title: In vitro study assessing the technical feasibility of using 3-F inner dilators for imaging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The 3-F inner dilators from three brands of micropuncture kits with slightly different designs were studied to identify the maximal flow rate of contrast medium infusion in hopes of identifying a safe range for the delivery of contrast media.
  
  
  METHODS
  The inner dilators from three micropuncture kit manufacturers were tested. To assess maximum flow rates, each inner dilator was subjected to repeated contrast medium infusions at sequentially higher flow rates until it failed or reached maximal rate limits of the autoinjector. After a thorough inspection of each failed dilator, results for flow rates and pressures at failure were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All inner dilators were capable of achieving flow rates of at least 6 mL/sec at an average pressure of 258 psi. None of the inner dilators ruptured or resulted in a distal embolic event in our vessel model. Two dilators from the same manufacturer reached maximal rate limits of the autoinjector and did not fail.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of the inner dilators from these micropuncture kits for nonselective angiography at rates at or less than 6 mL/sec appears technically feasible. Although it appears to offer angiographers and patients a quicker and perhaps safer alternative than conventional upsizing to catheters with larger lumens, additional experimental and clinical trials are necessary to fully endorse this in clinical practice.
authors: University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. raul.palacios@us.army.mil
authors: Raul G
authors: RG
authors: Palacios
authors: Rulon L
authors: RL
authors: Hardman
authors: Jorge
authors: J
authors: Lopera
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D007269:Injections, Intra-Arterial / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008845:Microinjections / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011677:Punctures / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media