Arterial thrombus formation during clinical percutaneous catheterization.

Deposition of thrombotic material on catheters was observed following more than 50% of 93 diagnostic catheterizations. The incidence of deposition of thrombotic material on catheters remaining in the body for more than 1 day was 100%. Polyethylene and siliconized polyurethane catheters were less thrombogenic than Teflon end-occluded catheters. A definite time relationship between the thrombus formation and the duration of the catheterization procedure was noted. The growth of thrombi on the outside of catheters does not appear to be linear since catheters can remain in place for 10 days or more. Postcatheterization thrombosis is believed to be due to thrombi stripped from the catheter by the arterial wall. The thrombus which originally encases the catheter will pile up at the puncture site as the catheter is withdrawn. The thrombus may remain attached at the puncture site or embolize peripherally.