How To Exchange A Thrombus Occluded Arterial Catheter During Cardiac Catheterization And Angiography* Experience With Modified Guide Wire Method

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Occlusion of an arterial catheter is rare but well- known complication during Cardiac Catheterization. This condition is easily recognized by inability to aspirate blood from the catheter. When this occurs, do not attempt to clear the occluded catheter by forcing flushing solution or contrast medium through it, but instead try to figure out why the catheter has become occluded. This could be simply due to selective wedging of the catheter tip in a small vessel: just withdraw the catheter and try to aspirate blood, most of the time this can be readily aspirated. If blood does not come out by aspirating, you must think of a thrombus occlusion.