In vitro comparison of the leakage of carbon dioxide and iodine contrast media in a bleeding model

Abstract

Abstract Background We aimed to compare the hydrodynamic values of carbon dioxide (CO2) and iodine contrast media for bleeding detection using an in vitro model. Materials and methods We created a bleeding model with large and small wounds in simulated blood vessels. We connected a syringe to the bleeding model and the blood pressure transducer, filling the circuit with CO2 and iodine contrast media. The syringe’s piston was pressed, and the flow rate and intravascular pressure of the CO2 and iodine contrast media leaking from the bleeding model were measured. We compared each leaked contrast medium’s volume, sphere-equivalent diameter, and sphere-equivalent area. These values were analyzed to compare the visibility of the leakage objectively. Results At a constant flow rate, the intravascular pressure required for the model to leak was lower for the CO2 than that for the iodine contrast medium. The CO2 contrast medium leakage volume, equivalent circle diameter, and equivalent circle area were greater than those of the iodine one. These values indicate higher CO2 visibility during fluoroscopy. Conclusions In the bleeding model, a CO2 contrast medium may be more prone to leakage than the iodine one in large and small wounds. Regarding visibility, a CO2 contrast medium may be more likely to detect leakage than an iodine one.