Pattern of dispersion from a pulse-spray catheter for delivery of thrombolytic agents: design, theory, and results.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to qualitatively compare the fluid dispersion characteristics of a commercially available side-slit pulse-spray (PS) catheter with those of a conventional side-hole catheter.


METHODS
The dispersion pattern from a 5-F catheter for PS thrombolysis was evaluated in gelatin models and in human thrombi in vivo and was compared with that from a 5-F side-hole catheter. For in vitro experiments, catheters were placed in gel and pulsed with 0.2 mL of dyed water by hand or continuously infused at a rate of 30 or 60 mL/h with an infusion pump. For clinical studies, a single 0.2-mL pulse of contrast medium was injected before lysis and examined with digital subtraction angiography.


RESULTS
Fluid was distributed evenly from the PS catheter in both gel and thrombi, despite placement of some slits in media with variable viscosity. The side-hole catheter produced a heterogeneous dispersal pattern, and most fluid exited through side holes in areas where outside resistance was lowest.


CONCLUSIONS
The PS catheter provides more even fluid distribution than the side-hole catheter.
Cho
K J
KJ
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Recinella
D K
DK
D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents