Flushing efficacy of high concentration iodinated contrast agent in power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters: Evaluating different flush volumes in vitro

Abstract

Aim:

To test the optimum flushing volume for power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters after the injection of iodinated contrast agents.

Background:

Pulsed infusion with saline solution was recommended for peripherally inserted central catheters flushing. However, evidence of flushing volume for power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters after the injection of iodinated contrast agent was lacking.

Design:

Empirical quantitative research in vitro experiment.

Methods:

Single lumen power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters were filled with an iodinated contrast agent. Sixty catheters were randomized into four groups: 10 ml flushing volume of 0.9% sodium chloride (Group A), 15 ml flushing volume of normal saline (Group B), 20 ml flushing volume of 0.9% sodium chloride (Group C), and 25 ml flushing volume of 0.9% sodium chloride (Group D). The same pulsatile flushing technique was performed for all four groups. Efficacy was measured based on the amount of iodine recovered from the lumen of the tested catheters.

Results:

The iodine average recovery proportion was 98.5% ± 2.1% in Group A, 99.3% ± 1.4% in Group B, 98.4% ± 1.8% in Group C, and 97.2% ± 3.2% in Group D. The difference in proportion of iodine recovery between the control group (Group A) and the three experimental groups (Groups B, C, and D) was not significant.

Conclusion:

We concluded that pulsed flushing with 10 ml normal saline immediately after the contrast agent injection was sufficient. Higher flushing volumes did not lead to a better flushing effect; rather, they would only bring unnecessary fluid burden and cost to patients.

Patient or public contribution:

No patient or public contribution.