Hemodialysis catheter integrity during mechanical power injection of iodinated contrast medium for computed tomography angiography

Purpose CT angiography (CTA) requires vascular access with flow rates of 5–7 mL/s. Hemodialysis (HD) is performed at 6–10 mL/s. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the structural integrity of HD catheters in the administration of contrast media via a mechanical power injector under varying conditions. Methods Four HD catheters were evaluated in an in vitro study. Tested were contrast media type (iopamidol 300 and 370 mgI/mL), temperature (25 and 37 °C), catheter diameter (14 Fr to 16 Fr all with double-lumen capacity), catheter length (19–32 cm), and simultaneous double-lumen or single-lumen injection within each of the catheters. Peak plateau pressures (psi) were recorded with flow rates from 5 to 20 mL/s in 5 mL/s increments. In total, 864 unique injections were performed. Results No catheter failure (bulging/rupture) was observed in 864 injections. Maximum pressure for single-lumen injection was 51.7 psi (double-lumen: 26.3 psi). Peak pressures were significantly lower in simultaneous double-lumen vs. single-lumen injections ( p