• Kenneth J Kolbeck, S William Stavropoulos, and Scott O Trerotola.
• Dotter Interventional Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, L605, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA. kolbeckk@ohsu.edu
• J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2008 Aug 1; 19 (8): 1222-6.

PurposeThis study evaluated the aerostatic properties of the catheter clamp during over-the-wire catheter exchanges and determined if protective devices reduce volumes of air emboli (AE).Materials And MethodsA cuffed catheter was placed in an AE model in physiologic conditions and the volume of AE was recorded during 60 seconds (n = 10). Similarly, the volume of AE entering the model during 30 seconds was recorded with the catheter clamp open (n = 10) or closed over the wire (n = 10), and with the sliding clamp in the open position (n = 10). The volume of AE during 60 seconds was recorded with the sliding clamp closed over the wire (n = 10) and with the aerostatic valve with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) a wire in place.ResultsWithout a wire, no AE occurred with the catheter clamp closed (60 seconds, n = 10). There was no statistically significant difference between the volumes of AE with the catheter clamp open or closed over the wire during 30 seconds (43 mL +/- 4 and 32 mL +/- 11, respectively). With the protective devices in place and the wire unchanged in position, no AE occurred during 60 seconds. A positive control (sliding clamp and catheter clamp open, n = 10) yielded AE volumes of 44 mL +/- 5 in 30 seconds.ConclusionsAE can occur with the catheter clamp closed over a wire. Protective devices reduce the volume of AE under simulated physiologic conditions and are recommended with over-the-wire catheter exchanges.

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