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Heparin in angiography: current patterns of use
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Radiology
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Current heparin use in angiography varies significantly across the US. This survey highlights diverse practices in heparin dosing and administration, emphasizing the need for evidence-based protocols in interventional radiology.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Heparin is commonly used in angiography and angioplasty.
- Current practices regarding heparin administration in these procedures are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey current patterns of heparin use among members and fellows of the Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology.
- To identify variations in heparin dosing, concentration, and administration methods in angiography and angioplasty.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to members and fellows of the Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology.
- Five hundred responses (68% participation rate) were analyzed to determine current heparin use patterns.
Main Results:
- Significant geographic variations exist in mean heparin doses for angiography and angioplasty.
- Heparin concentration in flush solutions varied widely (0-12,000 IU/L).
- Eleven percent of respondents mixed heparin with nonionic contrast media at a median dose of 5 IU/mL; few used routine systemic heparinization.
Conclusions:
- Survey results reveal diverse practice patterns, not a standard of care, for heparin use in angiography.
- Protocols should be evidence-based, with individualized heparin dosage.
- Further large-scale studies are needed on systemic heparinization and mixing heparin with contrast media.