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Bacterial Contamination of Angiographic Materials in Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroangiography
Christiane Franz1, Claudia Fleu1, Sophia Honecker1
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
Purpose:
Bacterial contamination has been reported to occur during angiographies, although data on its frequency and relevance are limited. The purpose of our study was to determine whether angiographic materials such as catheters and guide wires remain sterile during angiographies. We sought to differentiate between different materials, and to detect the frequency, the extent and the spectrum of bacterial contamination.
Methods:
We prospectively collected 698 fluid or material samples from 100 neuroangiographies. Per angiography we analyzed proximal ends and distal tips of catheters and guide wires, and fluid samples from the water container (working bowl) in which materials were stored during the angiography. We analyzed the frequency and extent of contamination and determined the bacterial spectrum.
Results:
The majority of samples (51.4%) were contaminated. There was no angiography that showed no contamination (0%). The highest proportion of contaminated samples was found in the fluid from the working bowl after completion of the examination (92.9%). Catheters and wires were contaminated in 34.1-49.2% of samples. Contamination of the samples increased with longer duration of the angiographic procedures. Most of the bacterial species were environmental or skin contaminants (86.2%).
Conclusion:
Bacterial contamination during diagnostic neuroangiographies or interventions is a frequent finding although its clinical significance is believed to be small. Bacterial contamination increases with longer duration of angiographic procedures.
Insights
Bacterial contamination is frequent during neuroangiography, affecting over half of samples, particularly fluids. Longer procedures increase contamination risk, though clinical significance is considered low.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease
- Medical Microbiology
- Interventional Neurology
Background:
- Bacterial contamination during angiography is a known concern.
- Limited data exists on the frequency and clinical relevance of such contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the sterility of angiographic materials (catheters, guide wires).
- To determine the frequency, extent, and bacterial spectrum of contamination during neuroangiography.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of 698 fluid/material samples from 100 neuroangiographies.
- Analysis of catheter/guide wire tips and working bowl fluids.
- Assessment of contamination frequency, extent, and bacterial species.
Main Results:
- Over half (51.4%) of all samples were contaminated; no angiography was sterile.
- Working bowl fluids showed the highest contamination rate (92.9%).
- Catheter and wire contamination ranged from 34.1-49.2%; longer procedures correlated with increased contamination.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial contamination is a common occurrence during diagnostic neuroangiography.
- Contamination rates increase with procedure duration.
- Clinical significance of this contamination is considered minimal.
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