IN-VIVO THROMBOGENICITY OF INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING CATHETERS

This study evaluates the frequency and significance of thrombus format ion on the surface of intravascular ultrasound (US) imaging catheters. The investigation includes 63 consecutive patients who underwent 32 a rterial and 38 venous intravascular procedures. At the end of the imag ing procedure the US findings were observed during withdrawal of the c atheter into the introducer sheath. Thrombus formation was demonstrate d in 5 (7%). The largest thrombus fragments had a cross-sectional dime nsion of 2.2X1.0 mm. There was a significant correlation between the i ncidence of thrombus formation and the occurrence of malign neoplastic disease. No relation was found between the frequency of thrombus form ation and the duration of the imaging procedure or the type of US cath eter, It is concluded that the thrombogenicity of intravascular US ima ging devices is not higher than that of conventional angiographic cath eters. The observed ''pull-out'' thrombi were small and it is unlikely that they could have any clinical significance.