In-line pressures generated in small-bore central venous catheters during power injection of CT contrast media.
OBJECTIVE
To determine in-line pressures generated in small-bore central venous catheters during power injection of computed tomographic (CT) contrast media.


METHODS
Five 3.0-7.0-F central venous catheters for pediatric patients were tested at full and half lengths in vitro. In-line pressures were measured during power injection of three contrast media. Rates of injection were increased in steps from 0.1 to 5.0 mL/sec or until a peak pressure of 100 psi (700 kPa) was achieved. The maximum tolerated flow rate was determined with reference to the manufacturer's suggested operating pressure limit for each catheter.


RESULTS
At full length, the maximum tolerated flow rates were as follows: 2-3 mL/sec for the large lumen and 1-1.4 mL/sec for the small lumen of the 7.0-F double-lumen catheter; 0.2-0.4 and 0.8-1.2 mL/sec for the 3.0- and 4.0-F peripherally inserted central catheters, respectively; 0.7-1.2 mL/sec for the 6.6-F catheter; and only 0.2 mL/sec for the 4.2-F catheter, which ruptured during testing at higher flow rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Flow rates were documented at which certain small-bore central venous catheters should tolerate power injection of CT contrast media with peak pressures remaining below the manufacturer's recommended operating pressure limits. These data may serve as a guide for clinical use.
Ruess
L
L
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Bulas
D I
DI
Rivera
O
O
Markle
B M
BM
D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007472:Iohexol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007482:Iothalamate Meglumine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011312:Pressure; D012212:Rheology; D012828:Silicones / Q000737:chemistry; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014783:Viscosity
D003287:Contrast Media; D012828:Silicones; D007472:Iohexol; D007482:Iothalamate Meglumine