Catheter tensile test: An in vitro evaluation for transradial access

PurposeTransradial access (TRA) has been established for neurointervention; however, complications can occur at the radial access site. Radial artery spasm (RAS) is the most common complication of TRA. Under severe RAS conditions, pulling a catheter may occasionally result in radial artery injury and emergency surgery may be required. There have been no reports on the behavior of entrapped catheters/sheaths when pulled under severe RAS conditions. We conducted tensile tests on guide sheaths and balloon guide catheters to observe their damage in vitro and evaluate their potential to cause vascular injury.MethodsSix types of guide sheaths and balloon guide catheters were used in the test. The catheters were fixed to the testing machine and pulled. We observed how the catheter stretched and fractured. Additionally, a stress-strain curve was obtained from each examination to compare the characteristics of the catheters.ResultsCatheters were damaged in various ways. Some catheters were simply lengthened, whereas others were partially or completely torn. In the evaluation of the stress-strain curves, the slopes of the curves were almost equal among the catheters at the beginning of the test; that is, the hardness was almost the same for each catheter. As the strain increased, each exhibited different behavior.ConclusionCatheters can be damaged in various ways by stretching, which can cause vascular injuries. Neurointerventionists should be aware of possible catheter damage and vascular injury when catheters are entrapped.