A noninvasive, electronic device intended to transcutaneously detect a patient's central venous pressure (CVP) using light emission/diffusion signals (e.g., near-infrared spectroscopy). It consists of a small photoelectric unit placed on the jugular vein area of the neck, tubing for ambient pressure detection, and a calibration reference. The detected signals correlating to CVP are transmitted to a connected blood pressure monitor (not included) with integrated software for measurement, analysis, and display. This is a reusable device.