Clot accumulation at the tip of hemodialysis catheters in a large animal model
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Published on: July 20, 2022
Michael G Tal1, Ron Livne2, Rotem Neeman2
1Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Insights
The side-hole-free Pristine hemodialysis catheter significantly reduced clot formation compared to standard catheters with side holes. This new catheter design offers a superior option for preventing intraluminal clotting in central venous catheters.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
- Vascular Access
Background:
- Central venous catheters (CVCs) with side holes are debated due to clotting potential.
- Tunneled cuffed CVCs are crucial for long-term hemodialysis.
- Investigating catheter tip design impact on thrombogenicity is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clotting potential of a side-hole-free catheter (Pristine) versus a standard catheter with side holes (GlidePath).
- To evaluate the efficacy of catheter tip design in preventing intraluminal clot formation.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study using jugular veins of five goats.
- Catheterization with Pristine and GlidePath catheters for 4 weeks.
- Regular assessment of intraluminal clot length and weight.
Main Results:
- The Pristine catheter showed significantly less mean intraluminal clot length (0.19 cm) compared to the GlidePath catheter (0.66 cm) (p=0.026).
- Mean retrieved clot weight was lower for the Pristine catheter (0.01 g) versus GlidePath (0.07 g) (p=0.052).
- Complete aspiration of intraluminal clot was possible with the Pristine catheter.
Conclusions:
- The Pristine hemodialysis catheter demonstrates superior performance in impeding clot formation.
- Side-hole-free catheter design significantly reduces thrombogenicity compared to standard side-hole catheters.
- Pristine catheter facilitates complete clot aspiration, enhancing safety and efficacy.
Background:
The issue of side holes in the tips of the tunneled cuffed central venous catheters is complex and has been subject to longstanding debate. This study sought to compare the clotting potential of the side-hole-free Pristine hemodialysis catheter with that of a symmetric catheter with side holes.
Methods:
Both jugular veins of five goats were catheterized with the two different catheters. The catheters were left in place for 4 weeks and were flushed and locked with heparin thrice weekly. The aspirated intraluminal clot length was assessed visually prior to each flushing. In addition, the size and weight of the clot were recorded upon catheter extraction at the end of the 4-week follow-up.
Results:
The mean intraluminal clot length observed during the entire study follow-up measured up to a mean of 0.66 cm in the GlidePath (95% CI, 0.14-1.18) and 0.19 cm in the Pristine hemodialysis catheter (95% CI, -0.33 to 0.71), the difference being statistically significant (p = 0.026). On average, 0.01 g and 0.07 g of intraluminal clot were retrieved from the Pristine and GlidePath catheters, respectively (p = 0.052).
Conclusion:
The Pristine hemodialysis catheter was largely superior to a standard side hole catheter in impeding clot formation, and, contrary to the side hole catheter, allowed for complete aspiration of the intraluminal clot.
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