Bacteremla after diagnostic cardiac catheterization is uncommon, but bacteremla after percutaneous translumlnal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has not been studied prospectively. Unlike diagnostic cardiac catheterization, PTCA Involves the use of an indwelling arterial sheath after completion of the procedure, which Is connected to a pressurized heparin solution, both of which Increase the risk of local infection andlor bacteremla. During a 16-week period, we prospectively evaluated patients undergoing 164 PTCA procedures In order to determine the frequency of bacteremia and the significance of fever in this patient population. Blood cultures were obtained from the femoral catheter at the conclusion of the procedure and again 30 mln later from the indwelling arterial sheath. Temperature was recorded every 30 min for 2 h following PTCA, then every 4 h over the subsequent 36-hr period. Bacterial isolates were recovered from 23/286 blood cultures (8.0%), with Staphylococcus epidermidis the most common organism present (74%). Only one isolate of Staphy/moccus aureus was considered to represent true bacteremia and corresponded with the only documented Infectious complication. Fever, defined as r1Ol"F developed in four (2.4%) patients but was procedure related In only one case. The use of the ipsilateral femoral artery for repeat procedures was not associated with either positive blood cultures or difference in maximum temperature elevation. We conclude the overall risk of bacteremia after PTCA is low; therefore, antimicrobial prophylaxis is not warranted. o lees wiley-u... Inc.