VENOUS VALVULAR ASSESSMENT AFTER RETROGRADE CATHETERIZATION

PURPOSE: To determine whether retrograde passage of a coaxial infusion system (Mewissen-Katzen catheter and guide wire) into extremity veins with valves causes damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrograde common f emoral vein puncture and passage of an infusion wire-catheter system t hrough the superficial femoral and popliteal veins of one leg were per formed in five anesthetized pigs. Heparinized saline was then infused via the catheter and wire for approximately 8 hours. The pigs were the n killed, and the femoropopliteal veins were removed from both legs of each pig and examined by a pathologist. The noncatheterized leg veins served as a control in each animal. RESULTS: Valvular damage occurred in one of five pigs. This may have resulted from leg movement during catheter passage in this animal. CONCLUSION: Retrograde passage of a c atheter-guide-wire infusion system caused minimal to no damage to the venous valves of pigs. This suggests that human venous valves may be s pared injury during catheter-directed venous thrombolysis. Further stu dy of catheter manipulation in a model of deep venous thrombosis is ne eded.