K J Cho1, D K Recinella. 1. Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to qualitatively compare the fluid dispersion characteristics of a commercially available side-slit pulse-spray (PS) catheter with those of a conventional side-hole catheter. METHODS: The dispersion pattern from a 5-F catheter for PS thrombolysis was evaluated in gelatin models and in human thrombi in vivo and was compared with that from a 5-F side-hole catheter. For in vitro experiments, catheters were placed in gel and pulsed with 0.2 mL of dyed water by hand or continuously infused at a rate of 30 or 60 mL/h with an infusion pump. For clinical studies, a single 0.2-mL pulse of contrast medium was injected before lysis and examined with digital subtraction angiography. RESULTS: Fluid was distributed evenly from the PS catheter in both gel and thrombi, despite placement of some slits in media with variable viscosity. The side-hole catheter produced a heterogeneous dispersal pattern, and most fluid exited through side holes in areas where outside resistance was lowest. CONCLUSION: The PS catheter provides more even fluid distribution than the side-hole catheter.
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to qualitatively compare the fluid dispersion characteristics of a commercially available side-slit pulse-spray (PS) catheter with those of a conventional side-hole catheter. METHODS: The dispersion pattern from a 5-F catheter for PS thrombolysis was evaluated in gelatin models and in humanthrombi in vivo and was compared with that from a 5-F side-hole catheter. For in vitro experiments, catheters were placed in gel and pulsed with 0.2 mL of dyed water by hand or continuously infused at a rate of 30 or 60 mL/h with an infusion pump. For clinical studies, a single 0.2-mL pulse of contrast medium was injected before lysis and examined with digital subtraction angiography. RESULTS: Fluid was distributed evenly from the PS catheter in both gel and thrombi, despite placement of some slits in media with variable viscosity. The side-hole catheter produced a heterogeneous dispersal pattern, and most fluid exited through side holes in areas where outside resistance was lowest. CONCLUSION: The PS catheter provides more even fluid distribution than the side-hole catheter.