Endothelial injury of arteries following catheterisation with polyethylene tubes: experimental studies on rabbit aorta using the Seldinger technique

The effect of catheterisation on the rabbit aortic wall is investigated employing a technique identical to that used for continuous monitoring of blood pressure in humans. The catheters were introduced into the aorta through the right femoral artery of the rabbit using the Seldinger technique, except that the catheters were introduced directly into the femoral artery and not percutaneously. It was found that catheterisation for 24 h was followed by intimal and medial injuries. 3 to 60% (mean 20.4%) de-endothelialisation of the aortic surfaces was observed. The present experiments appear to explain some of the complications observed after continuous registration of blood pressure in humans. Case histories are referred to in which the brachial artery was catheterised.