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Refined characterization of the association between kidney function and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

AIMS: Chronic kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The level of kidney function at which this risk increases remains to be determined. We sought to characterize the relationship between kidney function and survival among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) undergoing cardiac catheterization using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and graded refinements in the classification of kidney function. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 8521 of 11 778 (72.3%) consecutive patients undergoing cardiac catheterization between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2001 from the Alberta Provincial Project for Outcome Assessment in Coronary Heart Disease database. eGFR as a categorical and continuous variable was used to define kidney function. The outcome was all-cause mortality. During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 2.2 (1.5-3.1) years, and after adjustment for clinical risk factors and severity of coronary disease, there was a steady incremental decrease in survival post-catheterization corresponding to a decline in eGFR categories of 10 mL/min/1.73 m(2). When eGFR was modelled as a continuous variable, there was an increased risk of death noted at an eGFR below 79 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Below an eGFR of 70 mL/min/1.73 m,(2), there was an approximate 17.2% relative increase in risk for every 10 unit decrease in eGFR (95% CI 8.4-26.6%). CONCLUSION: The risk of death post-cardiac catheterization is elevated when eGFR is < or =79 mL/min/1.73 m(2). These findings provide considerable refinement in our understanding of eGFR as a powerful prognostic marker in patients with CVD undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

The effect on pregnancy rates of tubal perfusion pressure reductions achieved by guide-wire tubal catheterization.

BACKGROUND: Selective salpingography enables us to measure the Fallopian tube perfusion pressure which, when high, can be effectively reduced with the use of transcervical guide-wire tubal catheterization. Whether fertility prognosis improves as a result is currently unknown. Our objective was to clarify the issue. METHODS: Infertile women undergoing selective salpingography were classified into poor, mediocre and good tubal perfusion pressure groups, based on the distribution of tubal perfusion pressures in an unselected infertile population. Of 325 women, 150 (46.1%) were classified in the poor group and underwent guide-wire tubal catheterization. RESULTS: Complete pregnancy and tubal perfusion pressure data were available for 104 (69.4%) subjects. Following tubal catheterization, 29 women (group A) could be classified in the good, 25 (group B) in the mediocre, while 50 women (group C) remained in the poor tubal perfusion pressure group. Survival analysis showed that the pregnancy rate in group A was significantly higher than the rates in groups B and C (P = 0.036 and 0.005 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Reductions of tubal perfusion pressures achieved with transcervical guide-wire tubal catheterization resulted in an improved fertility prognosis for women. Selective salpingography and tubal catheterization might have a wider role in the management of the infertile couple than currently believed.

Adult↗

Peripheral vascular complications from percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: a comparison with transfemoral cardiac catheterization.

The peripheral vascular complications associated with percutaneous transfemoral coronary angioplasty were compared with those that occurred during conventional transfemoral cardiac catheterization. Among 644 patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), 6 patients (0.9%) suffered peripheral vascular complications, whereas 35 of 2904 patients having cardiac catheterizations (1.2%) had a peripheral vascular complication. The types of complications associated with both procedures were similar and included groin hematomas, false aneurysms, arterial dissection, arterial perforation, and neurological deficits. The frequency of surgical repair of these complications also was similar in the two groups (50% required repair for a PTCA complication, 34% were repaired after a catheterization complication). The PTCA-associated complications included one myocardial infarction and one death, whereas neither of these occurred in association with a catheterization-induced vascular complication. The surgical management of five of the six PTCA complications was difficult, largely because of the size of the sheath-related puncture site and the presence of active bleeding from the associated systemic anticoagulation. PTCA carries the same risk of development of a peripheral vascular complication as found in transfemoral cardiac catheterization. Care must be taken to prevent sheath-related injury to the aorta-iliac-femoral system and hemorrhagic complications at the puncture site are of particular concern and require urgent surgical attention.

Aged↗

Increased norepinephrine levels during catheterization in patients with spinal cord injury.

