Evaluation of antithrombogenic thermodilution catheter.

In order to prevent the complications accompanied with pulmonary-artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization, we have developed an antithrombogenic coating, tradenamed Anthron. Anthron-coated thermodilution catheters show excellent antithrombogenicity due to continuous release of heparin from its surface to the blood stream in animal experiments. As controls, a poly (vinyl chloride) thermodilution catheter was evaluated in the similar manner. All of Anthron-coated thermodilution catheters were completely free from thrombus formation and kept excellent sensing functions for more than 3 days, while in control catheters severe thrombus formations were found both on the surfaces of the catheters and blood vessels. The sensing functions of the control catheters deteriorated with passage of time because of the deposition of the blood constituents on the thermistor.