Angioplasty with Stenting in Acute Coronary Syndromes with Very Low Contrast Volume Using 6F Diagnostic Catheters and Bench Testing of Catheters

AIM: To safely perform angioplasties in acute coronary syndromes with low contrast volume using Cordis 6F diagnostic catheters and to perform mechanical bench tests on the diagnostic and guide catheters in a radial path model. METHODS: In 191 patients (242 lesions/268 stents) with acute coronary syndromes angioplasty were performed with cordis 6F diagnostic catheters. RESULTS: The lesions were present at left anterior descending (121), Left main (5), left circumflex (51), ramus (5) and right coronary artery (60). In 72% of cases, Iodixanol was used. All contrast injections were given by hand. Regular follow-up of the patients was performed at 30 days. The procedures were performed in the femoral route only. Pre-dilatation was performed in 43 cases. Successful revascularization of the target lesion was achieved in all cases. The mean contrast volume used per patient was 28 ml (± 8 ml). Mild reversible contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) was observed in two patients. Cardiogenic shock was seen in 7 cases, and one death was observed. Pushability and trackability tests showed good force transmission and hysteresis in diagnostic catheters compared to guide catheters. CONCLUSIONS: Angioplasty with stenting could be performed safely in patients using cordis 6F diagnostic catheters using a low volume of contrast in acute coronary syndromes. Low contrast volume usage would result in a lower incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy and cardiac failures.