The use of a new mechanically advantaged syringe for performing coronary intervention

To determine the utility of a new mechanically advantaged syringe in the performance of percutaneous coronary intervention.

A new mechanically advantaged syringe has been developed to perform cardiovascular imaging. We wanted to assess the utility of this device in the performance of small catheter percutaneous coronary intervention. Data from coronary interventions performed with the standard technique at our institution, using a 10 ml manual syringe, were compared to the use of a new mechanically advantaged syringe. Contrast utilization during the standard technique was assessed by obtaining data from fifty consecutive successful single-vessel coronary interventions (angioplasty with or without stenting). After an initial learning experience with the mechanically advantaged syringe, fifty consecutive successful single-vessel coronary interventions were assessed. Most interventions performed using the mechanically advantaged syringe were with 6 French catheters. Detailed contrast utilization information was gathered.

During the standard method of performing coronary intervention, 216 +/- 114 ml of contrast were used. Utilizing the mechanically advantaged OZ Power Syringe (Cardiovascular Innovations Inc., Athens, Texas), the contrast use was reduced to 66 +/- 39 ml (p < 0.0001) per case. The syringe also allowed excellent visualization despite using a smaller guide catheter system.

The OZ Power Syringe can be utilized effectively in percutaneous coronary intervention. Our preliminary data suggest that there may be reduced contrast use without sacrificing image quality.