The hypothesis for this study was that catecholamine levels increase during urinary catheterization in human patients with spinal cord injury. Catecholamine levels, blood pressure, and pulse were measured prospectively in 40 subjects at baseline and during urinary catheterization. Results showed a significant increase in norepinephrine levels from baseline 245 +/- 240 pg (standard deviation (SD)) to 314 +/- 311 pg (SD) during catheterization (P = 0.018, Wilcoxon's). Results also showed a nonsignificant increase in epinephrine levels from baseline (56 +/- 70 pg, SD) to catheterization (84 +/- 125 pg, SD; P = 0.35, Wilcoxon's). Systolic blood pressure increased from 114 to 124 mm Hg (P = 0.004, paired t test). Diastolic blood pressure increased from 75 to 78 mm Hg (P = 0.11, paired t test). There was no significant change in diastolic blood pressure or pulse (P = 0.11 and P = 0.29, respectively, paired t test). In conclusion, norepinephrine levels increased during catheterization in patients with spinal cord injury. Knowledge of catecholamine levels in this process may assist in determining both pathophysiology and potential pharmacologic treatment options in future studies.

Adult↗

Incidence of infection related to arterial catheterization in children: a prospective study.

The incidence of infection related to arterial catheterization has not been studied in critically ill children, using systematic catheter cultures. We studied prospectively 68 children in whom 70 arterial catheters were inserted. After the aseptic catheterization procedure, no component of the system was changed. The insertion site was inspected daily for signs of inflammation. Upon removal, catheters were cultured using a semiquantitative method. Blood and infusion fluid specimens were also cultured if septicemia was clinically suspected. Mean duration of catheterization was 59 +/- 6 (SE) h. In our series, all catheter and infusion fluid cultures were negative. Local inflammation was not predictive of catheter tip infection and correlated poorly with duration of catheterization (r = 0.2). In our experience, the incidence of infection related to arterial catheterization is low. Routine change of infusion fluid, tubing, dressing and insertion site as well as systematic catheter culture in the absence of fever appears unwarranted.

Adolescent↗

Femoral deep vein thrombosis associated with central venous catheterization: results from a prospective, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of central venous catheter-induced deep vein thrombosis of the femoral vein. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Forty-five patients in a medical-surgical intensive care unit who required central venous catheterization. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive central venous catheterization in either upper (subclavian or internal jugular veins) or lower (femoral vein) catheterization sites. Lower extremity duplex ultrasound examinations were performed before central venous catheter placement, after removal of the catheter, and 7 days after catheter removal. Ultrasound examinations were reported as positive, nondiagnostic, or negative for deep vein thrombosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 21 patients randomized to upper access sites, none developed positive or nondiagnostic duplex ultrasound examinations. Six (25%) of 24 patients randomized to the femoral access site developed lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (p = .02). In addition, seven (29%) patients randomized to the lower access site sustained non-diagnostic ultrasound examinations. A total of 13 (54%) of 24 patients from the lower access group developed abnormal ultrasound examinations (p < .001). Age, duration of catheterization, coagulation profile, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores were similar between the upper and lower access groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data from this study, we concluded that femoral vein catheterization is associated with a 25% frequency of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis compared with similar patients receiving subclavian or internal jugular vein catheters. The femoral vein remains an important emergency venous access route. Physicians inserting femoral vein catheters should be aware of the risk of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and should consider performing lower extremity duplex ultrasound examinations on removal of femoral vein catheters.

