Assessing Opacification and Flow Rates of Contrast Media in Neonate and Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization

Abstract

The accuracy and advantages of determining the flow rates of opaque media in catheters used in the infant and pediatric age group is essential in obtaining proper opacification with minimum toxicity to the patient. Flow rates expressed as cubic centimeters per second and grams of iodine per second were determined by using representative standard pediatric catheters in various sizes and lengths. Three representative opaque medias were used to determine these findings. Although present-day injector pumps are frequently calibrated in delivery rates, they cannot be applied directly to the cardiac catheters usually used with infants and small children.