ANGIOPTIC™ 3Fr Flush Catheters

SUBJECT: USE OF 3F ANGIOPTIC™ ANGIOGRAPHIC CATHETERS

BY: Sheila Collins, RN, RT
The following data was provided by Dr. James Caridi, University of Florida, Shands Teaching Hospital.

CLINICAL ADVANTAGES:

Experience has shown that the 3F ANGIOPTIC™ catheter provides very good torque and “pushability.” The ANGIOPTIC™ catheter, being totally radiopaque, provides excellent visibility under fluoroscopy for ease of catheter placement. This smaller diameter catheter reduces the risks of hematoma and the time needed to achieve hemostatsis of the accessed vessel. The 3F ANGIOPTIC™ catheter is preferred for patients who require angiography but are on heparin or with a low platelet count. The maneuverability and visibility of the 3F ANGIOPTIC™ catheter provides a significant advantage for pediatric studies.

PATIENT ADVANTAGES:

The use of the 3F ANGIOPTIC™ catheters results in a shorter recovery time for the patient. Most patients can ambulate after only two hours. The total time for hospital stay is reduced resulting in lower cost to the patient and the hospital. The 3F catheters also offer advantages for a brachial approach.

ACCESS TECHNIQUE:

Use the standard Seldinger technique. Use the following needle and wire sizing chart as a guide.

NEEDLE SIZE	NEEDLE O/D DIAMETER	3F OUTER	GUIDEWIRE COMPATIBLE	COMMENTS
21 g	.032 In.	.040 In.	.018 In.	21 gauge performs well for standard entry procedures
20 g	.035 In.	.040 In.	.018 In.	20 gauge needle may be needed where more support is necessary such as in scarred vessels.
19 g	.042 In.	.040 In.	.025 In.	19 gauge needles may be needed where the additional support of an .025 In. wire is necessary. Note: In these patients leakage may occur around the catheter.

NOTE:

Dr. Caridi uses a 21 gauge needle and an .018 In. nitinol guidewire, but states that any .018 guidewire may be used to reduce the cost of the procedure. Due to the small outer diameter (0.040 In.) of the 3F ANGIOPTIC™ catheter, vessel entry is an easy, smooth access. Use a dilator in scarred grafts if necessary. Because of decreased friction associated with smaller size catheters, it appears that the 3F catheter yields an easier access for those patients with
very diseased vessels as opposed to the larger catheter sizes.

TECHNICAL PARAMETERS FOR USING 3F ANGIOPTIC™ CATHETERS:

• Using Visapaque 320 for a routine aortogram, 7cc/sec., Total Volume=21cc
• Using CO2 for a routine aortogram, 50-75cc/sec., Total Volume = 40cc-60cc

SUMMARY:

The 3F ANGIOPTIC™ catheter promotes easy use with excellent visibility providing decreased potential complications and cost to the patient.

ANGIOPTIC™ 3F Promotional Literature (196 KB)