A scanning electron microscopic study on thrombogenicity of intraarterial catheters for chemotherapeutic treatment in head and neck cancer

✍ Scribed by Doris Moser; Michael Rasse; Christian Schopper; Georgios Lagogiannis; Michael Frass; Rolf Ewers; Alan D. Kaye; Roland Hofbauer

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2002
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 375 KB
• Volume: 24
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1043-3074
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.10099

✦ Synopsis

Background:

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of standard anticoagulation and intermittent catheter irrigation on clot formation on intraarterial chemotherapeutical catheters.

Methods:

Sixteen nonheparinized catheters were placed in the carotid vessels of 10 patients. ten catheters were perfused with chemotherapeutic drugs; six catheters were not perfused. patients received lmwh anticoagulation; catheters were irrigated with boluses of heparinized saline daily. catheters were retrieved for sem evaluation after a mean intravessel placement interval of 21 days.

Results:

All samples demonstrated accumulation of thrombotic debris on luminal sides and outsides of catheters. obliteration was seen in three samples. detachment of thrombus fragments was present in several specimens. no significant dependence of clot formation on placement interval and chemotherapeutic perfusion was calculated.

Conclusions:

Standard anticoagulation was ineffective in clot prevention. heparinized catheters might potentially reduce the risk of clot formation. a delivery system should be engaged for continuous irrigation of catheters with heparinized saline.