Pathologic and experimental evidence indicates that platelet activation and fibrin formation contribute to the pathogenesis of angina pectoris, coronary vasospasm and myocardial infarction. Detection of localized intravascular platelet activation and fibrin formation in vivo by selective blood sampling requires catheters that do not induce coagulation ex vivo. We studied the effect of heparin b...

OBJECTIVE Since the introduction of multilumen central venous catheters two decades ago, there has been controversy whether the additional lumens place patients with these catheters at higher risk for infection. Our objective was to determine the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and catheter colonization in multilumen catheters compared with single-lumen catheters. DATA ...

BACKGROUND Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (UTI) is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. A recent meta-analysis concluded that silver alloy catheters reduce the incidence of UTI by 3-fold; however, clinicians must decide whether the efficacy of such catheters is worth the extra per unit cost of $5.30. OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical and economic impact of us...

The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of technical complications of epidural catheters with subcutaneous injection ports to percutaneous epidural catheters without ports, fixed only by adhesive dressing. We reviewed 149 patients who received 250 epidural catheters for treatment of cancer pain during a 3 1/2-yr period from January 1, 1989, to June 30, 1992. Of the 250 catheters, 52 ...

BACKGROUND Patients in neurological critical care units often have lengthy stays that require extended vascular access and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. The traditional approach for these patients has relied heavily on central venous and pulmonary artery catheters. The aim of this study was to evaluate peripherally inserted central catheters as an alternative to central venous catheters in n...

There have been few studies of the intrathecal position of spinal catheters in continuous spinal anaesthesia. This prospective study was designed to examine radiologically the intrathecal position of 28-gauge spinal catheters. We studied the entry into the subarachnoid space and the intrathecal position of 68 spinal catheters. In 50%, the catheters passed in a cranial direction, in 34% the cath...

BACKGROUND In the last few years, peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter placement techniques and outcomes have become important because of the growing population of PD patients. Although there are a growing number of catheters placed by the minimally invasive Y-TEC peritoneoscopic technique, there are still limited data on outcomes for these catheters, especially those placed by a surgeon. We aimed...

The rapid administration of intravenous fluids is often a major consideration during the course of an anesthetic. This in vitro study was undertaken to compare fluid flow rates through 18- and 20-gauge intravenous catheters in both thin-wall and conventional-wall designs. All brands and types of catheters of similar sizes have the same outer diameter; however, the inner diameter may vary accord...

the overall rate of atrial pacing lead dislodgement is estimated to be about 3%. these leads are generally repositioned via a second operation through opening the pacemaker pocket. some operators have introduced percutaneous techniques using snare system or deflectable catheters for this purpose. in this article we present our experience with five cases of percutaneous lead repositioning. three...

Central venous catheters provide an easy access for intravenous medications. Having a central line in place will relieve a child from the discomfort and danger of multiple regular intravenous lines for chemotherapy. The use of indwelling central venous catheters has become commonplace in the management of children undergoing oncological treatment. There are two types of central lines commonly u...