Comparison of the performance of superflow (5F) and conventional 8F catheter for cardiac catheterization by the femoral route.

In order to determine whether the use of a smaller catheter would allow day-case cardiac catheterization by the femoral route, the performance of the Superflow (5F) and the 8F catheters was compared in 34 adults who underwent left ventriculography and coronary angiography. As shown by the significantly lower fluoroscopy time [2.8 +/- 1.2 min vs 4.5 +/- 2.7 min, (m +/- SD), p = 0.027] the 8F catheter was more maneuverable than the Superflow (5F) catheter. Poor left ventriculograms were obtained in a higher proportion of patients in whom the Superflow (5F) catheter was used. There was no significant difference in the time to achieve hemostasis at the puncture site in the two groups of patients (13 +/- 5 min vs 10 +/- 3 min, p = 0.09). It is concluded that the use of the Superflow (5F) catheter confers no advantage, while it is associated with longer screening time and poorer left ventriculograms.