IN-LINE PRESSURES GENERATED IN SMALL-BORE CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS DURING POWER INJECTION OF CT CONTRAST-MEDIA

PURPOSE: To determine in-line pressures generated in small-bore centra l venous catheters during power injection of computed tomographic (CT) contrast media.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five 3.0-7.0-F central venous c atheters for pediatric patients were tested at full and half lengths i n vitro. In-line pressures were measured during power injection of thr ee contrast media. Fates of injection were increased in steps from 0.1 to 5.0 mL/sec or until a peak pressure of 100 psi (700 kPa) was achie ved. The maximum tolerated flow rate was determined with reference to the manufacturer's suggested operating pressure limit for each cathete r. RESULTS: At full length, the maximum tolerated flow rates were as f ollows: 2-3 mL/sec for the large lumen and 1-1.4 mL/sec for the small lumen of the 7.0-F double-lumen catheter; 0.2-0.4 and 0.8-1.2 mL/sec f or the 3.0- and 4.0-F peripherally inserted central catheters, respect ively; 0.7-1.2 mL/sec for the 6.6-F catheter; and only 0.2 mL/sec for the 4.2-F catheter, which ruptured during testing at higher flaw rates . CONCLUSION: Flow rates were documented at which certain small-bore c entral venous catheters should tolerate power injection of CT contrast media with peak pressures remaining below the manufacturer's recommen ded operating pressure limits. These data may serve as a guide for cli nical use.