection of an access device; reversed connection of access devices; occlusion of the fluid path through an access device; or infiltration in tissue surrounding an access point in the vascular system.