PATTERN OF DISPERSION FROM A PULSE-SPRAY CATHETER FOR DELIVERY OF THROMBOLYTIC AGENTS - DESIGN, THEORY, AND RESULTS

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of the study was to qualitativel y compare the fluid dispersion characteristics of a commercially avail able side-slit pulse-spray (PS) catheter with those of a conventional side-hole catheter, Methods. The dispersion pattern from a 5-F cathete r for PS thrombolysis was evaluated in gelatin models and in human thr ombi in vivo and was compared with that from a 5-F side-hole catheter. For in vitro experiments, catheters were placed in gel and pulsed wit h 0.2 mt of dyed water by hand or continuously infused at a rate of 30 or 60 mL/h with an infusion pump. For clinical studies, a single 0.2- mL pulse of contrast medium was injected before lysis and examined wit h digital subtraction angiography. Results. Fluid was distributed even ly from the PS catheter in both gel and thrombi, despite placement of some slits in media with variable viscosity, The side-hole catheter pr oduced a heterogeneous dispersal pattern, and most fluid exited throug h side holes in areas where outside resistance was lowest. Conclusion. The PS catheter provides more even fluid distribution than the side-h ole catheter.