Evaluation of the functions of the temporary catheter with various tip types

A temporary catheter (TC) is used short-term and for emergencies. There are some cases when we cannot withdraw blood immediately after inserting the catheter in our patients. The reason is said to be the tips of the TC sticking to the vascular walls.

We evaluated examined 3 catheters with different tip shapes in a simulation circuit to assess the effect on the blood flow.

Water was circulated in the simulation circuit at 1 L/minute. Next, we inserted each TC into the model, and the TCs were connected to the dialysis circuit at 200 mL/minute. We put gold powder into the simulation circuit. We visually observed the movement of the gold power at the head of the catheter and measured the recirculation rate.

The uplift type TC was able to perform blood removal and reinfusion with the least difficulties. All recirculation rates were less than 1%. The hindrance caused by hitting a vascular wall is believed to have been reduced.

With the manipulation of the catheter tip shapes, blood was able to circulate smoothly. We expect less blood clots and a decrease in sticking to the vascular wall. We plan to study these 3 catheters at clinical tests in the future.