Catheterization, Central Venous↗

Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial in comatose or sedated patients undergoing femoral vein catheterization.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis after the use of femoral catheters in intensive care unit (ICU) comatose or sedated adults. Results were then compared with results of patients undergoing superior vena cava catheterization. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled, unblinded study. SETTING: A mixed medical/surgical ICU in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty-one comatose or sedated patients admitted to the ICU who underwent central venous catheterization. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were monitored for signs of thrombotic complications. On catheter removal, a lower-extremity bilateral phlebographic examination was performed in each patient. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After randomization, 31 patients underwent femoral vein catheterization and 30 patients underwent superior vena cava catheterization, either by axillary (21 patients) or internal jugular vein (10 patients) cannulation. Single lumen polyurethane catheters were inserted for a mean duration of 7.1 +/- 4.6 (SD) days in the femoral vein group and 9.9 +/- 5.5 days in the superior vena cava group (p = NS). No patient had clinical signs of leg venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism during the study period. In each patient, lower extremity bilateral phlebography was performed at the time of catheter removal. Leg phlebographies were normal in 18 (60%) patients in the femoral vein group and 26 (84%) patients in the superior vena cava group. Fibrin sleeves which developed around the femoral catheters were seen in seven (23.3%) patients in the femoral vein group and in no patients in the superior vena cava cannulation group. Three patients had femoral vein thrombosis, two (6.6%) patients in the femoral vein group (two nonobstructive thromboses, adherent to the common femoral vein wall) and one (3.0%) patient in the superior vena cava group (nonobstructive thrombosis which developed in the superficial femoral vein) (p = NS). Lower deep extremities thrombosis developed in five (16.7%) patients in the femoral vein group and in five (16%) patients in the superior vena cava group (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Femoral vein catheterization with a polyurethane catheter is associated with a lower rate of extremity deep vein thrombosis which is similar to the rate observed after superior vena cannulation in comatose or sedated patients. Femoral vein thrombosis was observed at a rate of 6.6% after femoral vein cannulation and a rate of 3% after superior vena cava cannulation. Given the acceptable rate of this clinically important complication, femoral vein cannulation offers an attractive alternative to insertion via the vena cava in the critically ill.

APACHE↗

Upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis after central venous catheterization via the axillary vein.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of central venous catheter-induced thrombosis of the axillary vein. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study. SETTING: Tertiary care university center. PATIENTS: Sixty patients in a medical-surgical intensive care unit who required central venous catheterization via the axillary vein. INTERVENTIONS: Single-lumen, silicone elastomer or polyurethane catheters were inserted for a mean duration of 14.7+/-7.4 days (range, 4-33 days). On catheter removal, bilateral upper-extremity phlebographic examination was performed in each patient. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis in catheterized arms was compared with that in uncatheterized arms. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 60 patients who underwent axillary vein cannulation, one patient had clinical signs of arm vein thrombosis, but no patient had clinical sign of pulmonary embolism. There were 35 patients (58.3%) who developed positive phlebographic examinations homolateral to the catheter. Fibrin sleeves that developed around the catheters were observed in 28 patients (47%). Five patients (8.3%) had phlebographic signs of partial axillary vein thrombosis: nonobstructive clots adherent to the vessel wall and/or the catheter. Two patients (3.3%) had phlebographic signs of complete axillary vein thrombosis. No thrombosis was observed in patients with catheterizations lasting < or =6 days, two cases were observed for duration of 7-14 days, and five cases were observed for duration of > or =15 days (p < .01). In the seven patients with axillary vein thrombosis, the vessel was cannulated with fewer than three puncture attempts, and the mean duration for catheter insertion (10+/-2.5 min) was not different from that of patients with no axillary vein thrombosis (14+/-9 min). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data from the present study, we conclude that axillary vein catheterization is associated with a 11.6% frequency of upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis. This rate of vein thrombosis is similar to that observed after internal jugular or subclavian vein cannulation. Given the acceptable rate of this clinically important complication, axillary vein cannulation offers an attractive alternative site for catheter insertion to the internal jugular or subclavian vein in the critically ill. Because thrombosis is rare or absent in catheterizations lasting <15 days, it seems wise to withdraw axillary catheters after a maximum of 2 wks.

Arm↗

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens with compartment syndrome: a complication of femoral vein catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: Central venous catheterization is commonly performed in the critically ill. The femoral vein is widely accepted as an insertion site with complications thought to be comparable to other central access sites. We used serial ultrasound examinations with Doppler to examine the evolution of a heretofore undescribed complication of femoral vein catheterization, phlegmasia cerulea dolens with compartment syndrome. DESIGN: Serial ultrasounds were performed in patients before the insertion of femoral venous catheters and sequentially every 48 hrs while the catheters were in place. The noncatheterized leg served as a control. SETTING: A trauma and life support center of a tertiary multidisciplinary critical care unit. PATIENT: A 32-yr-old man with respiratory failure as a consequence of a severe community-acquired pneumonia that required central venous access for antibiotics because no peripheral sites could be obtained. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The initial ultrasound examination of both legs before femoral catheter insertion revealed no sign of venous thrombosis. Ultrasound of the catheterized leg at 48 hrs revealed a small nonocclusive thrombosis, whereas the opposite leg remained normal. At 72 hrs, the catheterized leg had clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of a massive thrombosis. A compartment syndrome defined by pressure measurements soon ensued and required emergent surgical release. CONCLUSIONS: This case report and a review of the available literature suggest that thrombosis associated with femoral vein catheterization should be considered when clinicians decide where to obtain central venous access when multiple sites are available. This report also suggests the utility of serial ultrasound examinations to define clinically nonapparent thrombosis as an early indicator of a potentially catastrophic complication.

