INTRODUCTION: It is reported that pressure wave reflection is enhanced by external compression of the femoral artery. Therefore, it is possible that cardiac catheterization itself can influence the aortic pressure waveform. AIM: The purpose of this study is to clarify the influence of sheath placement in a femoral artery on the pressure waveform. METHODS: This study enrolled 21 pediatric patients (5.1±4.0years) who underwent cardiac catheterization. A sheath was placed in the femoral arteries of all patients. The change in the pressure waveform induced by the placement of the sheath was investigated using the b/a and d/a ratio of second derivative of a fingertip photoplethysmogram. A high b/a ratio means a stiff aorta and a low d/a ratio represents an enhancement of the aortic pressure wave reflection. RESULTS: By the placement of the sheath in their femoral arteries, the b/a ratio was not influenced (sheath (-): -0.556±0.081 vs. sheath (+): -0.558±0.072; p=0.896). However, the d/a ratio was significantly decreased (-0.150±0.074 vs. -0.185±0.084; p=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: The placement of the femoral arterial sheath enhances the pressure wave reflection and would lead to a change in the central aortic pressure waveform.
INTRODUCTION: It is reported that pressure wave reflection is enhanced by external compression of the femoral artery. Therefore, it is possible that cardiac catheterization itself can influence the aortic pressure waveform. AIM: The purpose of this study is to clarify the influence of sheath placement in a femoral artery on the pressure waveform. METHODS: This study enrolled 21 pediatric patients (5.1±4.0years) who underwent cardiac catheterization. A sheath was placed in the femoral arteries of all patients. The change in the pressure waveform induced by the placement of the sheath was investigated using the b/a and d/a ratio of second derivative of a fingertip photoplethysmogram. A high b/a ratio means a stiff aorta and a low d/a ratio represents an enhancement of the aortic pressure wave reflection. RESULTS: By the placement of the sheath in their femoral arteries, the b/a ratio was not influenced (sheath (-): -0.556±0.081 vs. sheath (+): -0.558±0.072; p=0.896). However, the d/a ratio was significantly decreased (-0.150±0.074 vs. -0.185±0.084; p=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: The placement of the femoral arterial sheath enhances the pressure wave reflection and would lead to a change in the central aortic pressure waveform.