Reuse of disposable catheters and guide wires.

Recent government directives and manufacturers' warnings have strongly cautioned against reuse of angiographic catheters and guide wires following cleaning and sterilization. Though it is theoretically possible that complications might result from reuse, actual documentation is lacking. Complete sterility can be achieved by standard procedures even when the devices are intentionally infected. Survey data indicate no increased incidence of mechanical malfunction when these devices are reused.