Adult↗

Use of a nonmetallic guide wire for magnetic resonance-guided coronary artery catheterization.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Metallic guide wires can be subject to substantial heating when used in the magnetic resonance (MR) environment. Therefore, animal experiments were performed to test the feasibility of a non-metallic and MR-safe guide wire with passive markers for catheterization of coronary arteries under MR guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-made guide wires consisting of a resin-microparticle compound covered by polytetrafluoroethylene were used to catheterize both coronary arteries of swine together with a non-braided catheter. Time needed for catheterization was recorded. RESULTS: MR-guided coronary artery catheterization with passive visualization of a self-made non-metallic guide wire is possible. In average 141 seconds (SD 68) were needed to manipulate the guide wire together with a catheter from the carotid artery into the left or right coronary artery ostium. CONCLUSION: Standard nitinol guide wires have to be considered unsafe for MR-guided interventions due to possible heating of electrical conducting structures in the MR environment. Passive visualization techniques allow MR-guided catheterization of small arteries like coronaries. However, there is the substantial disadvantage of obscuring the underlying anatomy of small vessels by the passive markers needed for real-time MR guidance.

Animals↗

Quantification of functional mitral valve regurgitation in patients with congestive heart failure: comparison of electron-beam computed tomography with cardiac catheterization.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the agreement between electron-beam computed tomography (CT) and cardiac catheterization for the quantification of mitral regurgitation and to evaluate their association with echocardiographic assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients with congestive heart failure were examined both by electron-beam CT and catheterization to calculate mitral regurgitation volume and fraction based on the difference between the left ventricular stroke and aortic flow volume. The severity of regurgitation was also compared with visual assessment by echocardiography (grade, 0-4+). RESULTS: The mean values for the mitral regurgitation volume and fraction did not differ significantly between electron-beam CT and catheterization (mean differences: 0.2 mL/m2 and -0.9%, P > 0.05 each, limits of agreement: -14.0 to 14.4 mL/m2 and -26.3 to 24.5%, respectively) and showed a good correlation (r = 0.79 and r = 0.76, respectively; P < 0.05 each). Good levels of correlation were observed between echocardiographic severity grading and quantitative measurements of regurgitation volume and fraction, which were somewhat better between echocardiography and electron-beam CT (rS = 0.78 and rS = 0.84, respectively; P < 0.05 each) than between echocardiography and catheterization (rS = 0.72 and rS = 0.81, respectively; P < 0.05 each). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that electron-beam CT allows for quantification of mitral valve regurgitation with similar accuracy as cardiac catheterization. Measurements with both modalities correlated well with the results of echocardiographic assessment.

Adult↗

Abnormal vascular tone in infants and children with lung hypoplasia: Findings from cardiac catheterization and the response to chronic therapy.

OBJECTIVE: We describe four cases of chronic pulmonary hypertension in infants and children with chronic lung disease and pulmonary hypoplasia due to severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) or congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM). We report data from cardiac catheterization under various conditions: baseline respiratory support and room air, hyperoxic and inhaled nitric oxide challenge. We further report cardiac catheterization measures after chronic pulmonary vasodilator therapy with sildenafil alone or a combination of sildenafil and inhaled nitric oxide (three patients). DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary academic center. PATIENTS: Infants and children ages 0-11 yrs with CDH (n = 3) or CCAM (n = 1) with evidence of chronic pulmonary hypertension by echocardiogram and cor pulmonale (n = 3). INTERVENTIONS: Catheterization and pulmonary vasodilator therapy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary arterial pressure, and changes in these measures were assessed. A 20% change in pulmonary vascular resistance was considered a clinically significant response. Ten catheterizations were performed in four patients. All patients had elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressures at initial catheterizations and significant vasodilation during inhaled nitric oxide. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic lung disease following pulmonary hypoplasia from CDH and CCAM is associated with abnormal pulmonary vascular tone in infants and children with evidence of chronic pulmonary hypertension. Chronic pulmonary vasodilator therapy may improve pulmonary vascular function and enhance lung growth in infants and children who are treated during their period of potential for rapid lung growth.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

