Factors Influencing Permanent Catheter Performance

Abstract

Blood viscosity, patients' mean arterial pressure and venous catheter line pressure did not differ between the two groups. Pre-pump pressure, at the start and at the end of treatment, was higher in group I. ACT, AAT and previous infectious episodes could not explain the low-performance. Blood flows of catheters localized in RA, SVC, and in IVC were respectively 287+/-20, 268+/-39, 244+/-27 ml/min. In the first case the Qb was significantly higher than IVC (p = 0.03) and SVC (p = 0.04). In conclusion, the most important factor influencing blood flow rates seems to be the position of the catheter tip in the venous system. The best blood flows were found in catheters with the tip localized in the right cardiac cavities, while PLDC placed in inferior vena cava showed lower blood flow.