The use of heparinization to prevent arterial thrombosis after percutaneous cardiac catheterization in children.

Thrombosis at the site of arterial puncture is a common and serious complication of percutaneous cardiac catheterization in children. A double-blind study was therefore designed to test the efficacy of heparin administered during catheterization in reducing this complication. One hundred and sixty-one unselected children over one year of age were studied. Prior to catheterization, the pulse amplitudes were measured in both legs using a Pulse Volume Recorder (a standardized oscillometer). Immediately after arterial cannulation, heparin, 1 mg/kg, or a placebo was administered. On the morning following catheterization, the pulse amplitude in both legs was remeasured and a pulse volume index calculated using the uncatheterized leg as a control. Patients in whom the catheterized leg was cold, with poor capillary filling and absent arterial pulses four hours after the completion of catheterization, were started on intravenous infusion of heparin. If