Turn-back technique with use of a shaped microcatheter for superselective catheterization of arteries originating at acute angles.

The authors have developed a novel "turn-back" technique with use of a shaped microcatheter for superselective catheterization of arteries originating at acute angles. Herein this technique is described in clinical use for superselective catheterization of several arteries including the middle hepatic artery, right gastric artery, right inferior phrenic artery, and tracheal artery in six patients after failed catheterization by conventional techniques as a result of difficult geometry of the arteries. Superselective catheterization and intervention were successfully performed without complication in all cases. This turn-back technique is useful for superselective catheterization of arteries originating at acute angles.

Aged↗

Analysis of 13 800 subclavian vein catheterizations.

During the period 1974-1983, 13 857 subclavian or internal jugular vein catheterizations were analysed in the same hospital. The data on the catheterizations have been collected prospectively in the hospital computer. In 93% of the cases, catheterization was subclavian vein cannulation performed through the infraclavicular route. In 15% of the cases the catheter position was not ideal, verified with x-ray; e.g. the catheter tip was turned into the internal jugular vein. Of the catheters 70% were kept in place for less than 7 days, and only 6% for over 2 weeks. More than one catheterization was required in 26% of the cases during the same hospitalization. Recatheterization is an important prophylactic measure for preventing septic complications, if suspicion of infection arises. In 5% of the cases, some complications occurred, but they were mostly minor, such as haematoma at the puncture site. More serious complications were 19 pneumothoraces (0.1%). The results suggest that subclavian vein catheterization is a fairly safe method for large-scale use in a hospital, if only a limited group of physicians perform it. Certain precautions should, however, be taken.

Adolescent↗

Vaginal and cervical anatomic modifications during the oestrus cycle in relation to transcervical catheterization in the domestic cat.

In a previous study we observed that it is possible to reach the cervix in all queens with a 1 mm diameter probe only. So, we developed both a new technique and a catheter (1 mm diameter) to allow transcervical insemination [Zambelli and Castagnetti 2001]. The aims of this study were to investigate vaginal and cervical anatomic modifications during the various stages of the oestrus cycle and to test the previously described technique of transcervical catheterization during the various stages of the oestrus cycle. In experiment 1, silicon impression moulds were obtained from the reproductive tracts of 21 queens' cadavers and vaginal and cervical measures were taken. The results showed that there are some significant anatomic modifications during the various stages of the oestrus cycle in vaginal and cervical anatomy, principally related to the dorsal medial fold increase induced by the follicular phase. In experiment 2, transcervical catheterization was attempted in 95 queens at various stages of oestrus cycle both during reproductive and non-reproductive season. After catheterization, methylene blue solution was injected through the cervical catheter. Successful catheterization was assessed during surgery, when colour was observed in the uterine horns. It was possible to perform transcervical catheterization during non-reproductive season in 16 of 20 anoestrus queens and in 12 of 15 induced oestrus queens; during reproductive season in nine of 21 interoestrus queens, in eight of 13 dioestrus/pregnancy queens, in four of 18 oestrus queens and in seven of eight queens in first oestrus during lactation.

