Reduction in ischemic vascular complications with a hydrophilic-coated intra-aortic balloon catheter

Hydrophilic coatings improve the handling characteristics of angioplasty eq uipment, but until recently this technology has not been available for intr a-aortic balloon (IAB) catheters. To determine whether a new hydrophilic co ating is associated with a reduction in IAB-related complications, we prosp ectively evaluated 188 patients undergoing insertion of this new IAB cathet er. Complications related to IAB insertion were recorded and compared to da ta from 682 patients previously treated with an uncoated IAB catheter of th e same shaft diameter and balloon size. By multivariate analysis the hydrop hilic-coated IAB catheter was associated with a 72% reduction in ischemic v ascular complications (relative risk 0.28, 95% CI 0.08-0.96, P = 0.04), The re were also trends toward reductions in IAB rupture and the need for vascu lar surgical repair for bleeding or ischemia, While further investigation i s warranted, hydrophilic coatings that reduce the coefficient of friction d uring IAB catheter insertion may also reduce subsequent ischemic vascular c omplications. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.