Animals↗

Long-term results of intermittent low-friction self-catheterization in patients with recurrent urethral strictures.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the duration of intermittent low-friction self-catheterization (ILSC) required to cause stricture stabilization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 4 year period, 101 patients with a median age of 62 years (range 16-85) with recurrent urethral strictures were recruited to the trial. All the strictures were treated by internal urethrotomy and the patients were then randomized to perform ILSC twice weekly for either 6 months (group 1) or 36 months (group 2). Out-patient follow-up with urinary flow rate was initially at 1 month and then at 3 monthly intervals. Stricture recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Of 101 patients, seven failed to attend after the first out-patient appointment. A further 21 died of unrelated disease whilst on ILSC (although 13 had been followed up for at least 24 months and so were included in the analysis). The median follow-up was 67 months (range 24-78). Ten patients in group 2, who had suffered from recurrent strictures, refused to stop catheterizing at the appointed time and all remain stricture-free on permanent ILSC. Of the remaining 76 patients, 48 catheterized for 6 months and 28 patients performed ILSC for 12 to 36 months (nine stopped earlier than intended). Forty per cent of patients who stopped at 6 months developed a recurrence compared with 14% who catheterized for more than 12 months (P < 0.05) (chi-square test with Yates' correction). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ILSC is safe and effective in preventing stricture recurrence in the long term. The recurrence rate of urethral strictures was significantly lower when ILSC was continued for more than 12 months compared with ILSC that was stopped at 6 months. We conclude that catheterization for at least 1 year is required to achieve adequate urethral stabilization.

Adolescent↗

Female urethral strictures: successful management with long-term clean intermittent catheterization after urethral dilatation.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of urethral stricture in women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of records and video-urodynamics identified women treated for urethral stricture between 1999 and 2004 at one institution by one surgeon. Urethral stricture was defined as a fixed anatomical narrowing between the bladder neck and distal urethra of <14 F preventing catheterization, and the diagnosis was confirmed by cysto-urethroscopy, and/or video-urodynamics. Women with a history of external beam radiotherapy to the pelvis, or of gynaecological, urethral or bladder malignancy, were excluded, and the women had a urethral biopsy to exclude a malignant cause of the stricture. Initial treatment consisted of urethral dilatation to > or = 30 F. After a period of indwelling catheterization, the women were placed on clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) at least once daily, and monitored every 3-6 months. At each follow-up, the urethra was catheterized to exclude recurrence. American Urological Association (AUA) symptom scores were obtained at presentation and at the initial 3 month follow-up. RESULTS: Seven women met the criteria for urethral stricture, and were followed for a mean (range) of 21 (6-34) months. All were initially maintained on daily CISC, and some were gradually reduced to weekly CISC for the duration of follow-up. No patient had a recurrent stricture while on CISC, and none has had a urethral reconstruction to manage their condition. AUA symptom scores improved in all of the women by a mean of 10.7 points. No complications related to catheterization were noted. CONCLUSION: Urethral stricture is rare in women. Long-term CISC in these women is safe and effective, and can avoid the need for major reconstructive surgery.

Adult↗

A synthetic fraction of feline facial pheromones calms but does not reduce struggling in cats before venous catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a synthetic analogue of feline facial pheromone (FFP) calms cats before, and reduces struggling during intravenous catheterization. DESIGN: Block-randomized, 'blinded' clinical trial. ANIMALS: Seventy-seven healthy cats presented for elective surgery. PROCEDURE: Cats given glycopyrrolate and oxymorphone were assigned to one of four treatments: acepromazine and exposure to FFP (aceFFP); acepromazine and exposure to a placebo (acePlac); exposure to FFP only (FFP) and exposure to placebo only (Plac). The behaviour of cats was recorded on videotape for evaluation by assessors unaware of treatment group. Cats' veins were then catheterized by veterinary students unaware of the study protocol. Based on each cat's response to catheterization, the student independently decided whether intramuscular ketamine was required. RESULTS: Cats in the aceFFP group appeared to be calmer than acePlac cats on the basis of head position and their location in the cage (suggesting benefit from FFP among cats receiving acepromazine) but appeared to be less sedated. Cats in the aceFFP group also appeared to be calmer than FFP cats on the basis of head position and location in the cage. Feline facial pheromone cats were also calmer than Plac cats when compared using body and leg position. Exposure to FFP did not significantly reduce struggling at catheterization, nevertheless, the students were able to catheterize the veins in all cats. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There were no detrimental behavioural effects associated with either FFP or acepromazine. The FFP had additional calming effects in cats given acepromazine and, to a lesser degree, helped to calm cats that were not given acepromazine. Feline facial pheromone helps to calm cats in unfamiliar surroundings.

Acepromazine↗